{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/8.3A-110.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/8.3A-110.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/8.3A-110.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/8.3A-110.html"}],"law_id":79693,"edition_id":1,"section_id":79693,"structure_id":13868,"section_number":"8.3A-110","catch_line":"Identification of person to whom instrument is payable","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7\u00a7 6-360, 6-393, 6-394; 1964, c. 219, \u00a7\u00a7 8.3-110, 8.3-116, 8.3-117; 1966, c. 393; 1992, c. 693.","full_text":"a\n\nThe person to whom an instrument is initially payable is determined by the intent of the person, whether or not authorized, signing as, or in the name or behalf of, the issuer of the instrument. The instrument is payable to the person intended by the signer even if that person is identified in the instrument by a name or other identification that is not that of the intended person. If more than one person signs in the name or behalf of the issuer of an instrument and all the signers do not intend the same person as payee, the instrument is payable to any person intended by one or more of the signers.b\n\nIf the signature of the issuer of an instrument is made by automated means, such as a check-writing machine, the payee of the instrument is determined by the intent of the person who supplied the name or identification of the payee, whether or not authorized to do so.c\n\nA person to whom an instrument is payable may be identified in any way, including by name, identifying number, office, or account number. For the purpose of determining the holder of an instrument, the following rules apply:1\n\nIf an instrument is payable to an account and the account is identified only by number, the instrument is payable to the person to whom the account is payable. If an instrument is payable to an account identified by number and by the name of a person, the instrument is payable to the named person, whether or not that person is the owner of the account identified by number.2\n\nIf an instrument is payable to:i\n\na trust, an estate, or a person described as trustee or representative of a trust or estate, the instrument is payable to the trustee, the representative, or a successor of either, whether or not the beneficiary or estate is also named;ii\n\na person described as agent or similar representative of a named or identified person, the instrument is payable to the represented person, the representative, or a successor of the representative;iii\n\na fund or organization that is not a legal entity, the instrument is payable to a representative of the members of the fund or organization; oriv\n\nan office or to a person described as holding an office, the instrument is payable to the named person, the incumbent of the office, or a successor to the incumbent.d\n\nIf an instrument is payable to two or more persons alternatively, it is payable to any of them and may be negotiated, discharged, or enforced by any or all of them in possession of the instrument. If an instrument is payable to two or more persons not alternatively, it is payable to all of them and may be negotiated, discharged, or enforced only by all of them. If an instrument payable to two or more persons is ambiguous as to whether it is payable to the persons alternatively, the instrument is payable to the persons alternatively.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":285558,"text":"The person to whom an instrument is initially payable is determined by the intent of the person, whether or not authorized, signing as, or in the name or behalf of, the issuer of the instrument. The instrument is payable to the person intended by the signer even if that person is identified in the instrument by a name or other identification that is not that of the intended person. If more than one person signs in the name or behalf of the issuer of an instrument and all the signers do not intend the same person as payee, the instrument is payable to any person intended by one or more of the signers.","type":"section","prefixes":["a"],"prefix":"a","entire_prefix":"a","prefix_anchor":"a","level":1,"next_prefix":"b"},"1":{"id":285559,"text":"If the signature of the issuer of an instrument is made by automated means, such as a check-writing machine, the payee of the instrument is determined by the intent of the person who supplied the name or identification of the payee, whether or not authorized to do so.","type":"section","prefixes":["b"],"prefix":"b","entire_prefix":"b","prefix_anchor":"b","level":1,"prior_prefix":"a","next_prefix":"c"},"2":{"id":285560,"text":"A person to whom an instrument is payable may be identified in any way, including by name, identifying number, office, or account number. For the purpose of determining the holder of an instrument, the following rules apply:","type":"section","prefixes":["c"],"prefix":"c","entire_prefix":"c","prefix_anchor":"c","level":1,"prior_prefix":"b","next_prefix":"c1"},"3":{"id":285561,"text":"If an instrument is payable to an account and the account is identified only by number, the instrument is payable to the person to whom the account is payable. If an instrument is payable to an account identified by number and by the name of a person, the instrument is payable to the named person, whether or not that person is the owner of the account identified by number.","type":"section","prefixes":["c","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"c1","prefix_anchor":"c1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"c","next_prefix":"c2"},"4":{"id":285562,"text":"If an instrument is payable to:","type":"section","prefixes":["c","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"c2","prefix_anchor":"c2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"c1","next_prefix":"i"},"5":{"id":285563,"text":"a trust, an estate, or a person described as trustee or representative of a trust or estate, the instrument is payable to the trustee, the representative, or a successor of either, whether or not the beneficiary or estate is also named;","type":"section","prefixes":["i"],"prefix":"i","entire_prefix":"i","prefix_anchor":"i","level":1,"prior_prefix":"c2","next_prefix":"iii"},"6":{"id":285564,"text":"a person described as agent or similar representative of a named or identified person, the instrument is payable to the represented person, the representative, or a successor of the representative;","type":"section","prefixes":["i","ii"],"prefix":"ii","entire_prefix":"iii","prefix_anchor":"iii","level":2,"prior_prefix":"i","next_prefix":"iiii"},"7":{"id":285565,"text":"a fund or organization that is not a legal entity, the instrument is payable to a representative of the members of the fund or organization; or","type":"section","prefixes":["i","iii"],"prefix":"iii","entire_prefix":"iiii","prefix_anchor":"iiii","level":2,"prior_prefix":"iii","next_prefix":"iiv"},"8":{"id":285566,"text":"an office or to a person described as holding an office, the instrument is payable to the named person, the incumbent of the office, or a successor to the incumbent.","type":"section","prefixes":["i","iv"],"prefix":"iv","entire_prefix":"iiv","prefix_anchor":"iiv","level":2,"prior_prefix":"iiii","next_prefix":"d"},"9":{"id":285567,"text":"If an instrument is payable to two or more persons alternatively, it is payable to any of them and may be negotiated, discharged, or enforced by any or all of them in possession of the instrument. If an instrument is payable to two or more persons not alternatively, it is payable to all of them and may be negotiated, discharged, or enforced only by all of them. If an instrument payable to two or more persons is ambiguous as to whether it is payable to the persons alternatively, the instrument is payable to the persons alternatively.","type":"section","prefixes":["d"],"prefix":"d","entire_prefix":"d","prefix_anchor":"d","level":1,"prior_prefix":"iiv"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13868,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Provisions and Definitions","identifier":"1","label":"part","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13054,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:46:08","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:46:08","permalink":{"id":282707,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13868,"identifier":"1","token":"8.3A\/1","url":"\/8.3A\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13054,"edition_id":1,"name":"Commercial Code \u2014 Negotiable Instruments","identifier":"8.3A","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:11","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:11","permalink":{"id":282705,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13054,"identifier":"8.3A","token":"8.3A","url":"\/8.3A\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":83834,"structure_id":13868,"section_number":"8.3A-101","catch_line":"Short title","url":"\/8.3A-101\/","token":"8.3A\/1\/8.3A-101","metadata":false},{"id":65615,"structure_id":13868,"section_number":"8.3A-102","catch_line":"Subject matter","url":"\/8.3A-102\/","token":"8.3A\/1\/8.3A-102","metadata":false},{"id":77332,"structure_id":13868,"section_number":"8.3A-103","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/8.3A-103\/","token":"8.3A\/1\/8.3A-103","metadata":false},{"id":82039,"structure_id":13868,"section_number":"8.3A-104","catch_line":"Negotiable instrument","url":"\/8.3A-104\/","token":"8.3A\/1\/8.3A-104","metadata":false},{"id":71271,"structure_id":13868,"section_number":"8.3A-105","catch_line":"Issue of instrument","url":"\/8.3A-105\/","token":"8.3A\/1\/8.3A-105","metadata":false},{"id":54896,"structure_id":13868,"section_number":"8.3A-106","catch_line":"Unconditional promise or order","url":"\/8.3A-106\/","token":"8.3A\/1\/8.3A-106","metadata":false},{"id":58514,"structure_id":13868,"section_number":"8.3A-107","catch_line":"Instrument payable in foreign money","url":"\/8.3A-107\/","token":"8.3A\/1\/8.3A-107","metadata":false},{"id":60401,"structure_id":13868,"section_number":"8.3A-108","catch_line":"Payable on demand or at definite time","url":"\/8.3A-108\/","token":"8.3A\/1\/8.3A-108","metadata":false},{"id":76428,"structure_id":13868,"section_number":"8.3A-109","catch_line":"Payable to bearer or to order","url":"\/8.3A-109\/","token":"8.3A\/1\/8.3A-109","metadata":false},{"id":79693,"structure_id":13868,"section_number":"8.3A-110","catch_line":"Identification of person to whom instrument is payable","url":"\/8.3A-110\/","token":"8.3A\/1\/8.3A-110","metadata":false},{"id":59225,"structure_id":13868,"section_number":"8.3A-111","catch_line":"Place of payment","url":"\/8.3A-111\/","token":"8.3A\/1\/8.3A-111","metadata":false},{"id":81552,"structure_id":13868,"section_number":"8.3A-112","catch_line":"Interest","url":"\/8.3A-112\/","token":"8.3A\/1\/8.3A-112","metadata":false},{"id":78239,"structure_id":13868,"section_number":"8.3A-113","catch_line":"Date of instrument","url":"\/8.3A-113\/","token":"8.3A\/1\/8.3A-113","metadata":false},{"id":69384,"structure_id":13868,"section_number":"8.3A-114","catch_line":"Contradictory terms of instrument","url":"\/8.3A-114\/","token":"8.3A\/1\/8.3A-114","metadata":false},{"id":87003,"structure_id":13868,"section_number":"8.3A-115","catch_line":"Incomplete instrument","url":"\/8.3A-115\/","token":"8.3A\/1\/8.3A-115","metadata":false},{"id":77257,"structure_id":13868,"section_number":"8.3A-116","catch_line":"Joint and several liability; contribution","url":"\/8.3A-116\/","token":"8.3A\/1\/8.3A-116","metadata":false},{"id":58091,"structure_id":13868,"section_number":"8.3A-117","catch_line":"Other agreements affecting instrument","url":"\/8.3A-117\/","token":"8.3A\/1\/8.3A-117","metadata":false},{"id":84675,"structure_id":13868,"section_number":"8.3A-118","catch_line":"Statute of limitations","url":"\/8.3A-118\/","token":"8.3A\/1\/8.3A-118","metadata":false},{"id":60697,"structure_id":13868,"section_number":"8.3A-118.1","catch_line":"Statute of limitations on deposit accounts and certificates of deposit","url":"\/8.3A-118.1\/","token":"8.3A\/1\/8.3A-118.1","metadata":false},{"id":62088,"structure_id":13868,"section_number":"8.3A-119","catch_line":"Notice of right to defend action","url":"\/8.3A-119\/","token":"8.3A\/1\/8.3A-119","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":76428,"structure_id":13868,"section_number":"8.3A-109","catch_line":"Payable to bearer or to order","url":"\/8.3A-109\/","token":"8.3A\/1\/8.3A-109","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":59225,"structure_id":13868,"section_number":"8.3A-111","catch_line":"Place of payment","url":"\/8.3A-111\/","token":"8.3A\/1\/8.3A-111","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/8.3A-110\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 3 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1964, chapter 219; in 1966, chapter 393; in 1992, chapter 693.<\/p>","references":[{"id":54714,"section_number":"8.3A-205","catch_line":"Special endorsement; blank endorsement; anomalous endorsement","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.3A-205\/"},{"id":82256,"section_number":"8.3A-404","catch_line":"Impostors; fictitious payees","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.3A-404\/"}],"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":282745,"object_type":"law","relational_id":79693,"identifier":"8.3A-110","token":"8.3A\/1\/8.3A-110","url":"\/8.3A-110\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/8.3A-110\/","token":"8.3A\/1\/8.3A-110","dublin_core":{"Title":"Identification of person to whom instrument is payable","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 8.3A-110","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

a.<\/span> The person to whom an instrument is initially payable is determined by the intent<\/span> of the person, whether or not authorized, signing as, or in the name or behalf of, the issuer of the instrument. The instrument is payable to the person intended by the signer even if that person is identified in the instrument by a name or other identification that is not that of the intended person. If more than one person signs in the name or behalf of the issuer of an instrument and all the signers do not intend the same person as payee, the instrument is payable to any person intended by one or more of the signers. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

b.<\/span> If the signature of the issuer of an instrument is made by automated means, such as a check-writing machine, the payee of the instrument is determined by the intent<\/span> of the person who supplied the name or identification of the payee, whether or not authorized to do so. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

c.<\/span> A person to whom an instrument is payable may be identified in any way, including by name, identifying number, office, or account number. For the purpose of determining the holder of an instrument, the following rules apply: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> If an instrument is payable to an account and the account is identified only by number, the instrument is payable to the person to whom the account is payable. If an instrument is payable to an account identified by number and by the name of a person, the instrument is payable to the named person, whether or not that person is the owner of the account identified by number. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> If an instrument is payable to: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

i.<\/span> a trust, an estate, or a person described as trustee or representative of a trust or estate, the instrument is payable to the trustee, the representative, or a successor of either, whether or not the beneficiary or estate is also named; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

ii.<\/span> a person described as agent or similar representative of a named or identified person, the instrument is payable to the represented person, the representative, or a successor of the representative; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

iii.<\/span> a fund or organization that is not a legal entity, the instrument is payable to a representative of the members of the fund or organization; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

iv.<\/span> an office or to a person described as holding an office, the instrument is payable to the named person, the incumbent of the office, or a successor to the incumbent. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

d.<\/span> If an instrument is payable to two or more persons alternatively, it is payable to any of them and may be negotiated, discharged, or enforced by any or all of them in possession<\/span> of the instrument. If an instrument is payable to two or more persons not alternatively, it is payable to all of them and may be negotiated, discharged, or enforced only by all of them. If an instrument payable to two or more persons is ambiguous as to whether it is payable to the persons alternatively, the instrument is payable to the persons alternatively. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nIDENTIFICATION OF PERSON TO WHOM INSTRUMENT IS PAYABLE (\u00a7 8.3A-110)\n\na. The person to whom an instrument is initially payable is determined by the\nintent of the person, whether or not authorized, signing as, or in the name or\nbehalf of, the issuer of the instrument. The instrument is payable to the person\nintended by the signer even if that person is identified in the instrument by a\nname or other identification that is not that of the intended person. If more\nthan one person signs in the name or behalf of the issuer of an instrument and\nall the signers do not intend the same person as payee, the instrument is\npayable to any person intended by one or more of the signers.\n\nb. If the signature of the issuer of an instrument is made by automated means,\nsuch as a check-writing machine, the payee of the instrument is determined by\nthe intent of the person who supplied the name or identification of the payee,\nwhether or not authorized to do so.\n\nc. A person to whom an instrument is payable may be identified in any way,\nincluding by name, identifying number, office, or account number. For the\npurpose of determining the holder of an instrument, the following rules apply:\n\n 1. If an instrument is payable to an account and the account is identified\n only by number, the instrument is payable to the person to whom the account is\n payable. If an instrument is payable to an account identified by number and by\n the name of a person, the instrument is payable to the named person, whether\n or not that person is the owner of the account identified by number.\n\n 2. If an instrument is payable to:\n\ni. a trust, an estate, or a person described as trustee or representative of a\ntrust or estate, the instrument is payable to the trustee, the representative,\nor a successor of either, whether or not the beneficiary or estate is also\nnamed;\n\n ii. a person described as agent or similar representative of a named or\n identified person, the instrument is payable to the represented person, the\n representative, or a successor of the representative;\n\n iii. a fund or organization that is not a legal entity, the instrument is\n payable to a representative of the members of the fund or organization; or\n\n iv. an office or to a person described as holding an office, the instrument is\n payable to the named person, the incumbent of the office, or a successor to\n the incumbent.\n\nd. If an instrument is payable to two or more persons alternatively, it is\npayable to any of them and may be negotiated, discharged, or enforced by any or\nall of them in possession of the instrument. If an instrument is payable to two\nor more persons not alternatively, it is payable to all of them and may be\nnegotiated, discharged, or enforced only by all of them. If an instrument\npayable to two or more persons is ambiguous as to whether it is payable to the\npersons alternatively, the instrument is payable to the persons alternatively.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7\u00a7 6-360, 6-393, 6-394; 1964, c. 219, \u00a7\u00a7 8.3-110,\n8.3-116, 8.3-117; 1966, c. 393; 1992, c. 693.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}