District Of Columbia § 28:7-505 - Indorser not guarantor for other parties.

Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 28:7-505 — Indorser not guarantor for other parties., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 28:7-505. Indorser not guarantor for other parties.

28:7-505

The indorsement of a tangible document of title issued by a bailee does not make the indorser liable for any default by the bailee or previous indorsers.

Annotations

“Party”. Section 1-201.

“Document of title”. Section 1-201.

“Bailee”. Section 7-102.

Sections 7-106 and 7-502.

This section is limited to tangible documents of title as the concept of indorsement is irrelevant to electronic documents of title. Electronic documents of title will be transferred by delivery of control. Section 7-106. The indorsement of a tangible document of title is generally understood to be directed towards perfecting the transferee’s rights rather than towards assuming additional obligations. The language of the present section, however, does not preclude the one case in which an indorsement given for value guarantees future action, namely, that in which the bailee has not yet become liable upon the document at the time of the indorsement. Under such circumstances the indorser, of course, engages that appropriate honor of the document by the bailee will occur. See Section 7-502(a)(4) as to negotiable delivery orders. However, even in such a case, once the bailee attorns to the transferee, the indorser’s obligation has been fulfilled and the policy of this section excludes any continuing obligation on the part of the indorser for the bailee’s ultimate actual performance.

Limited to tangible documents of title.

Former Section 7-505.

“Party”. Section 1-201.

“Document of title”. Section 1-201.

“Bailee”. Section 7-102.

Section 7-502.

The indorsement of a document of title is generally understood to be directed towards perfecting the transferee’s rights rather than towards assuming additional obligations. The language of the present section, however, does not preclude the one case in which an indorsement given for value guarantees future action, namely, that in which the bailee has not yet become liable upon the document at the time of the indorsement. Under such circumstances the indorser, of course, engages that appropriate honor of the document by the bailee will occur. See Section 7-502(1)(d) as to negotiable delivery orders. However, even in such a case, once the bailee attorns to the transferee, the indorser’s obligation has been fulfilled and the policy of this section excludes any continuing obligation on the part of the indorser for the bailee’s ultimate actual performance.

No substantial change.

Section 37, Uniform Sales Act; Section 45, Uniform Warehouse Receipts Act; Section 36, Uniform Bills of Lading Act.

Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 28:7-505

What does D.C. Code § 28:7-505 cover?

Section 28:7-505 ("Indorser not guarantor for other parties.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite District Of Columbia § 28:7-505?

A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 28:7-505" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.

How does District Of Columbia § 28:7-505 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.