With an order instrument, the payee must be identified with certainty because the transfer of the instrument requires his or her signature.

Order Instrument

A negotiable instrument that is payable “to the order of an identified person” or “to an identified person or order.”

Payee

The individual or entity to whom a check, draft, or note is made payable.

Identified

Recognized or determined to be a particular entity or object, especially through specific characteristics or methods.