To indorse (or “endorse”) something refers to the practice of signing a negotiable instrument to transfer ownership of the instrument. Indorsement is usually done by signing the back of the document. Negotiable instruments include checks, promissory notes, contracts, receipts, and bills of exchange, among other documents. Indorsement can be done to accept payment or responsibility for a debt or obligation. An indorser is the person who makes an indorsement.
The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) allows an indorser to make either a blank or special indorsement. A special indorsement specifies a particular person to whom the instrument is transferred, while a blank indorsement allows any bearer to enforce the indorsement.
[Last updated in June of 2023 by the Wex Definitions Team]