Kentucky Revised Statutes
Ky. Rev. Stat. § 355.3-401 (2026)
Signature necessary for liability on instrument
✓ current as of May 2026
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A person is not liable on an instrument unless:
(1) The person signed the instrument; or
(2) The person is represented by an agent or representative who signed the instrument and the signature is binding on the represented person under KRS 355.3-402. Effective: January 1, 2025 History: Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 10, sec. 22, effective January 1, 2025. -- Repealed and reenacted 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 130, sec. 39, January 1, 1997. -- Created 1958 Ky. Acts ch. 77, sec. 3-401, effective July 1, 1960.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 6
cases (2 in the last 5 years), 1986–2025 · leading case: Mark D. Dean, P.S.C. v. Commonwealth Bank & Trust Co., 434 S.W.3d 489 (Ky. 2014).
Mark D. Dean, P.S.C. v. Commonwealth Bank & Trust Co., 434 S.W.3d 489 (Ky. 2014). “” Under KRS 355.3-401, a person can be liable on a negotiable instrument, including a check, if the person signs it or “[t]he person is represented by an agent or representative who signed the instrument and the signature is binding on the represented person under KRS 355.”
Fed. Land Bank of Louisville v. Hardin-Mapes Coal Corp., 817 S.W.2d 225 (Ky. 1991). “Leibson and Nowka, Uniform Commercial Code of Kentucky, § 3.”
Cordier v. Lincoln Cnty. Nat'l Bank, 702 S.W.2d 428 (Ky. 1986). “As KRS 355.3-401(1) states, “No person is liable on an instrument unless his signature appears thereon.”
Cole v. Mariner Fin., LLC (W.D. Ky. 2022). “Cole denies that she authorized the third party’s actions. Mariner acknowledges this assertion and does not argue otherwise; Mariner does not allege Cole signed the agreement or that the third party was authorized to deposit the check on her behalf.”
Lp Louisville Quinn Drive, LLC D/B/A Signature Healthcare at Rockford Rehab & Wellness Ctr. v. Barbara Leonard-Ray, as Adm'x of the Est. of Rockford Smith (Ky. Ct. App. 2025). “After noting Signature’s argument, reiterated by Signature to this Court, that initials, or even a mark, may be found to satisfy the then-current requirements of KRS 355.3-401, the trial court articulated why it was unconvinced, given the facts before it: [U]sually an…”
Crisler v. Citizens Fid. Bank & Trust Co., 723 S.W.2d 857 (Ky. Ct. App. 1986). “Appellant contends Citizens’ recovery against her is improper because of KRS 355.3-401(1) which provides that “[n]o person is liable on an instrument unless his signature appears thereon.”
Ky. Rev. Stat. § 355.3-401(1): 4 cases
Fed. Land Bank of Louisville v. Hardin-Mapes Coal Corp., 817 S.W.2d 225 (Ky. 1991). “Leibson and Nowka, Uniform Commercial Code of Kentucky, § 3.”
Cordier v. Lincoln Cnty. Nat'l Bank, 702 S.W.2d 428 (Ky. 1986). “As KRS 355.3-401(1) states, “No person is liable on an instrument unless his signature appears thereon.”
Cole v. Mariner Fin., LLC (W.D. Ky. 2022). “Cole denies that she authorized the third party’s actions. Mariner acknowledges this assertion and does not argue otherwise; Mariner does not allege Cole signed the agreement or that the third party was authorized to deposit the check on her behalf.”
Crisler v. Citizens Fid. Bank & Trust Co., 723 S.W.2d 857 (Ky. Ct. App. 1986). “Appellant contends Citizens’ recovery against her is improper because of KRS 355.3-401(1) which provides that “[n]o person is liable on an instrument unless his signature appears thereon.”
Ky. Rev. Stat. § 355.3-401(l)(b): 1 case
Mark D. Dean, P.S.C. v. Commonwealth Bank & Trust Co., 434 S.W.3d 489 (Ky. 2014). “” Under KRS 355.3-401, a person can be liable on a negotiable instrument, including a check, if the person signs it or “[t]he person is represented by an agent or representative who signed the instrument and the signature is binding on the represented person under KRS 355.”
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