Does a promissory note need to be signed by lender?

Asked by: Pete Barton IV  |  Last update: September 29, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (46 votes)

I REPEAT: Both parties must sign the promissory note! This means both the lender and borrower must sign the original document (plus any amended versions). Without the signatures, the promissory note has no legal leg to stand on.

What makes a promissory note invalid?

A promissory note could become invalid if: It isn't signed by both parties. The note violates laws. One party tries to change the terms of the agreement without notifying the other party.

What are the requirements for a promissory note to be valid?

A promissory note must include:
  • Parties Involved: Lists the lender and borrower.
  • Principal Amount: States the exact amount of money borrowed.
  • Interest Rate: Specifies the interest rate, if applicable.
  • Repayment Terms: Details the repayment schedule and dates.
  • Signatures: Both parties must sign to validate the agreement.

What makes a promissory note legally binding?

Yes, a properly executed promissory note is legally binding. As long as the note contains all necessary elements, is signed by the involved parties, and complies with applicable laws, it's enforceable in court if the borrower defaults or fails to meet their obligations.

What signatures are needed on a promissory note?

Date and Signatures

The promissory note must be dated and signed by both the borrower and the lender.

Business Law Breakdown: Enforcing Promissory Notes and Mortgages After Limitations Expire

38 related questions found

Who signs a promissory note?

This note is signed by the borrower when taking out a loan. By signing the promissory note, the borrower promises to repay the loan. The promissory note also includes important language about your rights and responsibilities as a borrower.

What if a promissory note is not signed?

If a promissory note is not signed, it will be up to the court to determine the contract's enforceability based on all the facts and documents involved. A contract requires accepting the terms of the agreement. Acceptance is typically made by the parties signing the contract.

Is an unsigned loan agreement valid?

The ultimate legal test is whether, based on an objective assessment, the parties should be considered to have reached an agreement. If so, then the lack of a signature in order to communicate acceptance of an offer will not of itself be a barrier to a legally binding contract coming into effect.

What makes a promissory note void?

Changes Made without a New Agreement

Modifying a promissory note without all parties' consent can void the note. Proper documentation and agreement through a new contract or amendment are necessary to maintain the note's validity.

What are the rules for promissory note?

The note must clearly mention only the promise of making the repayment and no other conditions. After issuance, a Promissory Note must be stamped according to the regulations of the Indian Stamp Act.

Is a promissory note valid if it is not notarized?

A promissory note isn't required to be notarized in many US states. However, you may choose to have the document notarized by a notary public. This is because notarization can offer protection in the event of a lawsuit.

Does a promissory note hold up in a court of law?

Promissory notes are legally binding whether the note is secured by collateral or based only on the promise of repayment. If you lend money to someone who defaults on a promissory note and does not repay, you can legally possess any property that individual promised as collateral.

Does a promissory note need to be signed by both parties?

Depending on the state, there may be a statute requiring certain types of negotiable instruments, including promissory notes, to be notarized. You would need to speak with a local attorney to know for sure, but both parties to a promissory note need to sign it in order for the other party to enforce it against them.

Does a promissory note need to be witnessed?

These two Witnesses can be the same for each person signing the Note; there is no need to have four different persons (two for each signator) sign as witnesses to a Promissory Note. If the Note is not witnessed when it is signed, the Note is still a contract that is 100% enforceable in a court of law.

Which is false regarding a promissory note?

Answer and Explanation: The correct option is c: The incorrect statement is a promissory note is not a negotiable instrument. A promissory note is a promise made by the maker of the note to pay to the payee on a specific date or when demanded by the payee. These instruments are transferred and used as cash.

What are the limitations of promissory note?

The time period for filing a suit for money recovery is 3 years from the date promissory note as per Art 35 of Limitation Act 1963 and as per sec 19 of Limitation Act, the fresh period of limitation must be computed in case of any payment was made or otherwise acknoledged the debt.

How enforceable is a promissory note?

Promissory notes are a valuable legal tool that any individual can use to legally bind another individual to an agreement for purchasing goods or borrowing money. A well-executed promissory note has the full effect of law behind it and is legally binding on both parties.

What makes a note invalid?

Essential Elements: A valid promissory note must include a signature, date, sum, payer, and payee. Clear Payment Terms: Absence of clear payment terms can lead to the invalidity of a promissory note. Due Payment Date: Omission of a due payment date can render a promissory note invalid.

Who is primarily liable on a promissory note?

It is the maker who is primarily liable on a promissory note. The issuer of a note or the maker is one of the parties who, by means of a written promise, pay another party (the note's payee) a definite sum of money, either on demand or at a specified future date.

Is an agreement legal if not signed?

Summary. To summarize, a contract can be considered legally binding even if all signatures are not present, as long as the actions and intentions of the parties involved align with what was agreed upon. While verbal contracts hold legal weight, they often pose challenges in terms of providing evidence in court.

Does a loan agreement need to be signed?

Once you've drawn up the agreement, both parties should sign it in the presence of independent witnesses and each keep a copy. Now you can transfer the money to the borrower – do this in such a way that there is an indisputable record of the transfer, for example by direct bank transfer or cheque.

What makes a loan agreement void?

Lack of legal capacity

For a contract to be legally binding, the parties signing the agreement should be of legal capacity. Meaning the individual should be capable of understanding what they are agreeing to. Lack of legal capacity makes a contract null and void.

What voids a promissory note?

A promissory note is a contract, a binding agreement that someone will pay your business a sum of money. However under some circumstances – if the note has been altered, it wasn't correctly written, or if you don't have the right to claim the debt – then, the contract becomes null and void.

Is a promissory note signed at closing?

Expect to receive and/or sign many documents. These documents will include: Your Closing Disclosure. Your promissory note, which is your promise to repay the mortgage loan to your lender.

What happens if lender loses promissory note?

The lender has a right to “re-establish” the note legally as long as it has not sold or transferred the note to another party. States have different requirements for what is necessary to enforce payment under a note that has been lost, depending on whether the state has adopted the 2002 amendment to U.C.C.