Is it illegal to forge a signature if you have permission?

Question

Just curiosity...I sign my husband's name all the time. Is that illegal even thought I have his permission?

Answer 1

A lot of married people sign their husband or wife's name all the time.  It's not really that big of a deal.  But in reality, it could be a crime called forgery.  Just depends on if your husband wanted to press the issue.

Answer 2

If you claim it to be his signature, it is still illegal.

You can scribble whatever you want with or without your husband's permission, as long as you don't claim he wrote it. He himself must sign his signature for it to be valid, otherwise you must use your own.

Answer 3

Yes I believe it is still illegal. It's still forgery of signature.

  

Answer 4

Forging a signature is illegal.  Unless the person whose signature you are forging is physically present to verify, who can know for certain you have their consent?   If they are physically unable to sign you should get their power of attorney (notarized) to be legally able to sign legal documents for them.  You must keep the power of attorney letter with you and present it when signing for him.   In signing fishing or hunting licenses for your husband with his name, it is not legal in the strict interpretation of law, but usually accepted when you have his driver's license or his state photo ID for the purpose of the purchase.  

Answer 5

Depending on what you are signing.

Understand that signing a legal form (ie. bank information, medical, legal info, stuff like that) with someones name, with or without permission is illegal. However some things like signing for packages aren't.

It also may depend on where you live, I live in Ontario Canada.

I would advise you to call a local lawyer and ask to find out for sure, better safe than sorry.

Answer 6

I've had the only legal permission allowed for forging my husband's signature:  power of attorney.  If you get one of those, then you sign his name and write something like "by power of attorney" with it.  It's been a while, so I can't remember exactly.  I always felt a little weird signing his name, even though it was perfectly legal.

Answer 7

Forgery includes the intent to defraud.  Consent negates that factor.