How to Sign Over a Bank Check

Bank checks may need to change from one person's hands to another person's, before they actual reach the bank. This may occur if you need to cash a check for someone who does not have a bank account or possibly as a means for paying for an item without having to wait for a check to clear. Whatever the case may be, signing over a check to another party can be done.

Instructions

1. Turn the check over to the backside where the "Endorse Here" or other endorsement notice is shown. Usually you will see a specific box or a request to sign below a certain line, make sure to follow the directions on the individual check in terms of where to sign.

2. The first person to sign the check should be the current "owner" of the check, that is the person the check was originally written out to. Write the following message in the endorsement field "Pay To The Order Of" followed by the persons name you are signing the check over to. For instance "Pay To The Order Of John Smith." Write in small letters as you will need more room after this statement is written.

3. Below the "pay to the order" field sign your name to endorse the check as an official change of endorsement.

4. The person who the check is now written over to will sign their name directly below your signature, just as they would with any check that is originally written to their name or business.

5. Take the check to the new persons bank and cash it just as you would any other check written out to a person or business.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you write small enough to fit the new endorsement, your signature and the new check owners signature all in the endorsement field. In some cases no box is provided and you can sign on a larger portion of the check, this larger portion varies on a check by check basis.