California · Commercial Code

COM §3403: (a) Unless otherwise provided in this division or Division 4 (commencing with Section 4101), an unauthorized signature is ineffective except as the signature of the unauthorized signer in favor of a p

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

An unauthorized signature on an instrument is generally ineffective, except it may bind the unauthorized signer. Unauthorized signatures may be ratified. Criminal or civil liability for making an unauthorized signature is determined separately from this provision.

Read the full statutory text

(a) Unless otherwise provided in this division or Division 4 (commencing with Section 4101), an unauthorized signature is ineffective except as the signature of the unauthorized signer in favor of a person who in good faith pays the instrument or takes it for value. An unauthorized signature may be ratified for all purposes of this division. (b) If the signature of more than one person is required to constitute the authorized signature of an organization, the signature of the organization is unauthorized if one of the required signatures is lacking. (c) The civil or criminal liability of a person who makes an unauthorized signature is not affected by any provision of this division which makes the unauthorized signature effective for the purposes of this division.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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