DA Form 4881-1: Alternate Signature Certificate (PDF) – DA Form 4881-1 is the official Certificate for Signature by an Alternate used in conjunction with the Agreement for the Loan of US Army Materiel. It serves as a legal certification when an authorized alternate signs the main loan agreement (typically DA Form 4881) on behalf of a borrowing entity.
This form ensures the validity and authority of the signature, providing the U.S. Army with assurance that the agreement was properly executed under the borrower’s organizational powers. It is governed by AR 700-131 (Loan, Lease, and Donation of Army Materiel), with the proponent agency being the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4.
Purpose of DA Form 4881-1 in US Army Materiel Loans
The U.S. Army loans materiel to non-DOD Federal agencies, civil authorities, and certain civilian activities under specific conditions. When the chief executive or primary official of the borrowing organization cannot personally sign the loan agreement, an alternate may sign. DA Form 4881-1 provides the required certification to validate that signature.
Key purposes include:
- Verifying the signer’s authority.
- Confirming the agreement falls within the borrower’s lawful powers.
- Maintaining accountability and legal compliance for loaned equipment, vehicles, or other materiel.
This supports emergency response, training, public events, and other authorized uses while protecting government property.
Who Needs to Use DA Form 4881-1?
- Borrowing Entities: State and local governments, Federal agencies, civil authorities (e.g., law enforcement, emergency management), and approved special activities like scouting organizations or veterans’ groups.
- Authorized Alternates: Officials signing on behalf of the chief executive (Governor, agency head, etc.).
- U.S. Army Personnel: Approving authorities, property accountable officers, and logistics staff managing loans under AR 700-131.
It is most relevant for organizations in the United States seeking temporary use of Army materiel without purchase or permanent transfer.
Key Features and Structure of the Form
DA Form 4881-1 is a concise one-page certificate attached to the main DA Form 4881 loan agreement. It includes:
- Certification statement by the chief officer of the borrowing activity.
- Blanks for: title of chief officer (a), name of borrowing entity (b), name of alternate signer (c), title of alternate (d), and date fields (e, f, g).
- Space for signature and official seal.
The form was last updated in July 2004 (DA FORM 4881-1, JUL 2004), replacing the older DA FORM 4881-1-R from September 1984. It remains the current version.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Completing DA Form 4881-1
Follow these official instructions when filling out the form:
- (a) Enter the title of the chief officer (e.g., Governor, Chief Executive, National Commander).
- (b) Enter the full name of the borrowing Federal agency, civil authority, or civilian activity.
- (c) Enter the full name of the person who actually signed the loan agreement.
- (d) Enter the title/position of that signer.
- (e, f, g) Complete the date: day (e.g., 5th), month (e.g., July), and year.
- Affix the official seal and obtain the certifying officer’s signature.
Important: Attach the completed DA Form 4881-1 to the signed copy of the loan agreement retained by the Army approving authority.
Download DA Form 4881-1 PDF
Get the official, fillable version directly from the U.S. Army Publishing Directorate:
Always use the latest version from armypubs.army.mil for compliance.
Related Forms and Regulations
- DA Form 4881: Main Agreement for the Loan of US Army Materiel.
- DA Form 4881-6-R: Request and Approval for Loan or Lease of Equipment.
- AR 700-131: Primary regulation covering policies, responsibilities, and procedures.
Additional supporting documents may include surety bonds (DA Form 4881-3) or powers of attorney, depending on the loan specifics.
Common Questions About DA Form 4881-1
Is DA Form 4881-1 still current?
Yes. The July 2004 version is active and listed in official Army resources.
Can individuals use this form?
No. It applies to organizations and authorized representatives of Federal, state, local, or approved civilian entities—not private individuals.
Where to submit the completed form?
Submit through the U.S. Army unit or installation approving the loan, typically to the property accountable officer or logistics command.
Best Practices for US Army Materiel Loan Requests
- Review AR 700-131 thoroughly before requesting a loan.
- Ensure all required documentation, including surety bonds if applicable, is prepared.
- Maintain clear communication with the lending Army activity regarding responsibilities for care, maintenance, and return of materiel.
- Document any changes in authorized representatives promptly in writing.
Proper use of DA Form 4881-1 helps streamline approvals while ensuring full accountability for U.S. Army property.
For the most current guidance, consult your local Army logistics office or visit the official Army Publishing Directorate website. This article provides general information based on publicly available official sources and is not a substitute for legal or official Army advice.