Must a promissory note display the borrower’s address?

Short answer: A promissory note must be signed by the borrower. However, there is no requirement that the promissory note display the address of the borrower.

Analysis

To answer this question, let us examine the essential elements of a promissory note.

1. It must be in writing; cannot be verbal.

2. It must be a promise to pay money.

3. It must be payable on demand or on a specific date.

4. It must be unconditional once the terms are established and the note is signed.

5. It must state the specific amount owed.

6. It must be transferable.

7. It must be signed by the borrower.

As shown above, the essential elements of a promissory note do not require the borrower address listed on the promissory note. For example, Florida statute 673.1041 lists the requirements and components of a negotiable instrument and a promissory note, but an address is not listed as a requirement.

On a federal level, 34 C.F.R. § 674.31 lists all the requirements for a promissory note tied to a federal student loan, however, the borrower address is not listed as a requirement.

8 C.F.R. § 21.4504 is another federal statute that list all the requirements for a promissory note tied to a federal VA loan and the borrower address is not listed as a requirements.

The requirements for a promissory note on both the federal and state level do not include a borrower address.