---
title: "What Is a Signing By Mark? Meaning & Example | MCC Solutions"
description: "When a person who cannot sign their name makes a mark, usually with witnesses, and the notary records it. Plain-English definition with a worked example."
url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/glossary/signing-by-mark"
---

Notary glossary

# What is a signing by mark?

When a person who cannot sign their name makes a mark, usually with witnesses, and the notary records it.

By [Matthew Coleman](/about), MCC Solutions

✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials)

## In plain English

State rules govern the process, which commonly involves witnesses.

Need this notarized? [Book a notary visit in New Jersey](/notary/#order).

The notary notes what happened in the journal.

## Why it matters

A stroke, arthritis or other condition can make a full signature impossible. Without knowing that a mark may be allowed, families sometimes think the document cannot be signed and miss a deadline.

Following state rules on witnesses and wording keeps the mark from being challenged later.

## Worked example

A signer with limited mobility makes an X while two witnesses watch, and the notary records it.

## What to do

- Tell the notary in advance that the signer will sign by mark.
- Ask how many witnesses the state requires and arrange them.
- Have the signer make the mark in front of the notary and witnesses.
- Expect the notary or a witness to write the signer's name near the mark as state rules direct.
- Confirm the journal entry notes the mark.

## Common mistakes

- Having a relative guide the signer's hand without state approval can make the signature questionable.
- Forgetting to arrange witnesses can halt the appointment.
- Not telling the receiving office that a mark was used can cause confusion later.

## Not the same as: Signer

Signing by mark is a method a signer uses when they cannot write a name, while the signer is the person whose signature or mark is notarized. [See Signer](/notary/glossary/signer).

## Go deeper

- [Notarizing for Someone Who Cannot Sign Their Name](/notary/guides/notarizing-for-a-signer-who-cannot-sign): Illness, injury or illiteracy can make signing hard. Learn how a mark, a proxy signer or an assisted signature can be handled by a notary.
- [Notarizing for a Signer Who Cannot Sign Their Name](/notary/guides/signing-by-mark-or-with-help-physical-limits): What options exist when a signer cannot physically sign: signing with a mark, a stamp, or having another person sign at their direction, and what notaries record.

## Try it

[Use the related free tool](/notary/notary-journal-template).

## Related terms

- [Subscribing witness](/notary/glossary/subscribing-witness): A person who watches someone else sign a document and then signs it as a witness.
- [Title company](/notary/glossary/title-company): A company that researches property ownership, issues title insurance and often runs the closing.
- [Signer](/notary/glossary/signer): The person who signs the document and whose signature the notary is notarizing.

## Common questions

**What is a signing by mark?**

When a person who cannot sign their name makes a mark, usually with witnesses, and the notary records it.

**Can you give an example of signing by mark?**

A signer with limited mobility makes an X while two witnesses watch, and the notary records it.

**Does a mark have to be an X?**

Often it is an X, but state rules may allow other marks. Ask the notary.

**Can someone else sign for a person who cannot sign?**

Some states allow a designated person to sign at the signer's direction. The rules are specific, so check with the notary.

General information, not legal advice. Rules vary by state and change; check with your state's commissioning office.

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 [Full glossary](/notary/glossary)

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