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Pennsylvania Unsecured Promissory Note

Create Pennsylvania Unsecured Promissory Note - $7.99

Not a blank template - your details are filled in, formatted to Pennsylvania law, and ready to sign.

Prepare a legally conforming Unsecured Promissory Note for Pennsylvania that includes all required terms under Pennsylvania promissory note law. Fill in your loan details and download your completed, ready-to-sign Unsecured Promissory Note as a professional PDF.

Pennsylvania law governs promissory notes with specific usury limits and enforcement rules that shields both lending party and debtor. The usury limit in Pennsylvania is 6% maximum for loans under $50,000. Lenders have 6 years to file suit to collect on a promissory note in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania law requires 3 specific elements in a valid promissory note.

Pennsylvania Promissory Note Requirements

Max Interest Rate 6%
Rate Details 6% maximum for loans under $50,000
Usury Penalty Treble excess interest penalty (usury-recovery claims must be brought within four years)
Statute of Limitations 6 years
Notarization Recommended
Witnesses Recommended (1)
Governing Agency Pennsylvania Courts of Common Pleas
Required Elements Written agreement signed by borrower; Clear repayment terms; Interest rate disclosure

Pennsylvania Unsecured Promissory Note Signing Checklist

Print this or save it as a PDF and use it at the signing. Review every item before any party puts pen to paper.

Before you sign

  • Both the lender and borrower read the full note before signing.
  • Confirm the principal amount, interest rate, and repayment terms match what was agreed.
  • Confirm any late fee amount and grace period are correct.
  • The lender keeps the original signed note in a safe place.
  • Each party keeps a signed copy for their own records.

Pennsylvania rules to know

  • Keep the interest rate at or below Pennsylvania's usury cap of 6% per year (6% maximum for loans under $50,000).
  • Notarization is not required in Pennsylvania but is strongly recommended. A notarized note is self-authenticating in court and harder to dispute.
  • 1 witness is recommended in Pennsylvania even though not legally required.
  • In Pennsylvania, the lender has 6 years from the date of default to file suit to collect on the note.

In the note itself

  • Borrower's full legal name and current address.
  • Lender's full legal name and current address.
  • Principal loan amount written out in both numbers and words.
  • Annual interest rate (expressed as a percentage).
  • Maturity date (the date by which the full balance must be repaid).
  • Late fee amount and grace period, if any.
  • Signatures of both parties (and witnesses if required).
  • A clear statement that no collateral secures this note and the lender relies solely on the borrower's promise to repay.

This checklist is a reference aid only. Consult an attorney for advice specific to your situation. Usury and enforcement rules for Pennsylvania may change; verify current rates before signing.

What to Include in a Pennsylvania Unsecured Promissory Note

Every Unsecured Promissory Note in Pennsylvania should include the following necessary provisions: the full legal names and addresses of both the lender and obligor, the principal loan amount, the interest rate (which must not exceed 6% maximum for loans under $50,000 under Pennsylvania law), the repayment schedule and due dates, any late payment penalties, the consequences of default, and the governing law clause.

Pennsylvania requires the following elements in a valid promissory note: written agreement signed by borrower, clear repayment terms, interest rate disclosure. Lowest cap in nation for small loans.

How to Complete a Pennsylvania Unsecured Promissory Note

To complete a Unsecured Promissory Note in Pennsylvania, start by gathering the necessary information: the full legal names and addresses of both parties, the loan amount, the agreed-upon interest rate (must be at or below 6% maximum for loans under $50,000 in Pennsylvania), the repayment terms, and any collateral details if applicable.

Our platform walks you through each section with a guided form tailored to Pennsylvania requirements. Once you have filled in all details, you can preview the document, choose from five professional document styles, and download your completed Unsecured Promissory Note as a PDF.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum interest rate for a promissory note in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania caps interest at 6% maximum for loans under $50,000. Charging above the legal limit is usury - in Pennsylvania, the penalty is: treble excess interest penalty (usury-recovery claims must be brought within four years). Always confirm the current rate with an attorney, as usury laws can change.
Do I need a notary for a promissory note in Pennsylvania?
Notarization is not required in Pennsylvania for a promissory note to be legally valid. Notarizing it anyway is strongly recommended - it deters forgery claims, simplifies court enforcement, and makes the note self-authenticating as evidence. Having 1 witness is also recommended.
What happens if a borrower defaults on a promissory note in Pennsylvania?
Upon default, the lender may demand immediate repayment of the full outstanding balance, charge any default interest rate specified in the note, and file suit in Pennsylvania court. Lenders have 6 years from the date of default to file a lawsuit under Pennsylvania's statute of limitations for written contracts.
Is an unsecured promissory note enforceable in Pennsylvania?
Yes. An unsecured promissory note is a legally enforceable contract in Pennsylvania even without collateral. If the borrower defaults, the lender can sue in Pennsylvania court and obtain a judgment, which can be used to garnish wages or bank accounts. Lenders have 6 years to file suit.
Is a promissory note the same as an IOU?
No. An IOU is an informal acknowledgment of a debt - it typically lacks repayment terms, interest rates, and default provisions. A promissory note is a formal legal contract with specific terms including the loan amount, interest rate, repayment schedule, and consequences of default. Promissory notes are far more enforceable in court than informal IOUs.
Is a promissory note legally binding in Pennsylvania?
Yes. A properly executed promissory note is an enforceable contract in Pennsylvania. It must identify both parties, state the loan amount and repayment terms, and be signed by the borrower. Lenders have 6 years to pursue legal action to collect on a defaulted note.
What is Pennsylvania's usury limit for private loans?
Pennsylvania's Loan Interest and Protection Law (Act 6) limits consumer loan interest to 6% per year for loans under $50,000 unless made by a licensed lender - though many consumer transactions are exempt by other statutes. For non-consumer business loans between private parties, Pennsylvania courts apply a reasonableness standard. For a negotiable promissory note, Pennsylvania applies the Uniform Commercial Code six-year period (13 Pa.C.S. 3118); a note under seal can run longer. Licensed lenders may charge higher rates under separate licensing laws.

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