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Promissory Note
Principal Amount
Date
Borrower
Lender
Interest Rate
Maturity Date
Repayment
Installment Amount
First Payment Due
Late Fee
Governing State
Terms
1. Promise to Pay
For value received, the Borrower promises to pay the Lender the principal amount stated above, plus interest on the unpaid balance at the interest rate stated above, until paid in full.
2. Payments
The Borrower will make payments as stated above, to the Lender’s address or by another method the Lender designates in writing. Payments are applied first to accrued interest and late fees, then to principal. Any remaining balance is due on the maturity date.
3. Prepayment
The Borrower may prepay all or part of the balance at any time without penalty.
4. Late Payment
If a payment is not received within the grace period stated above, the Borrower will pay the late fee stated above, to the extent permitted by law.
5. Default
If the Borrower fails to make any payment within 30 days of its due date, the Lender may give written notice and declare the entire unpaid balance and accrued interest immediately due.
6. Collection Costs
If the Lender must take action to collect this note, the Borrower will pay reasonable collection costs, including attorney’s fees, to the extent permitted by law.
7. General
The interest rate will not exceed the maximum rate allowed by law. This note is governed by the laws of the state stated above. If any part of this note is unenforceable, the rest remains in effect. The Lender’s delay in enforcing any right is not a waiver of that right.
The Borrower has read and agrees to the terms of this note.
Borrower
Signature
Printed Name
Date
Co-Signer (if any)
Signature
Printed Name
Date
※ Interest limits (usury laws) and enforcement rules vary by state. This template is provided for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws vary by state; consider having an attorney review it before signing.
How to fill out a Promissory Note
Free Promissory Note template
A promissory note is a written, signed promise by a borrower to repay a specific amount of money to a lender, with or without interest, on set terms. It records the loan amount, interest rate, payment schedule and what happens if payments are missed.
How to fill it out
Enter the principal amount, the date, and the borrower's and lender's full names and addresses.
Set the annual interest rate (enter 0% for an interest-free loan) and the maturity date.
Choose monthly installments or one lump-sum payment and fill in the installment amount and first payment date.
Add a late fee if you want one and the state whose law governs the note.
Read the terms, then have the borrower (and any co-signer) sign and date the note. The lender keeps the original.
Tips
Check your state's usury law — charging more than the legal maximum interest rate can make the note unenforceable or carry penalties.
For family loans, the IRS may treat loans with interest below the applicable federal rate (AFR) differently; larger loans may have tax consequences, so consider asking a tax professional.
Keep a record of every payment, and give the borrower a receipt for each one.
When the loan is paid off, mark the note "Paid in Full," sign it and return it to the borrower.
Promissory Note example
Principal Amount
$5,000.00
Borrower
Michael Johnson, 456 Oak Ave, Springfield, IL 62704
Lender
Jane Smith, 123 Main St, Springfield, IL 62701
Interest Rate
5% per year (simple)
Maturity Date
October 15, 2027
Repayment
Monthly installments
Installment Amount
$428.04
First Payment Due
November 15, 2026
Late Fee
$25 if more than 10 days late
Governing State
Illinois
Borrower
Printed Name
Michael Johnson
Date
October 13, 2026
All names, companies and contact details are fictional. Click “Fill sample” above to put this example into the empty fields; click again to remove the parts you did not change.
FAQ
Is a promissory note legally binding?
Generally yes, if it is signed and states the amount, the promise to repay and the terms. Enforceability depends on state law, so consider an attorney review for large amounts.
What is the difference between a promissory note and a loan agreement?
A promissory note is usually a shorter document signed by the borrower promising to repay. A loan agreement is a longer contract signed by both parties with more detailed terms, such as collateral and covenants.
Does a promissory note need to be notarized?
Usually not. A signature from the borrower is generally enough, though notarization can help prove the signature is genuine.