Who issues a promissory note?

Asked by: Demario Haag  |  Last update: February 17, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (22 votes)

A promissory note is a written agreement between a borrower and a lender saying that the borrower will pay back the amount borrowed plus interest. The promissory note is issued by the lender and is signed by the borrower (but not the lender).

Who is the issuer of a promissory note?

The promissory note is issued by the lender, signed by the borrower, and then witnessed and initialized by the lender. Once signed, it becomes a legally enforceable document. The payment terms can be whatever the borrower and lender agree to.

Who can write a promissory note?

If you need to create a promissory note because you're considering lending money to someone, a lawyer can draw up a promissory note to create a legally valid document.

Who is primarily responsible for promissory notes?

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.

Who drafts a promissory note?

The right promissory note lawyer may be able to help you create a document that meets the needs of your transaction. Furthermore, he can provide advisement as to whether a secured or unsecured note is most appropriate.

Be careful with Promissory Notes

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Who draws a promissory note?

Maker or Drawer is the person who makes or draws the promissory note to pay a certain amount as specified in the promissory note. He is also called the promisor.

Will a promissory note hold up in court?

Promissory notes are legally binding contracts that can hold up in court if the terms of borrowing and repayment are signed and follow applicable laws.

Who creates and signs a promissory note?

Typically, there are two parties to a promissory note: The promisor, also called the note's maker or issuer, promises to repay the amount borrowed. The promisee or payee is the person who gave the loan.

How do I write a simple promissory note?

But what exactly do you need to write a promissory note? Include their full legal names, addresses, and contact numbers—include any co-signers if applicable. The terms of this note should specify the amount borrowed, repayment terms (including interest rate, if applicable), and the due date or schedule of payments.

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.

Do you need a notary for a promissory note?

Different states have unique laws on whether a promissory note must be notarized. In New York, notarization isn't mandated for promissory notes to be enforceable. However, in California, while not explicitly required by law, notarization adds an extra layer of protection and legitimacy.

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.

Can you sue someone for promissory note?

An unsecured promissory note does not use collateral. If the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender's only means of enforcement is by filing a lawsuit against the borrower.

Is a promissory note a legal document?

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.

How much interest can I charge on a promissory note?

A lender may charge an interest rate of up to 10% per annum if the rate is specified in the Promissory Note. And in certain instances, the applicable rate can be as high as 18% per annum. Certain creditors are completely prohibited from charging a rate higher than 10%.

Who fills out the master promissory note?

All borrowers need to complete an MPN before they can receive a federal student loan. Some circumstances may require you to sign an MPN more than once: If you're receiving a type of loan for which you haven't signed an MPN previously.

Can a promissory note be handwritten?

Promissory notes are quite simple and can be prepared by anyone. They do not need to be prepared by a lawyer or be notarized. It isn't even particularly significant whether a promissory note is handwritten or typed and printed.

Where do I get a promissory note?

Your lender will typically provide you with a copy of the promissory note, along with several other documents, when you close on your home purchase. The lender will keep the original promissory note until the loan is paid off.

What is the most common example of a promissory note?

Promissory Note Examples
  • The loan amount is $1,000,000.
  • The interest rate is 5% per year.
  • The loan will be repaid in full on December 31st of this year.
  • If Company A fails to make a payment when due, then Company B can take Company A to court to enforce the terms of the promissory note.

Who is the maker of a promissory note?

In the context of a check or promissory note , a “maker” is the person who signs a check or promissory note, which makes that person responsible for payment.

Who keeps the original promissory note?

The lender keeps the original promissory note until you have fulfilled all obligations, i.e., paid off, your mortgage. A promissory note will generally contain the following information: The total amount of money borrowed; Your interest rate (either fixed or adjustable);

How to register a promissory note?

Record the Signed Documents at the County Recorder's Office

Take the original signed and notarized Deed of Trust and Promissory Note to the County Recorder's Office for the county where the property is located. In Sacramento, this is at 3636 American River Drive, Ste. 110, Sacramento CA 95864.

Does a release of promissory note need to be notarized?

Promissory notes don't have to be notarized in most cases. You can typically sign a legally binding promissory note that contains unconditional pledges to pay a certain sum of money. However, you can strengthen the legality of a valid promissory note by having it notarized.

What are the disadvantages of a promissory note?

Disadvantages include:
  • An unsecured note will typically have greater risk than many other investments.
  • If the borrower fails to pay, you will need to file a lawsuit to collect. Collecting on an unsecured promissory note is a two-step process. ...
  • Selling an unsecured promissory note is not as easy as selling a secured note.

Can you go to jail for a promissory note?

Promissory note fraud is a crime and those involved in a scam can face a lengthy prison sentence if convicted of fraud offenses.