[WSBAPT] Signature by mark

[Brent Williams-Ruth]

Great question!  A mark can count - but if your situation makes it where
they cannot even make a mark you need to make sure the notarization is done
pursuant to RCW 64.08.100.

It is really very easy but in case you have someone that ever goes to
challenge (such as a mean old bank or investment company) you will want to
make sure it is 100% by the book!

Brent

For reference, here is what the statute says:

Acknowledgments by persons unable to sign name.
Any person who is otherwise competent but is physically unable to sign his
or her name or make a mark may make an acknowledgment authorized under this
chapter by orally directing the notary public or other authorized officer
taking the acknowledgment to sign the person's name on his or her behalf.
In taking an acknowledgment under this section, the notary public or other
authorized officer shall, in addition to stating his or her name and place
of residence, state that the signature in the acknowledgment was obtained
under the authority of this section.

*Brent Williams-Ruth* (pronouns: he/him)
*Attorney-At-Law*

*Law Offices of Brent Williams-Ruth, **a division of BWR Consulting, PLLC*

*Physical Address: 500 S 336th Street, Suite 214; Federal Way, WA 98003*

*Mailing Address: **PO BOX 3319; Federal Way, WA 98063 *

Office/Scheduling Phone: (253) 285-7751

For All Meetings & Scheduling: info at williams-ruthlaw.com

e-mail <Brent at Williams-RuthLaw.com> / website
<http://www.williams-ruthlaw.com/> / facebook
<http://www.facebook.com/bwrlaw> /


On Sat, Feb 14, 2026 at 8:21 AM Ann Manley <ann at manleyfirm.com> wrote:

> Client is able to make a mark on documents, but it is not a legible
> signature. Does anything special need to be done to notarize this?
>
> Ann Manley
> ann at manleyfirm.com
>
>
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