Both names must endorse the check, but you have options for where to cash it
A tax refund check with two names on it requires both people to sign the back before any bank or check-cashing service will cash it. The IRS issues joint refunds when a married couple files jointly, when spouses file separately but the refund covers both of them, or when an amended return involves multiple taxpayers. You cannot cash the check with only one signature, and the person who is not present cannot simply sign a blank check ahead of time—most financial institutions will reject that as a security risk.
The practical path depends on whether both people can be present at the same time and place. If they can, cashing the check is straightforward. If they cannot, you have a narrower set of options, but they exist.
Key Takeaways
- Both people named on the check must sign the back in person at the same time; one person cannot sign ahead of time or by mail.
- A bank where at least one of you has an account will usually cash it without charging a fee, even if the other person is not a customer.
- Check-cashing services and grocery store money centers will cash it if both people are present with ID, but may charge a fee of $5 to $15.
- If one person cannot be present, a notarized power of attorney or a third-party endorsement may work, but policies vary widely by institution.
- The IRS can reissue the check in one name only if both people request it in writing, which takes several weeks.
Cashing the check when both people can be present
Take the check and both forms of ID to a bank branch. If either of you has an account at that bank, you can usually cash it for free. The teller will ask both of you to sign the back of the check in front of them. Some banks will not cash it if neither of you is a customer, so call ahead if you are unsure.
If you do not have a bank account or prefer not to use a bank, check-cashing services and grocery store money centers (Walmart, Kroger, Safeway) will cash it. Bring both forms of ID and expect to pay a fee—typically $5 to $15 depending on the check amount and the location. Call first to confirm they will cash a two-name check, because policies vary.
Both people must be physically present and sign in front of the teller or cashier. Do not sign the check before you arrive; sign it only when asked to do so at the counter.
When only one person can be present
If both people cannot go to the same location at the same time, your options narrow. The most reliable route is a notarized power of attorney. The person who will not be present signs a document in front of a notary public authorizing the other person to endorse and cash the check on their behalf. The notary stamps and signs the document. You then take the original power of attorney, both forms of ID, and the check to a bank or check-cashing service.
This works at most banks and many check-cashing services, but not all. Call ahead and ask whether they will accept a power of attorney for check endorsement. Getting a document notarized costs $10 to $25 and takes about 15 minutes. Many banks offer notary services to customers for free; UPS stores, FedEx Office, and some pharmacies offer it to the public for a fee.
A second option is third-party endorsement, but this is less reliable. The person who is not present signs the back of the check. The person who is present also signs the back, writes "For deposit only" or "Pay to the order of [their name]," and brings the check and both IDs to their own bank. Some banks will deposit it into the account of the person who is present; others will refuse because the check is not made out to that person. This method does not work at check-cashing services. Call your bank first to ask whether they will accept a third-party endorsed check.
Getting the IRS to reissue the check in one name
If neither of you can be present together and you do not want to use a power of attorney, you can ask the IRS to reissue the check in one name only. Both people must sign a written request and mail it to the IRS address shown on the back of the check, along with a copy of the check itself.
The IRS will process the request and mail a new check to the address on file. This takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date they receive your letter. You will need to include both signatures, so the person who is not present must sign the letter and mail it with you, or you must mail it separately and coordinate timing.
This method is slow but removes the need for both people to be present. It is most useful if you are not in a hurry or if the other person lives far away.
What happens if you try to cash it with only one signature
Banks and check-cashing services will refuse to cash a check with two names if only one person has signed it. They are required by law to verify that all payees have endorsed the check. If you try to deposit it into a bank account, the deposit may be rejected, or the bank may hold the funds while they attempt to contact the other person. If the other person cannot be reached or does not sign, the check will be returned to the IRS.
Do not attempt to forge the other person's signature. This is a federal crime and will result in criminal charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sign the check and mail it to the other person to sign?
No. Most banks and check-cashing services require both signatures to be made in person at the time of cashing. Mailing a partially signed check creates a security risk and will be rejected. Both people must sign at the same location and time, or one person must have a notarized power of attorney.
What if one person is deceased?
Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to report the death and request a reissue in the surviving person's name only. You will need to provide a death certificate. The IRS will mail a new check, which takes several weeks. Do not attempt to cash a check with a deceased person's name on it.
Can a bank deposit the check into a joint account instead of cashing it?
Yes. If both people have a joint account at the bank, you can deposit the check into that account. Both people still need to endorse it, but you do not need to cash it. The funds will be available according to the bank's deposit hold policy, usually one to three business days.
Do I need both people's IDs even if one person has a power of attorney?
Yes. Bring both forms of ID and the original notarized power of attorney. The bank or check-cashing service will verify the identity of the person who is present and will review the power of attorney to confirm it authorizes check endorsement.
What if the check is made out to "John Smith or Jane Smith" instead of "and"?
An "or" check means either person can cash it alone without the other's signature. Only one person needs to sign the back and present ID. This is different from an "and" check, which requires both signatures. Look at the exact wording on the front of the check to confirm which applies to yours.