Legal Name
The signer’s full legal name as on government ID; necessary for clear attribution and to match corporate filings and tax records for verification.
A well-completed Business Official Card reduces disputes over authority, speeds approvals, and creates an auditable record of who may legally bind the company. Properly completed cards support compliance with recordkeeping obligations and make it easier to present proof to third parties and government agencies.
The Business Official Card is completed and maintained by corporate officers, authorized signatories, registered agents, and administrative staff responsible for compliance and contracting.
Maintain a current card for each authorized signer and update records when job titles or delegated authority change to avoid contract disputes and payment delays.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Name Field | Required; exact-match validation to ID documents |
| Title Field | Required; dropdown of standardized titles |
| Date Field | MM/DD/YYYY; auto-fill option with manual override |
| Signature Field | Require signer authentication and date stamp |
Choose a platform that supports secure signatures, audit trails, and the integrations your team uses.
The signer’s full legal name as on government ID; necessary for clear attribution and to match corporate filings and tax records for verification.
The exact corporate title (for example, 'Chief Executive Officer') that links signing authority to organizational bylaws and delegation policies.
The registered business name and jurisdiction of formation so third parties can verify the entity in state records or federal filings.
A clear MM/DD/YYYY effective date establishes when authority begins and can affect limitation periods and document validity.
A dated signature block plus an audit trail or notarization entry that demonstrates intent, authentication, and timing of execution.
Optional attachments or references such as board resolutions, power-of-attorney, or corporate minutes that evidence delegation of authority.
| 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 | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Depends on plan | Depends on plan | Depends on plan |
Provide the card when a new officer assumes duties or upon request from a counterparty
Amend the card immediately when a signer's job title or authority changes
Obtain notarization at signing; remote sessions should record entire event per RON rules
Allow three to five business days for third-party verification processes
Begin retention period from the signature date listed on the card
Optica standardized its authority cards across investor-facing teams to reduce back-and-forth documentation during closings.
Martin Properties moved to online execution for property management authorizations to avoid in-person signings.
The Chief Executive Officer is often the primary authorized officer whose signature confers the broadest corporate authority. Documenting the CEO’s authority on the card helps banks and counterparties accept major agreements without additional internal approval steps.
The Company Secretary or Compliance Officer typically prepares and maintains the card, confirming that titles and delegations align with corporate minutes and state filings and ensuring records meet retention and audit requirements.