In all cases in which judgment is rendered upon a written obligation to pay money, the clerk must, at the time of entry of judgment, unless otherwise ordered, note over the clerk’s official signature and across the face of the writing the fact of rendition of judgment with the date of the judgment and the title of the court and the case.
Rule 3.1806.Notation on written instrument of rendition of judgment
Division 18. Judgments · Last amended 2007 · Last verified July 29, 2026
In one sentenceRule 3.1806 requires the clerk to note across the face of a promissory note or similar written obligation, once judgment is rendered on it, the fact of rendition of judgment along with the date of judgment and the court and case, unless the court orders otherwise.
Full Text of Rule 3.1806
Plain-English Summary
When a lawsuit is built around a promissory note or another written promise to pay money, the underlying document can end up back in circulation, whether through assignment, a later claim, or ordinary recordkeeping. Rule 3.1806 stops that document from being used or presented again as though it were still an unresolved obligation. Once judgment is entered, the clerk marks the face of the writing itself.
The notation is specific: the clerk’s official signature, plus the fact that judgment has been rendered, the date of the judgment, and the name of the court and the case. Anyone who later examines the original instrument sees, on its face, that it has already gone to judgment, instead of having to search court records to find out. The court can order the clerk to skip this step, but absent such an order it happens automatically at the time of entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does a court clerk write on a promissory note after judgment in California?
To record, on the face of the original written obligation, that judgment has been rendered on it, along with the date and the court and case, under Rule 3.1806, so the document cannot be mistaken for an unresolved debt.
Does this notation happen automatically?
Yes, at the time of entry of judgment, unless the court orders otherwise, under Rule 3.1806.
Can a California court skip the notation requirement?
Yes, if the court orders otherwise; absent such an order, Rule 3.1806 requires the clerk to make the notation as a matter of course when judgment is entered.
Amendment History
Rule 3.1806 amended and renumbered effective January 1, 2007; adopted as rule 234 effective January 1, 1949.
Source & verification. Rule text is reproduced verbatim from
the Judicial Council of California. Adopted by the Judicial Council of California.
Last verified July 29, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: clerk notation on promissory note after judgmentCRC rule 3.1806judgment rendered on written instrument to pay money California