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Promissory Note

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Nevada Fixed Rate Note, Installment Payments - Secured

PROMISSORY NOTE
(Fixed Rate, Installment Payments)

[Date]

[City]

[State]

[Property Address]

1. BORROWER'S PROMISE TO PAY

In return for a loan that I have received, I promise to pay U.S. $ (this amount is called "principal”), plus interest, to the order of the Lender. The Lender is . I will make all payments under this Note in the form of cash, check, certified funds or money order at the option and direction of Lender. I understand that the Lender may transfer this Note. The Lender or anyone who takes this Note by transfer and who is entitled to receive payments under this Note is called the "Note Holder."

2. INTEREST

Interest will be charged on unpaid principal until the full amount of principal has been paid. I will pay interest at a yearly rate of %. The interest rate required by this Section 2 is the rate I will pay both before and after any default described in Section 6(B) of this Note.

3. PAYMENTS

(A) Time and Place of Payments

I will pay principal and interest by making a payment every month. I will make my monthly payment on the day of each month beginning on . I will make these payments every month until I have paid all of the principal and interest and any other charges described below that I may owe under this Note. Each monthly payment will be applied as of its scheduled due date and will be applied to interest before principal. If, on , I still owe amounts under this Note, I will pay those amounts in full on that date, which is called the "maturity date." I will make my monthly payments at or at a different place if required by the Note Holder.

(B) Amount of Monthly Payments

My monthly payment will be in the amount of U.S. $

4. BORROWER'S RIGHT TO PREPAY

{initial desired provision}

I have the right to make payments of principal at any time before they are due. A payment of principal only is known as a “prepayment.” When I make a prepayment, I will tell the Note Holder in writing that I am so. I may not designate a payment as a prepayment if I have not made all the monthly payments due under the Note. I may make a full prepayment or partial prepayments without paying a prepayment charge. The Note Holder will use my prepayments to reduce the amount of principal that I owe under this Note. However, the Note Holder may apply my prepayment to the accrued and unpaid interest on the prepayment amount, before applying my prepayment to reduce the principal amount of the Note. If I make a partial prepayment, there will be no changes in the due date or in the amount of my monthly payment unless the Note Holder agrees in writing to those changes.

I shall not have the right to prepay this Note unless I pay a prepayment penalty for early prepayment in the amount determined by the Note Holder, not to exceed the maximum amount allowed by the laws of the state where the property is located.

5. LOAN CHARGES

If a law, which applies to this loan and which sets maximum loan charges, is finally interpreted so that the interest or other loan charges collected or to be collected in connection with this loan exceed the permitted limits, then: (i) any such loan charge shall be reduced by the amount necessary to reduce the charge to the permitted limit; and (ii) any sums already collected from me which exceeded permitted limits will be refunded to me. The Note Holder may choose to make this refund by reducing the principal I owe under this Note or by making a direct payment to me. If a refund reduces principal, the reduction will be treated as a partial prepayment.

6. BORROWER'S FAILURE TO PAY AS REQUIRED

(A) Late Charge for Overdue Payments and Receipt of Payments

If the Note Holder has not received the full amount of any monthly payment by the end of {enter days before late charges are due under your State's laws} calendar days after the date it is due, I will pay a late charge to the Note Holder. The amount of the charge will be [% of my overdue payment of principal and interest or dollars for each late payment]. I will pay this late charge promptly but only once on each late payment. In no event will the late charge exceed the maximum amount allowed by the applicable state law.

Payments to the note holder shall not be considered made until received by the Note Holder at the address specified. Mailing is insufficient to constitute delivery to the Note Holder.

The number of days required for payment of a late charge shall not be considered as a grace period for the payment date required under this Note and the Borrower shall be default if the payment is not paid on the due date.

(B) Default

If I do not pay the full amount of each monthly payment on the date it is due, I will be in default.

(C) Notice of Default

If I am in default, the Note Holder may send me a written notice telling me that if I do not pay the overdue amount by a certain date, the Note Holder may require me to pay immediately the full amount of principal which has not been paid and all the interest that I owe on that amount. That date must be at least 30 days after the date on which the notice is mailed to me or delivered by other means.

(D) No Waiver By Note Holder

Even if, at a time when I am in default, the Note Holder does not require me to pay immediately in full as described above, the Note Holder will still have the right to do so if I am in default at a later time.

(E) Payment of Note Holder's Costs and Expenses

If the Note Holder has required me to pay immediately in full as described above, the Note Holder will have the right to be paid back by me for all of its costs and expenses in enforcing this Note to the extent not prohibited by applicable law. Those expenses include, for example, reasonable attorneys' fees.

7. GIVING OF NOTICES

Unless applicable law requires a different method, any notice that must be given to me under this Note will be given by delivering it or by mailing it by first class mail to me at the Property Address above or at a different address if I give the Note Holder a notice of my different address. Any notice that must be given to the Note Holder under this Note will be given by delivering it or by mailing it by first class mail to the Note Holder at the address stated in Section 3(A) above or at a different address if I am given a notice of that different address.

8. OBLIGATIONS OF PERSONS UNDER THIS NOTE

If more than one person signs this Note, each person is fully and personally obligated to keep all of the promises made in this Note, including the promise to pay the full amount owed. Any person who is a guarantor, surety or endorser of this Note is also obligated to do these things. Any person who takes over these obligations, including the obligations of a guarantor, surety or endorser of this Note, is also obligated to keep all of the promises made in this Note. The Note Holder may enforce its rights under this Note against each person individually or against all of us together. This means that any one of us may be required to pay all of the amounts owed under this Note.

9. WAIVERS

I and any other person who has obligations under this Note waive the rights of presentment and notice of dishonor. "Presentment" means the right to require the Note Holder to demand payment of amounts due. "Notice of dishonor" means the right to require the Note Holder to give notice to other persons that amounts due have not been paid.

10. SECURED NOTE

In addition to the protections given to the Note Holder under this Note, a Mortgage, Deed of Trust or Security Deed (the "Security Instrument”), dated the same date as this Note, protects the Note Holder from possible losses which might result if I do not keep the promises which I make in this Note. That Security Instrument describes how and under what conditions I may be required to make immediate payment in full of all amounts I owe under this Note.

WITNESS THE HAND(S) AND SEAL(S) OF THE UNDERSIGNED

(Seal)

Borrower

(Seal)

Borrower

(Seal)

Borrower

(Seal)

Borrower

Enter text

What a Promissory Note Is and When It Applies

A promissory note is a written, signed promise by one party (the borrower) to pay a fixed sum to another party (the lender) under specified terms. It records principal, interest, repayment schedule, and default remedies and can be unsecured or secured by collateral. Promissory notes are commonly used for personal loans, business lending, seller-financed real estate, and intra-company financing. While often informal, a well-drafted note clarifies obligations, supports collection or enforcement actions, and can serve as the basis for a UCC-1 security filing when the lender takes collateral.

Why a Clear Promissory Note Matters

A promissory note documents repayment obligations, reduces dispute risk, and creates enforceable evidence of debt under state contract law and UCC provisions.

Why a Clear Promissory Note Matters

Who Commonly Uses Promissory Notes

Promissory notes are used by individuals, small businesses, lenders, and legal counsel when a documented promise to pay is needed.

  • Individual lenders and borrowers: simple personal loans between friends or family where written terms reduce misunderstanding.
  • Small business owners: short-term working capital or shareholder loans when formal bank financing is not available.
  • Commercial lenders and counsel: formal notes that support collateralization, UCC filings, and enforcement planning.

Choose the formality level—simple unsecured note or secured note with UCC-1 attachment—based on risk, loan size, and enforcement needs.

Typical Signatories and Decision-Makers

Small Business Owner — Founder

A founder or owner signs promissory notes on behalf of an LLC or sole proprietorship when obtaining short-term capital. They should confirm authority under the company operating agreement and ensure the note’s terms align with any existing secured creditor priorities.

Bank Loan Officer — VP

A loan officer or authorized officer signs for institutional lenders. They review credit terms, approval conditions, collateral descriptions, and coordinate UCC filings or perfection steps with legal counsel before execution.

Essential Parts of a Professional Promissory Note

A complete promissory note includes clear, enforceable clauses addressing payment math, default consequences, and applicable law.

Parties & Recitals

Identify borrower and lender by full legal names, business form, addresses, and include a background recital describing the loan purpose and relationship.

Principal Amount

State the exact dollar principal using numerals and words to avoid ambiguity and include any disbursement schedule or advances, if applicable.

Interest Rate

Specify fixed or variable rate calculation method, compounding frequency, and any default or penalty rates while verifying state usury laws.

Repayment Terms

Detail payment amounts, due dates, amortization method, prepayment rights or penalties, and final maturity date for the obligation.

Security & Remedies

If secured, describe collateral and reference UCC-1 filing obligations; include acceleration, late fees, collection costs, and waiver provisions.

Governing Law

Designate the governing state law and venue for disputes; this affects statute of limitations and enforceability procedures.

Required Data Fields at a Glance

Borrower Name: Full legal name
Lender Name: Full legal name
Principal: Exact dollar amount
Interest Rate: Percent and calculation
Maturity Date: MM/DD/YYYY
Payment Terms: Installment frequency

Step-by-Step: Filling Out a Promissory Note

Follow these steps to produce a complete, enforceable note and reduce follow-up questions or corrections.

  • 01
    Prepare Details: Gather names, amounts, dates, and collateral information.
  • 02
    Draft Terms: Enter rate, schedule, prepayment, and default clauses.
  • 03
    Review Authority: Confirm signatory authority or corporate resolution if required.
  • 04
    Execute & Record: Sign, notarize if needed, and file UCC-1 if secured.

Configuring an Online Signing Workflow

Set authentication, required fields, reminders, and storage options before sending to signers to ensure compliance and auditability.

Field Configuration
Signature authentication Email link | SMS code | KBA optional
Template settings Required fields | Conditional logic
Notifications Automated reminders | Completion alerts
Integrations Salesforce | NetSuite | Google Workspace

Where to Send or File the Executed Note

After signing, route executed copies to required parties and file any public notices or security interests promptly.

  • Deliver to Lender: Send signed PDF and certificate of completion to lender.
  • Provide to Borrower: Give borrower a dated fully executed copy for records.
  • File UCC-1: File in the appropriate state if note is secured.
  • Store Securely: Archive signed copy with audit trail and retention metadata.

Digital Signing and Delivery Considerations

Use an eSignature platform that supports secure authentication, an audit trail, and long-term storage for legal reliability.

  • Authentication: Email, SMS, or stronger methods
  • Audit Trail: IP, timestamp, and action log
  • Integration: CRM, cloud storage, and UCC filing workflows

Common Errors to Avoid When Preparing a Note

  • Using informal or ambiguous payment language that creates enforcement disputes.
  • Failing to include interest calculation method or using inconsistent compounding rules.
  • Omitting signer authority for corporate borrowers, which can lead to invalidation.
  • Not perfecting security interests with a timely UCC-1, allowing competing creditors to prevail.

Consequences of an Incorrect or Incomplete Promissory Note

Enforceability Risk: Ambiguous terms can make repayment obligations hard to prove
Priority Loss: Failure to file UCC-1 may cost secured-party priority
Usury Exposure: Incorrect interest terms can trigger state usury penalties
Collection Costs: Poor drafting can increase litigation and recovery expenses
Tax Consequences: Mischaracterized loans may affect borrower or lender tax reporting
Regulatory Noncompliance: Improper handling of regulated data can trigger HIPAA or consumer-law issues

Practical Tips for Accurate and Efficient Completion

Adopt consistent formats and pre-approved templates to reduce errors and speed execution while preserving legal clarity.

Use Standard Templates
Start from a vetted template to ensure all essential clauses are present and reduce drafting time.
Confirm Signer Authority
For entity borrowers, attach a corporate resolution or officer certificate to establish signing power.
Choose Governing Law Carefully
Select a state with predictable contract law and consider forum selection for dispute resolution.
Document Collateral Precisely
Describe collateral in detail and file a UCC-1 in the correct jurisdiction to perfect security interests.

Comparing eSignature Pricing and Key Capabilities

High-level vendor comparison for common capabilities and starting prices; signNow is listed first per table conventions.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial Yes, 7-day trial Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes Varies by plan
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Frequently Asked Questions About Promissory Notes

Answers to common legal and practical questions when preparing, signing, and storing promissory notes.


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