25 CFR § 117.33 - Signature of illiterates.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t25/s117.33"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "25 CFR § 117.33 - Signature of illiterates."
title_number: 25
title_name: "Indians"
section_number: "117.33"
section_name: "Signature of illiterates."
chapter_name: "BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR"
subchapter_number: "G"
subchapter_name: "FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES"
part_number: "117"
part_name: "DEPOSIT AND EXPENDITURE OF INDIVIDUAL FUNDS OF MEMBERS OF THE OSAGE TRIBE OF INDIANS WHO DO NOT HAVE CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "5 U.S.C. 301."
regulatory_source: "22 FR 10554, Dec. 24, 1957, unless otherwise noted. Redesignated at 47 FR 13327, Mar. 30, 1982."
cfr_part: "117"
---


# 117.33 Signature of illiterates.

An Indian who cannot write shall be required to endorse checks payable to his order and sign receipts or other documents by making an imprint of the ball of the right thumb (or the left, if he has lost his right) after his name. This imprint shall be clear and distinct, showing the central whorl and striations and witnessed by two reputable persons whose addresses shall be given opposite or following their names. An Indian may sign by marking “X” before two witnesses where he is unable to attach his thumb mark for physical reasons.