How do I sign documents when I'm physically unable?

To “execute” a document means that you sign your name to the document as a symbol of your commitment to the agreements that are in the document. Usually once you execute a document, the agreement or commitments will be legally binding. That means that you will be responsible for what you agreed to do in the document. Certain documents will have extra rules for their execution like being signed in front of a notary or witnesses. 

Some examples of documents you might execute are:

• Purchase agreements for vehicles, furniture, RVs or other property
• Power of Attorney forms
• A Will
• Healthcare Directives
• A Deed
• Family contracts like a parenting plan
• Relationship contracts like a Living Together Contract or Known Donor Agreement
• Settlement agreements
• Non-disclosure agreements
• Legal contracts like real estate contracts

Yes, if all of these are true: 

• You want to sign the document.
• You understand what the document says.
• You understand what the agreements obligate you to do.
• You’re physically unable to write your name. 

If you understand the document, and the consequences of signing it, you may have alternatives to a physical signature.

Yes. A notary can sign for you if all these are true:

• You have a disability that keeps you from being able to sign the document.
• The notary has proof that you can’t sign your name or make your mark, and you otherwise understand the document and the consequences of signing it.
• The notary's statement states that the notary obtained your signature under RCW 64.08.100.
• You tell the notary to sign your name for you. 

Maybe. Your Power of Attorney form gives your agent the power to make certain decisions on your behalf, including health care decisions and financial decisions. You should review your Power of Attorney form to see if it gives your agent the power to sign for you on the form you want to sign.

If you can still sign with a mark that you consider to be your signature, you don’t need a notary. Legally, the mark is enough. It doesn’t matter how it looks. 

If it’s hard to read, have the mark notarized or witnessed. Then no one can argue later that you didn’t sign the document. 

If your signature is now different from the last time you signed an official document (such as an election ballot, driver license, and so on), you must contact the agency in charge of the document to explain the change.

State law at RCW 11.12.030 tells you exactly how to sign a Will when you are physically unable. 

Example 1: You understand the Will and the consequence of signing a Will (for example, your possessions will go to certain people or organizations when you die). A stroke has paralyzed you. You tell your friend, Sue Smith, to sign your name on your Will. Sue signs your name, then her own name, and states that she signed your name at your request. 

• The Will would look like this: 

  "Your Name, signed by Sue Smith at Your Name’s request."

Example 2: You could make a mark, such as an "X,” on the signature line. That is the same as a signature. 

You must still have 2 people witness you signing a Will when you are signing it with a mark or are having someone sign for you.