{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/8.3A-402.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/8.3A-402.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/8.3A-402.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/8.3A-402.html"}],"law_id":57340,"edition_id":1,"section_id":57340,"structure_id":15041,"section_number":"8.3A-402","catch_line":"Signature by representative","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7\u00a7 6-371 through 6-373; 1964, c. 219, \u00a7 8.3-403; 1992, c. 693.","full_text":"a\n\nIf a person acting, or purporting to act, as a representative signs an instrument by signing either the name of the represented person or the name of the signer, the represented person is bound by the signature to the same extent the represented person would be bound if the signature were on a simple contract. If the represented person is bound, the signature of the representative is the “authorized signature of the represented person” and the represented person is liable on the instrument, whether or not identified in the instrument.b\n\nIf a representative signs the name of the representative to an instrument and the signature is an authorized signature of the represented person, the following rules apply:1\n\nIf the form of the signature shows unambiguously that the signature is made on behalf of the represented person who is identified in the instrument, the representative is not liable on the instrument.2\n\nSubject to subsection (c), if (i) the form of the signature does not show unambiguously that the signature is made in a representative capacity or (ii) the represented person is not identified in the instrument, the representative is liable on the instrument to a holder in due course that took the instrument without notice that the representative was not intended to be liable on the instrument. With respect to any other person, the representative is liable on the instrument unless the representative proves that the original parties did not intend the representative to be liable on the instrument.c\n\nIf a representative signs the name of the representative as drawer of a check without indication of the representative status and the check is payable from an account of the represented person who is identified on the check, the signer is not liable on the check if the signature is an authorized signature of the represented person.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":210016,"text":"If a person acting, or purporting to act, as a representative signs an instrument by signing either the name of the represented person or the name of the signer, the represented person is bound by the signature to the same extent the represented person would be bound if the signature were on a simple contract. If the represented person is bound, the signature of the representative is the “authorized signature of the represented person” and the represented person is liable on the instrument, whether or not identified in the instrument.","type":"section","prefixes":["a"],"prefix":"a","entire_prefix":"a","prefix_anchor":"a","level":1,"next_prefix":"b"},"1":{"id":210017,"text":"If a representative signs the name of the representative to an instrument and the signature is an authorized signature of the represented person, the following rules apply:","type":"section","prefixes":["b"],"prefix":"b","entire_prefix":"b","prefix_anchor":"b","level":1,"prior_prefix":"a","next_prefix":"b1"},"2":{"id":210018,"text":"If the form of the signature shows unambiguously that the signature is made on behalf of the represented person who is identified in the instrument, the representative is not liable on the instrument.","type":"section","prefixes":["b","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"b1","prefix_anchor":"b1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"b","next_prefix":"b2"},"3":{"id":210019,"text":"Subject to subsection (c), if (i) the form of the signature does not show unambiguously that the signature is made in a representative capacity or (ii) the represented person is not identified in the instrument, the representative is liable on the instrument to a holder in due course that took the instrument without notice that the representative was not intended to be liable on the instrument. With respect to any other person, the representative is liable on the instrument unless the representative proves that the original parties did not intend the representative to be liable on the instrument.","type":"section","prefixes":["b","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"b2","prefix_anchor":"b2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"b1","next_prefix":"c"},"4":{"id":210020,"text":"If a representative signs the name of the representative as drawer of a check without indication of the representative status and the check is payable from an account of the represented person who is identified on the check, the signer is not liable on the check if the signature is an authorized signature of the represented person.","type":"section","prefixes":["c"],"prefix":"c","entire_prefix":"c","prefix_anchor":"c","level":1,"prior_prefix":"b2"}},"ancestry":[{"id":15041,"edition_id":1,"name":"Liability of Parties","identifier":"4","label":"part","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13054,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:51:41","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:51:41","permalink":{"id":282869,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":15041,"identifier":"4","token":"8.3A\/4","url":"\/8.3A\/4\/","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":72303,"structure_id":15041,"section_number":"8.3A-401","catch_line":"Signature necessary for liability on instrument","url":"\/8.3A-401\/","token":"8.3A\/4\/8.3A-401","metadata":false},{"id":57340,"structure_id":15041,"section_number":"8.3A-402","catch_line":"Signature by representative","url":"\/8.3A-402\/","token":"8.3A\/4\/8.3A-402","metadata":false},{"id":73829,"structure_id":15041,"section_number":"8.3A-403","catch_line":"Unauthorized signature","url":"\/8.3A-403\/","token":"8.3A\/4\/8.3A-403","metadata":false},{"id":82256,"structure_id":15041,"section_number":"8.3A-404","catch_line":"Impostors; fictitious payees","url":"\/8.3A-404\/","token":"8.3A\/4\/8.3A-404","metadata":false},{"id":85778,"structure_id":15041,"section_number":"8.3A-405","catch_line":"Employer's responsibility for fraudulent endorsement by employee","url":"\/8.3A-405\/","token":"8.3A\/4\/8.3A-405","metadata":false},{"id":86533,"structure_id":15041,"section_number":"8.3A-406","catch_line":"Negligence contributing to forged signature or alteration of instrument","url":"\/8.3A-406\/","token":"8.3A\/4\/8.3A-406","metadata":false},{"id":76929,"structure_id":15041,"section_number":"8.3A-407","catch_line":"Alteration","url":"\/8.3A-407\/","token":"8.3A\/4\/8.3A-407","metadata":false},{"id":72123,"structure_id":15041,"section_number":"8.3A-408","catch_line":"Drawee not liable on unaccepted draft","url":"\/8.3A-408\/","token":"8.3A\/4\/8.3A-408","metadata":false},{"id":74394,"structure_id":15041,"section_number":"8.3A-409","catch_line":"Acceptance of draft; certified check","url":"\/8.3A-409\/","token":"8.3A\/4\/8.3A-409","metadata":false},{"id":86849,"structure_id":15041,"section_number":"8.3A-410","catch_line":"Acceptance varying draft","url":"\/8.3A-410\/","token":"8.3A\/4\/8.3A-410","metadata":false},{"id":76564,"structure_id":15041,"section_number":"8.3A-411","catch_line":"Refusal to pay cashier's checks, teller's checks, and certified checks","url":"\/8.3A-411\/","token":"8.3A\/4\/8.3A-411","metadata":false},{"id":85403,"structure_id":15041,"section_number":"8.3A-412","catch_line":"Obligation of issuer of note or cashier's check","url":"\/8.3A-412\/","token":"8.3A\/4\/8.3A-412","metadata":false},{"id":62163,"structure_id":15041,"section_number":"8.3A-413","catch_line":"Obligation of acceptor","url":"\/8.3A-413\/","token":"8.3A\/4\/8.3A-413","metadata":false},{"id":81363,"structure_id":15041,"section_number":"8.3A-414","catch_line":"Obligation of drawer","url":"\/8.3A-414\/","token":"8.3A\/4\/8.3A-414","metadata":false},{"id":78513,"structure_id":15041,"section_number":"8.3A-415","catch_line":"Obligation of endorser","url":"\/8.3A-415\/","token":"8.3A\/4\/8.3A-415","metadata":false},{"id":58496,"structure_id":15041,"section_number":"8.3A-416","catch_line":"Transfer warranties","url":"\/8.3A-416\/","token":"8.3A\/4\/8.3A-416","metadata":false},{"id":63742,"structure_id":15041,"section_number":"8.3A-417","catch_line":"Presentment warranties","url":"\/8.3A-417\/","token":"8.3A\/4\/8.3A-417","metadata":false},{"id":68633,"structure_id":15041,"section_number":"8.3A-418","catch_line":"Payment or acceptance by mistake","url":"\/8.3A-418\/","token":"8.3A\/4\/8.3A-418","metadata":false},{"id":62031,"structure_id":15041,"section_number":"8.3A-419","catch_line":"Instruments signed for accommodation","url":"\/8.3A-419\/","token":"8.3A\/4\/8.3A-419","metadata":false},{"id":75961,"structure_id":15041,"section_number":"8.3A-420","catch_line":"Conversion of instrument","url":"\/8.3A-420\/","token":"8.3A\/4\/8.3A-420","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":72303,"structure_id":15041,"section_number":"8.3A-401","catch_line":"Signature necessary for liability on instrument","url":"\/8.3A-401\/","token":"8.3A\/4\/8.3A-401","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":73829,"structure_id":15041,"section_number":"8.3A-403","catch_line":"Unauthorized signature","url":"\/8.3A-403\/","token":"8.3A\/4\/8.3A-403","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/8.3A-402\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 2 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 1992, chapter 693.<\/p>","references":[{"id":60258,"section_number":"8.3A-308","catch_line":"Proof of signatures and status as holder in due course","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.3A-308\/"},{"id":72303,"section_number":"8.3A-401","catch_line":"Signature necessary for liability on instrument","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.3A-401\/"}],"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":282875,"object_type":"law","relational_id":57340,"identifier":"8.3A-402","token":"8.3A\/4\/8.3A-402","url":"\/8.3A-402\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/8.3A-402\/","token":"8.3A\/4\/8.3A-402","dublin_core":{"Title":"Signature by representative","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 8.3A-402","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

a.<\/span> If a person acting, or purporting to act, as a representative signs an instrument by signing either the name of the represented person or the name of the signer, the represented person is bound by the signature to the same extent the represented person would be bound if the signature were on a simple contract<\/span>. If the represented person is bound, the signature of the representative is the “authorized signature of the represented person” and the represented person is liable on the instrument, whether or not identified in the instrument. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

b.<\/span> If a representative signs the name of the representative to an instrument and the signature is an authorized signature of the represented person, the following rules apply: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> If the form of the signature shows unambiguously that the signature is made on behalf of the represented person who is identified in the instrument, the representative is not liable on the instrument. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Subject to subsection (c), if (i) the form of the signature does not show unambiguously that the signature is made in a representative capacity or (ii) the represented person is not identified in the instrument, the representative is liable on the instrument to a holder in due course that took the instrument without notice that the representative was not intended to be liable on the instrument. With respect to any other person, the representative is liable on the instrument unless the representative proves that the original parties did not intend the representative to be liable on the instrument. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

c.<\/span> If a representative signs the name of the representative as drawer of a check without indication of the representative status and the check is payable from an account of the represented person who is identified on the check, the signer is not liable on the check if the signature is an authorized signature of the represented person. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nSIGNATURE BY REPRESENTATIVE (\u00a7 8.3A-402)\n\na. If a person acting, or purporting to act, as a representative signs an\ninstrument by signing either the name of the represented person or the name of\nthe signer, the represented person is bound by the signature to the same extent\nthe represented person would be bound if the signature were on a simple\ncontract. If the represented person is bound, the signature of the\nrepresentative is the “authorized signature of the represented\nperson” and the represented person is liable on the instrument, whether or\nnot identified in the instrument.\n\nb. If a representative signs the name of the representative to an instrument and\nthe signature is an authorized signature of the represented person, the\nfollowing rules apply:\n\n 1. If the form of the signature shows unambiguously that the signature is made\n on behalf of the represented person who is identified in the instrument, the\n representative is not liable on the instrument.\n\n 2. Subject to subsection (c), if (i) the form of the signature does not show\n unambiguously that the signature is made in a representative capacity or (ii)\n the represented person is not identified in the instrument, the representative\n is liable on the instrument to a holder in due course that took the instrument\n without notice that the representative was not intended to be liable on the\n instrument. With respect to any other person, the representative is liable on\n the instrument unless the representative proves that the original parties did\n not intend the representative to be liable on the instrument.\n\nc. If a representative signs the name of the representative as drawer of a check\nwithout indication of the representative status and the check is payable from an\naccount of the represented person who is identified on the check, the signer is\nnot liable on the check if the signature is an authorized signature of the\nrepresented person.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7\u00a7 6-371 through 6-373; 1964, c. 219, \u00a7 8.3-403; 1992, c.\n693.","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}}