Is an electronic signature valid?

Yes. Electronic signatures are legally enforceable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and UETA when the transaction shows intent, consent, attribution, and durable record retention; check for statutory exceptions such as wills or certain court filings.

Do I need a notary or witnesses?

It depends on state law and the document's function. Durable powers of attorney often require notarization and in some states witnesses (for example, Florida requires two witnesses). Confirm notary and witness rules with the applicable state authority before execution.

How can I revoke the agreement?

Revoke by delivering a signed written notice to the representative and notifying affected third parties per the agreement. Record the revocation and retain proof of delivery to limit third-party reliance and potential liability.

What core information is required?

Essential items include exact legal names, representative contact and ID, clear scope of powers, effective date in MM/DD/YYYY format, term or triggers, signatures, and any notary or witness blocks required by law.

Can the representative sign electronically?

Yes, where permitted. Under ESIGN and UETA, electronic signatures are acceptable if intent and consent are recorded; however, some recipients or statutes may require wet signatures or notarization, and consumer-facing records may need ESIGN consumer disclosures.

How long should I keep executed copies?

Keep executed agreements for at least the term plus relevant retention periods: IRS-related records three years (IRC §6501(a)), HIPAA six years (45 CFR §164.530(j)), and longer where state or industry requirements apply.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Miscellaneous
Authorized Representative Agreement

Authorized Representative Agreement

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE AGREEMENT

Parties

Principal Name Principal Address Authorized Representative Name Representative Address

This Authorized Representative Agreement (the Agreement) is entered into as of (Effective Date), by and between the Principal named above and the Authorized Representative named above.

Recitals

WHEREAS, the Principal engages in business activities for which it may be necessary to delegate authority to an authorized representative to act on the Principal’s behalf; and

WHEREAS, the Authorized Representative represents that the Authorized Representative has the experience, qualifications and capacity to perform the duties and responsibilities described in this Agreement; and

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises contained herein, the Principal and the Authorized Representative hereby agree as follows:

Scope of Authority and Services

The Principal hereby appoints the Authorized Representative to act on the Principal’s behalf to the extent set forth in this Agreement. The Authorized Representative is expressly authorized to perform the following categories of acts on behalf of the Principal:

Authority Granted (check applicable) Sign contractual and administrative documents within the scope of this Agreement Access, inspect, and obtain records and documents related to assigned matters Negotiate terms and settlements within delegated authority limits Receive and remit payments as directed by the Principal Other (describe)

Detailed Scope of Work

Payment Terms

As compensation for services rendered under this Agreement, the Principal shall pay the Authorized Representative as follows:

Amount Payment Schedule Late Fee / Interest

All fees and expenses payable under this Agreement shall be paid in full within the period specified in the Payment Schedule. Overdue amounts shall accrue interest at the rate specified above and the Principal shall reimburse the Authorized Representative for reasonable costs of collection, including attorneys’ fees and court costs.

Term and Termination

This Agreement shall commence on and shall continue until , unless earlier terminated in accordance with this Section.

Either party may terminate this Agreement for convenience upon written notice to the other party given at least days prior to the effective date of termination. Either party may terminate immediately for material breach, insolvency, or misconduct by the other party.

Confidentiality

The Authorized Representative shall hold in strict confidence and not disclose to any third party any Confidential Information of the Principal. “Confidential Information” means all non-public business, financial, technical, client and other proprietary information disclosed by the Principal to the Authorized Representative in connection with this Agreement. The Authorized Representative shall use Confidential Information solely for the performance of duties under this Agreement. The obligations of confidentiality shall survive termination of this Agreement for a period of five (5) years, or longer if required by applicable law.

Representations; Indemnification

The Authorized Representative represents and warrants that the Authorized Representative has full authority to enter into this Agreement and perform the duties described herein and that performance will not violate any contractual or legal obligation. The Authorized Representative shall indemnify and hold harmless the Principal from and against any claims, losses, liabilities, damages, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of the Authorized Representative’s gross negligence, willful misconduct, or material breach of this Agreement.

Notices

Any notice required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered to the addresses set forth below or such other address as a party may designate in writing. Notices shall be deemed given upon delivery by personal service, upon confirmed receipt by certified mail, or upon confirmed delivery by overnight courier.

Principal Notice Address Representative Notice Address

Governing Law; Entire Agreement

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of without regard to its conflict of laws principles. The parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in that state for resolution of disputes arising under this Agreement.

This Agreement, including any exhibits and schedules attached hereto, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties regarding its subject matter and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings and negotiations, whether written or oral. Any amendment or modification of this Agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties.

Miscellaneous

The Authorized Representative may not assign or delegate any rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Principal. If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. The waiver of any breach shall not constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach.

Principal Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Authorized Representative Printed Name:

By:

Date:

What an Authorized Representative Agreement Is and when it applies

The Authorized Representative Agreement is a legal instrument by which a principal grants a named person or entity specific authority to act on the principal’s behalf for identified matters. Typical uses include signing contracts, submitting filings, accessing records, or representing the principal with third parties and government agencies. The agreement specifies scope, duration, limits, required authentication, and any witness or notarization steps. Clear drafting and proper execution preserve enforceability under federal ESIGN and state electronic signature laws.

Why document delegated authority in writing

A well-drafted Authorized Representative Agreement reduces ambiguity, limits liability through defined scope and duration, facilitates third-party reliance, and supports enforceability when electronic signatures are used under ESIGN, UETA, or state ESRA rules.

Who typically completes an Authorized Representative Agreement

Typical users include principals, agents, corporate officers, attorneys, and service providers who need documented delegated authority for transactions.

Individual principals naming a family member for financial or healthcare interactions.
Businesses appointing agents to sign contracts, file reports, or manage bank accounts and obligations.
Attorneys, tax preparers, and registered agents authorized to represent clients before agencies and vendors.

Different roles require different clauses and authentication levels; tailor the agreement to the user type and the risks of the delegated tasks.

Core provisions to include in a professional agreement

Include clear clauses that define scope of powers, limits, term, signing authority, revocation, recordkeeping, and dispute resolution to reduce ambiguity and support third-party reliance.

Scope

Specify each act the representative may perform, list permitted transactions, agency interactions, and document types they may sign to avoid overbroad authority and unintended liability.

Authority Limits

State monetary caps, required approvals for specific actions, and whether the representative may delegate further to ensure parties can verify the extent of authority.

Duration

Provide an effective date, expiration or event-based triggers, and state whether the authority survives incapacity, bankruptcy, or changes in corporate control.

Signatures

Identify acceptable signature methods (wet or electronic), signatory names and titles, and any witness or notary requirements applicable under state law.

Revocation

Describe how to revoke authority, notice delivery method to the representative and third parties, and any conditions that automatically terminate delegation.

Recordkeeping

Require copies of the executed agreement be retained, define retention periods, and specify evidence of execution such as audit trails or notarized acknowledgements.

Step-by-step: completing and executing the agreement

Use this sequence to draft, authenticate, sign, and distribute an enforceable Authorized Representative Agreement while preserving evidence of consent and execution.

01

Prepare Draft: Describe scope, limits, and effective date clearly.
02

Verify Identities: Obtain IDs and confirm legal names match supporting documents.
03

Sign and Notarize: Execute signatures, and complete notarization or witness steps if required by law.
04

Distribute Copies: Provide signed copies to the principal, representative, and any affected third parties.

Common eSignature workflow settings for this agreement

Typical online workflow settings for preparing, routing, authenticating, and retaining Authorized Representative Agreements in an eSignature platform.

Field	Setting \| Configuration
Authentication Methods	Email link \| Suitable for low-risk signers; SMS recommended for higher assurance
Signature Type	Electronic signature \| Capture ESIGN consent and full audit trail
Notarization	Remote Notary \| Enable RON where permitted; record audio-video session
Document Retention	Auto-archive \| Store signed PDF and audit trail per retention policy

Typical online signing flow

A standard electronic execution flow: upload the agreement, place fields, authenticate signers, capture signatures, and distribute certified copies along with an audit trail.

Upload: Sender uploads the agreement to the eSignature platform.
Place Fields: Add signature, date, and initial fields for all parties.
Authenticate: Choose email link, SMS OTP, or stronger KBA methods.
Complete: Signer signs; system records audit trail and distributes copies.

Platform capabilities to check before executing electronically

Typical platform requirements include secure storage, detailed audit trails, signer authentication options, and support for notarization or witness workflows when state law requires them.

Formats: PDF and DOCX; printable and searchable files.
Integrations: CRM, cloud storage, and accounting systems supported.
Authentication: Email, SMS, KBA, or SSO authentication options.

Timing considerations and common deadlines

Key dates and timing considerations when executing, distributing, or revoking an Authorized Representative Agreement and when to notify affected third parties.

Effective Date:

Starts on MM/DD/YYYY or upon a triggering event; defines authority period.

Notice of Representation:

Provide copies to banks, agencies, and vendors promptly after execution.

Revocation Notice Period:

Deliver revocation per agreement terms; many organizations expect 5–10 business days.

Agency Filings:

Meet applicable filing deadlines for authorized submissions such as tax or benefits forms.

Record Retention:

Keep executed copies for the agreement term plus at least three years.

Essential fields and data to collect

Principal Name: Full legal name matching government ID.

Representative Name: Full legal name and business entity.

Powers Granted: Concise list of authorities and limits.

Effective Date: MM/DD/YYYY format; start of authority.

Term Length: Fixed end date or triggering condition.

Signatures: Signed and dated by all parties.

Common preparation mistakes to avoid

Vague scope language that grants open-ended powers leads to disputes and increases exposure when third parties rely on the representative's actions.
Failing to verify identity or to attach supporting ID can prevent banks or agencies from accepting the representative's authority when presented.
Omitting revocation procedures or clear notice requirements makes terminating authority administratively difficult and may not stop third-party reliance.
Using inconsistent names, dates, or unsigned documents undermines enforceability and often requires re-execution or court intervention to resolve disputes.

Risks and consequences of an incorrect agreement

Unauthorized Acts: Principal may be bound inadvertently

Third-Party Reliance: Contracts accepted without independent confirmation

Tax Exposure: Incorrect authority can trigger penalties or audit issues

HIPAA Violations: Unauthorized PHI access risks 45 CFR §164.530(j)

Notarization Errors: Improper notarization can invalidate acknowledgements

Fraud Liability: Intentional misrepresentation may incur civil and criminal penalties

Comparing common eSignature vendor pricing and capabilities

A concise vendor comparison showing starting price and selected feature criteria relevant when executing Authorized Representative Agreements electronically.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day free trial	No	No	Yes, limited	Yes, limited
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

Frequently asked questions about Authorized Representative Agreements

Answers to common questions about drafting, executing, authenticating, and revoking Authorized Representative Agreements under U.S. federal and state legal frameworks.

Need help? Contact support

Is an electronic signature valid?
Yes. Electronic signatures are legally enforceable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and UETA when the transaction shows intent, consent, attribution, and durable record retention; check for statutory exceptions such as wills or certain court filings.
Do I need a notary or witnesses?
It depends on state law and the document's function. Durable powers of attorney often require notarization and in some states witnesses (for example, Florida requires two witnesses). Confirm notary and witness rules with the applicable state authority before execution.
How can I revoke the agreement?
Revoke by delivering a signed written notice to the representative and notifying affected third parties per the agreement. Record the revocation and retain proof of delivery to limit third-party reliance and potential liability.
What core information is required?
Essential items include exact legal names, representative contact and ID, clear scope of powers, effective date in MM/DD/YYYY format, term or triggers, signatures, and any notary or witness blocks required by law.
Can the representative sign electronically?
Yes, where permitted. Under ESIGN and UETA, electronic signatures are acceptable if intent and consent are recorded; however, some recipients or statutes may require wet signatures or notarization, and consumer-facing records may need ESIGN consumer disclosures.
How long should I keep executed copies?
Keep executed agreements for at least the term plus relevant retention periods: IRS-related records three years (IRC §6501(a)), HIPAA six years (45 CFR §164.530(j)), and longer where state or industry requirements apply.

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