Home > West's Encyclopedia of American Law > X as a Signature

"X" as a signature refers to a cross that is printed in lieu of an individual's signature. A signature is required to authenticate wills, deeds, and certain commercial instruments. Typically, individuals sign their full names when executing legal documents. Sometimes, however, individuals use only their initials or other identifying mark. For illiterate, incompetent, or disabled people, this mark is often the letter X. Documents signed with an X sometimes raise questions as to their validity and enforceability.

For example, wills must be signed by the testator in order to be valid and enforceable. A testator's signature may take the form of his full name, nickname, initials, or other identifying mark, including a thumbprint or blood splotch. In many jurisdictions testators may authenticate their last will and testament with the letter X. Before an X may be treated as a binding signature during a proceeding to contest a will,...