California Unsecured Promissory Note Template
Put a private loan in writing the right way — with California’s interest-rate limit and legal notes built in. Editable Word + print-ready PDF, instant download.
Everything You Need to Document the Loan
A California-specific note you can fill in and sign in minutes — not a generic free form that ignores state law.
Editable Word + PDF
Replace the [bracketed] fields in Word, or print the PDF. Reusable for every loan you make.
California Interest Cap Built In
Keeps your rate inside California’s 10% usury limit with an automatic safeguard clause.
Flexible Repayment
Choose installments, a single lump sum, or payable on demand.
Notary Block Included
A California notary acknowledgment block for added protection (notarization recommended).
Plain-English Instructions
Step-by-step guidance plus California legal notes on usury, time limits, and signing.
Full Coverage
Interest, default, acceleration, late charges, prepayment, attorney fees, and governing law.
Unsecured Promissory Note
- Editable Word (.docx) template + print-ready PDF
- California usury cap built into the interest clause
- Installments, single payment, or on-demand options
- California notary acknowledgment block
- Plain-English instructions + California legal notes
- Reusable for future loans
About This California Unsecured Promissory Note
An unsecured promissory note documents a loan that is not backed by collateral — the kind you make to family, a friend, or in a private deal. It puts the amount, interest, repayment schedule, and what happens on default in writing, so both sides are protected. This version is tailored to California and ready to fill in.
California's Interest-Rate Limit (Why State-Specific Matters)
California’s usury limit is generally 10% per year for personal, family, or household loans (California Constitution Art. XV, Sec. 1); other loans may use the greater of 10% or 5% over the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco rate. California has broad exemptions — including loans made or arranged by a licensed real estate broker and seller-carryback (credit-sale) financing, which is generally not treated as a loan subject to usury. Penalties are severe (forfeiture of all interest, treble damages). This template keeps your rate inside the California limit with an automatic safeguard clause. An action on a written contract in California generally must be brought within 4 years (a negotiable note payable at a definite time may have a 6-year period).
📝 What you can edit
Replace every [bracketed] field with your details, keep the one repayment option you want and delete the rest, and confirm your interest rate. Everything is editable in Word.
Who it's for
Anyone lending or borrowing money privately in California who wants a clear, enforceable written record without paying a lawyer hundreds of dollars.
How to use it
Open the editable Word file, replace every [bracketed] field, keep the repayment option you want, confirm your interest rate is within the California limit (or that an exemption applies), then print and sign. Notarization is recommended; a California notary block is included.
Frequently Asked Questions
What buyers ask before downloading.
What's included?
An editable Word (.docx) template plus a print-ready PDF, with plain-English instructions, California legal notes, and a California notary acknowledgment block.
Is it specific to California?
Yes. It includes California's interest-rate (usury) cap and legal notes. A generic or out-of-state form can get the lawful rate wrong, and California penalties for usury are severe.
Do I need a notary or witnesses?
California does not require either for a promissory note to be valid, but notarization is recommended to confirm identity. A California notary block is included.
What repayment options does it cover?
Installments, a single lump-sum payment, or payable on demand — you keep the one you want and delete the rest.
Can I reuse it for future loans?
Yes. It is an editable template you can use again for any future loan.
Is this legal advice?
No. This is a fill-in template from a nonlawyer document service, not legal advice. For complex or high-value loans, consult a licensed California attorney.
Legal Disclaimer: Noble Notary & Legal Document Preparers is a nonlawyer document preparation service, not a law firm. This is a fill-in legal document template for your own use, not legal advice, and we cannot represent you. Replace all bracketed fields before signing and confirm whether your loan is subject to California’s 10% usury cap or qualifies for an exemption. For real-estate-secured loans, high-value, or complex matters, consult a licensed California attorney.
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