Abstract: A likeness and signature of the first negotiator of a check are imprinted on the check from a source of identifying information including the likeness and signature of one or more individuals. The source of information may be an identification card carried by each individual, and the imprinting step may be carried out by an office copying machine having a blank paper storage magazine, an exposure station that individually receives sheets of blank paper from the magazine, and a document receiving window from which a document image is projected onto the sheet received at the exposure station.