To endorse a check, you sign the back in the designated endorsement area — typically the top 1.5 inches on the reverse side. The way you endorse a check determines who can cash or deposit it, and an incorrect endorsement can cause your bank to refuse the check or delay the funds. The Federal Reserve's check-processing rules and the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Article 3 govern how banks handle endorsed checks in the United States. This guide covers the three main endorsement types, step-by-step instructions, and common mistakes to avoid. For a focused walkthrough on signing checks to another party, see our guide on how to endorse a check to someone else.
The Three Types of Check Endorsements
There are three standard endorsement types, and each serves a different purpose. A blank endorsement — your signature only — allows anyone who holds the check to cash or deposit it, making it the most flexible but least secure option. A restrictive endorsement, such as writing "For deposit only" along with your account number above your signature, limits the check to deposit into a specific account. A special (third-party) endorsement, written as "Pay to the order of [Name]" above your signature, transfers the check to another person who can then cash or deposit it — similar to signing a check over to someone else.
Blank Endorsement
A blank endorsement requires only your signature in the endorsement area on the back of the check. It is the simplest form but carries the most risk — if the check is lost or stolen after you sign it, another person may be able to cash it. Use a blank endorsement only when you are at the teller window or ATM and depositing or cashing the check immediately. Avoid signing a check blank until you are ready to complete the transaction. Understanding how long a check remains valid can help you time your endorsement appropriately.
Restrictive Endorsement (For Deposit Only)
A restrictive endorsement is the safest option for mailing a check or depositing it through a mobile banking app. Write "For deposit only" on the first line of the endorsement area, write your account number on the next line, and then sign your name below. Some banks accept just "For deposit only" and your signature without the account number — check your bank's preferred format. This endorsement type prevents the check from being cashed by anyone other than you at your bank.
Special (Third-Party) Endorsement
A special endorsement lets you sign a check over to another person. Write "Pay to the order of [Full Name of Recipient]" on the first line of the endorsement area, then sign your name below. The recipient then endorses the check themselves before cashing or depositing it. Not all banks accept third-party checks — call ahead before attempting to deposit a check that has been signed over to you, as some banks refuse them to prevent fraud.
Step-by-Step: How to Endorse a Check
Flip the check over and locate the endorsement area — it is typically marked with lines on the top 1.5 inches of the back, often with a note reading "endorse here" and "do not write below this line." Sign your name in the endorsement area exactly as it appears on the front of the check (the payee name). If the name is slightly misspelled, sign once with the incorrect spelling and once with the correct spelling. Use blue or black permanent ink — pencil is never acceptable on a legal document because it can be erased. If you are learning how to write checks generally — including how to write large amounts in dollars and cents — the same ink rule applies to all fields.
Mobile Check Deposit Endorsements
When depositing a check through your bank's mobile app, most banks require you to write "For Mobile Deposit Only" (or a variation) in addition to your signature. Some banks also ask you to include your account number. Check your bank's mobile deposit instructions before signing, as requirements vary and failure to include the correct endorsement may cause the deposit to be rejected. The CFPB notes that mobile deposits may have a hold period before funds are fully available. You can also consider depositing checks through Cash App as an alternative option.
Common Endorsement Mistakes to Avoid
Signing the check before you are ready to deposit or cash it — especially with a blank endorsement — creates unnecessary theft risk. Writing in the wrong area (below the "do not write" line) can cause processing delays because banks' automated systems may misread the information. Using a name that differs significantly from the payee name printed on the front of the check may cause your bank to reject it. If you make a mistake in the endorsement area, do not try to cross it out — contact your bank for guidance. Remember that checks have an expiration — learn how long a check is valid to avoid depositing a stale check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly do you sign the back of a check?
Sign in the endorsement area on the back of the check — typically the top 1.5 inches, marked with lines and often labeled "endorse here." Do not write below the line marked "do not write below this line," as that area is reserved for bank processing information. Signing in the wrong area may cause automated processing errors or a deposit rejection. If you are unsure, the CFPB provides guidance on cashing checks correctly.
Can I deposit a check without endorsing it?
Most banks require a signature in the endorsement area before accepting a check for deposit. Some banks may accept a check for deposit into your own account without a signature under specific circumstances, but this varies by institution. For mobile deposits, nearly all banks require at least a signature and typically a restrictive endorsement such as "For Mobile Deposit Only." Always check your bank's requirements before attempting an unendorsed deposit. For alternative deposit methods, see how Cash App handles check deposits.
What is "For Deposit Only" and when should you use it?
"For deposit only" is a restrictive endorsement that limits the check to being deposited into your bank account — it cannot be cashed. Write it in the endorsement area above your signature, and optionally include your account number below the phrase. Use this endorsement whenever you are mailing a check, depositing via mobile app, or want to reduce the risk of the check being cashed if it is lost or stolen. This is the recommended approach if you want to protect your account information — similarly, a voided check is used to share your account and routing numbers safely without risk of it being negotiated.
How long is a check valid after it is signed?
Personal and business checks are generally valid for six months (180 days) from the date written on the front of the check. After that, a bank may refuse to honor it as a stale-dated check, though some banks may still process it at their discretion. Cashier's checks and certified checks may have different validity periods set by the issuing institution. If you receive a check that is close to six months old, deposit it promptly. Learn more about how long a check is good for before depositing.
Can you sign a check over to someone else?
Yes — this is called a special or third-party endorsement. Write "Pay to the order of [Full Name]" in the endorsement area and sign below it. The new recipient then endorses it themselves before cashing or depositing it. However, not all banks accept third-party checks, so the recipient should confirm with their bank before attempting to use the check. For detailed instructions, see our guide on how to sign a check over to someone else.
Sources & References
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — Cashing a Check — https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-do-i-need-to-know-about-cashing-a-check-en-1505/
- Federal Reserve — Check Processing and the Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act — https://www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/check21/consumer_guide.htm
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — Understanding Bank Deposit Holds — https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-long-can-a-bank-hold-funds-deposited-by-check-en-1023/
Last updated: April 28, 2026