Promissory Note Template - Learn How to Fill Out
Jump to Section
Quick Facts — Promissory Note Template Lawyers
- Avg cost to draft a Promissory Note Agreement: $710.00
- Avg cost to review a Promissory Note Agreement: $390.00
- Lawyers available: 178 financial lawyers
- Clients helped: 267 recent promissory note template projects
- Avg lawyer rating: 4.98 (28 reviews)
Find Promissory Note Agreement Templates by Type
What Is a Promissory Note Template?
A promissory note template is a lawyer-drafted document used to formalize a loan agreement between two parties. It outlines the loan amount, repayment terms, interest rate, due dates, and consequences of default. The note acts as written proof of the debt and the borrower’s obligation to repay the lender under the agreed terms.
As a template, it includes blank fields to be filled in with case-specific details before being executed. These fields typically include:
- [Date] of the agreement
- [Lender Name]
- [Dollar Amount] (loan principal)
- [Interest Rate]
- [Due Date] or [Payment Amount], [Frequency], and [Start Date]
- [State] (for governing law)
- Signatures and printed names for both the borrower and lender
What Are the Different Types of Promissory Note Templates?
Depending on the type of loan or asset involved, different promissory note templates are used. The most common categories include:
Real Estate Promissory Note
Used when one party lends money for a real estate purchase or refinance, often alongside a mortgage or deed of trust.
Investment Promissory Note
Used when someone invests in a business or venture and expects repayment with interest.
Commercial Promissory Note
Used by businesses to formalize borrowing from investors, partners, or third parties.
Vehicle Promissory Note
Outlines the repayment terms for a loan used to buy or finance a car or other vehicle.
Personal Loan Promissory Note
Used between individuals—often friends or family—to document personal loans with clear terms.
Secured Promissory Note
Backed by collateral, such as property, vehicles, or equipment. Allows the lender to take possession of the asset if the borrower defaults.
Unsecured Promissory Note
Not backed by collateral—relies solely on the borrower’s promise to repay.
What Are the Important Terms Included in a Promissory Note?
While the structure can vary depending on the type, most promissory notes include the following key provisions:
- Principal Amount – The total amount being loaned.
- Interest Rate – The annual rate applied to the unpaid balance.
- Repayment Terms – Whether the borrower will make one lump-sum payment or multiple installments.
- Due Date or Schedule – The specific date by which the loan must be paid, or a recurring payment schedule.
- Default Clause – Describes the consequences if the borrower fails to pay on time.
- Governing Law – Specifies which state's laws govern the contract.
- Signatures – Signatures and names of both parties to make the note legally enforceable.
How To Fill Out a Promissory Note Template
Here’s a step-by-step guide for completing your promissory note template:
Step 1: Fill in the Date
Enter the [Date] at the top of the document when the agreement is being created.
Step 2: Add Lender and Borrower Names
Replace [Lender Name] with the full legal name of the person or business lending the money. The borrower is the person or entity signing the note and agreeing to repay.
Step 3: Enter the Loan Amount and Interest Rate
Fill in the loan [Dollar Amount] as the principal to be repaid. Specify the [Interest Rate] as an annual percentage (e.g., 5%).
Step 4: Choose and Complete Repayment Terms
Choose one of the following repayment structures:
Lump-Sum Payment
Enter the full [Due Date] when the entire loan must be repaid.
Installment Payments
Fill in the recurring [Dollar Amount] for each payment.
Indicate the [Day] (e.g., 1st, 15th) and [Month/Week] (e.g., monthly, weekly).
Enter the [Start Date] for when payments begin.
Example: "The Borrower shall make payments of $500 on the 15th of each month beginning on July 15, 2025."
Step 5: Specify the Governing Law
Replace [State] with the state whose laws should apply to the contract.
Step 6: Add Signatures
At the bottom of the template, both the
Borrower
and
Lender
should sign.
Type or print their full legal names below each signature.
Final Notes
A promissory note is a legally binding document that protects both the lender and the borrower by clearly outlining repayment terms. Whether you're lending a friend money, financing a vehicle sale, or structuring a commercial investment, a well-drafted promissory note template ensures that expectations are clear and enforceable.
Before finalizing your document, consider having a lawyer review your completed template—especially for larger sums or when collateral is involved. This helps ensure full legal compliance and reduces risk.
See Real Promissory Note Agreement Projects
New Jersey Set up loan contract / promissory note on a personal loan with equity in property as collateral Drafting
- New Jersey
- 3 lawyer bids
- $700 - $1,800
Washington Promissory note for borrowing money Drafting
- Washington
- 3 lawyer bids
- $300 - $1,200
California Review PROMISSORY NOTE contract that entails real estate Review
- California
- 5 lawyer bids
- $300 - $499
Georgia Help Reviewing Promissory Note for Loan Review
- Georgia
- 4 lawyer bids
- $350 - $599
California Secure Promissory Note for loans provided to Comet Skateboards, Inc Drafting
- California
- 2 lawyer bids
- $700 - $750
See all Promissory Note Agreement projects
ContractsCounsel is not a law firm, and this post should not be considered and does not contain legal advice. To ensure the information and advice in this post are correct, sufficient, and appropriate for your situation, please consult a licensed attorney. Also, using or accessing ContractsCounsel's site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and ContractsCounsel.
Need help with a Promissory Note Template?
Meet some of our Promissory Note Template Lawyers
Nicholas M.
Nicholas Matlach is a cybersecurity expert (CISSP) and an attorney who is dedicated to helping small businesses succeed. He is a client-focused professional who has a deep understanding of the challenges that small businesses face in the digital age. He also provides legal counsel to small businesses on a variety of issues, including formation, intellectual property, contracts, and employment law.
"Enjoyed his demeanor. Professional yet down to earth. The document created for me was very explicit and easy to read. I would recommend :)"
Eric M.
Experienced and business-oriented attorney with a great depth of contract experience including vendor contracts, service contracts, employment, licenses, operating agreements and other corporate compliance documents.
Heather B.
Heather B.
Delivering proactive and strategic guidance to health and fitness professionals and entities as they scale.
"Heather reviewed and redlined the client services agreement for my automation consultancy, including a CCPA service-provider addendum and an AI systems addendum, plus California auto-renewal requirements. Two things stood out. When I pushed back on her redline and reworked a clause myself, she engaged with the reasoning rather than defending her own draft, and where I had spotted a real conflict between an indemnity provision and a liability cap she confirmed it and told me exactly how to fix it. Second, she did not stop at the paperwork. She flagged that the contract allocation was helpful but that an operational pre-launch check would be the stronger protection, which is the kind of thing you only get from someone thinking about whether you actually stay out of trouble rather than whether the document is defensible. Clear, specific, and worth it."
George O.
George Oggero is a down-to-earth lawyer who understands that his clients are human beings. He is a lifelong Houston resident. He graduated from St. Thomas High School and then Texas A&M University. He obtained his Doctor of Jurisprudence from South Texas College of Law in 2007. He is experienced in real estate, criminal defense, civil/commercial matters, personal, injury, business matters, general counsel on-demand, and litigation.
"George simply and clearly helped me understand the requirements associated with my business which saves me time, money and unnecessary paperwork!"
Morgan S.
Corporate Attorney that represents startups, businesses, investors, VC/PE doing business throughout the country. Representing in a range of matters from formation to regulatory compliance to financings to exit. Have a practice that represents both domestic and foreign startups, businesses, and entrepreneurs. Along with VC, Private Equity, and investors.
"Morgan was very detailed in his response and explanations. He showed me red flags, potential solutions, and where problems may occur. He explained some high risk clauses that did not make sense and I should not accept. Overall, Morgan saved me from bad business deal when I flagged his concerns to the counterparty. Thanks Morgan!"
Lawrence S.
Lawrence A. “Larry” Saichek is an AV rated attorney and a CPA focusing on business and real estate transactions, corporate law and alternative dispute resolution. With a background including five years of public accounting and six years as “in house” counsel to a national real estate investment company, Larry brings a unique perspective to his clients – as attorney, accountant and businessman. Many clients think of Larry as their outside “in house” counsel and a valued member of their team. Larry is also a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator and a qualified arbitrator with over 25 years of ADR experience.
"High recommend. Lawrence is very detailed and responsive. Will use again"
July 15, 2020
Brett G.
Entertainment Attorney with 30+ years of experience, representing all aspects of the TV, Film, Music and Publishing Industries
Find the best lawyer for your project
Browse Lawyers NowLawyer Reviews for Promissory Note Template Projects
Enforceable Promissory Note
"Zach was fantastic, he was quick, efficient, and affordable. He did a quality job and was great at adding in everything I needed. He was very easy to work with."
Review Promissory Note
"I had an excellent experience working with Allen to review my promissory note. Allen was professional, thorough, and took the time to clearly explain the terms, risks, and implications in a way that was easy to understand. I appreciated his attention to detail and responsiveness throughout the process. His guidance gave me confidence and peace of mind before moving forward. I would highly recommend his service to anyone needing careful and knowledgeable legal review."
Review Promissory Note
"David was very informative during our initial call, and helped me understand the scope of work that my project needed depending on how many legal avenues I wanted addressed and covered. The work he provided was detailed and completed by the deadline that he provided."
Promissory Note Review
"Great to work with Michael - very professional and easy to work with. Highly recommend."
Create Promissory Note
"Lori was professional, experienced, and effective. She delivered exactly what I needed with clarity and precision. Highly recommended."
Quick, user friendly and one of the better ways I've come across to get ahold of lawyers willing to take new clients.
View Trustpilot ReviewFinancial lawyers by top cities
- Austin Financial Lawyers
- Boston Financial Lawyers
- Chicago Financial Lawyers
- Dallas Financial Lawyers
- Denver Financial Lawyers
- Houston Financial Lawyers
- Los Angeles Financial Lawyers
- New York Financial Lawyers
- Phoenix Financial Lawyers
- San Diego Financial Lawyers
- Tampa Financial Lawyers
Promissory Note Template lawyers by city
- Austin Promissory Note Template Lawyers
- Boston Promissory Note Template Lawyers
- Chicago Promissory Note Template Lawyers
- Dallas Promissory Note Template Lawyers
- Denver Promissory Note Template Lawyers
- Houston Promissory Note Template Lawyers
- Los Angeles Promissory Note Template Lawyers
- New York Promissory Note Template Lawyers
- Phoenix Promissory Note Template Lawyers
- San Diego Promissory Note Template Lawyers
- Tampa Promissory Note Template Lawyers
ContractsCounsel User
Set up loan contract / promissory note on a personal loan with equity in property as collateral
Location: New Jersey
Turnaround: A week
Service: Drafting
Doc Type: Promissory Note Agreement
Number of Bids: 3
Bid Range: $700 - $1,800
User Feedback:
ContractsCounsel User