To sign a check over to someone else (also called endorsing a check to a third party), follow these steps:
- Confirm the recipient and their bank will accept the check
Before endorsing the check, make sure the person or entity you want to sign it over to agrees to accept it and that their bank allows third-party checks. Not all banks accept checks signed over to someone else, so this is important to avoid issues when depositing or cashing the check
- Sign the back of the check
On the back of the check, there is an endorsement area usually marked "Endorse Here." Sign your name exactly as it appears on the front of the check in this area
- Write “Pay to the order of” and the new recipient’s name
Directly below your signature, write “Pay to the order of” followed by the full name of the person or entity you are signing the check over to. This indicates you are transferring ownership of the check to them
- Give the check to the third party
Once endorsed, hand the check to the new recipient. It may help to accompany them to the bank to provide identification or assist with any questions, as some banks require both parties to be present
Additional tips:
- Make sure the check is still valid (usually less than six months old) before signing it over
- Use blue or black ink for signing and writing on the check
- If the recipient’s bank does not accept third-party checks, consider depositing the check into your own account and then transferring the funds to the other person by other means
This process legally transfers the right to cash or deposit the check from you to the new recipient. However, because banks have different policies, confirming acceptance beforehand is crucial to avoid delays or rejection.
