What does an endorsed check require for it to be valid?

An endorsed check requires a signature and/or specific instructions to be considered valid. Endorsement is the process by which the payee signs the back of the check to authorize the transfer of the funds. This endorsement can take various forms, including a simple signature or more detailed instructions specifying how the check should be processed, such as endorsing it for deposit only.

This signature confirms that the individual presenting the check has the right to do so and is essential for ensuring that the bank can process the payment correctly. If a check is not endorsed appropriately, it may not be cashed or accepted by financial institutions, as there would be no verification of the identity of the person cashing it.

In the context of the other choices, a notary signature, a witness signature, or electronic verification are not typically requirements for an endorsed check. They may have specific applications in different legal or transactional situations, but they do not apply to the endorsement process for checks. The essential requirement remains the signature and potentially additional instructions from the payee.