Is an e-signature valid?

Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and state UETA laws, provided intent, consent, attribution, and record retention requirements are met. Certain categories (wills, court orders) remain excluded from e-signature coverage.

When is notarization required?

Notarization depends on the document purpose and state law; many jurisdictions require notarized acknowledgements for deeds, some powers of attorney, and self-proving wills. Remote online notarization (RON) rules vary by state and may require audio-video recordings and identity proofing.

Can I limit authority?

Yes. Define limits with precise language: list permitted transactions, maximum amounts, duration, and explicit exclusions. Specificity protects the client and third parties relying on the authorization and reduces disputes over scope or unintended financial exposure.

How to revoke the agreement?

Include a clear revocation clause specifying notice, acceptable delivery methods, and effective date. For immediate revocation, require written notice to the agent and known third parties; consider sending a revocation to financial institutions and filing a copy where the original was recorded.

Are witness signatures required?

Witness requirements vary by state and by document type. Durable powers of attorney and certain real estate documents may need one or two witnesses plus a notary. Check state statutes or consult counsel to confirm witness count and self-proving affidavit options.

What if names mismatch?

If signer names differ from ID or account records, update the agreement to match legal names or attach proof of name variation (marriage certificate, DBA). Banks or agencies may refuse reliance and tax reporting could trigger backup withholding consequences.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Legal
Client Authorisation Agreement

Client Authorisation Agreement

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

CLIENT AUTHORISATION AGREEMENT

This Client Authorisation Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into on by and between Client Name: with address , and Authorised Representative Name: with address .

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Client desires to appoint the Authorised Representative to act on Client's behalf for the limited purposes set forth in this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, Authorised Representative represents that it has the necessary authority, experience and capacity to perform the authorised actions and agrees to act in accordance with the terms of this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the parties wish to set forth the scope, limits and procedures for such authorisation in writing.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

1. APPOINTMENT AND SCOPE OF AUTHORISATION

1.1 Appointment. Client hereby appoints Authorised Representative as Client's agent and attorney-in-fact, solely to perform the specific actions expressly described in Section 1.2, and subject to the limitations in Section 1.3. This appointment is limited, revocable and non-transferable except as expressly provided herein.

1.2 Authorised Actions. The Authorised Representative is authorised to:

- Access and obtain Client records and information necessary to ;

- Execute and deliver documents on behalf of the Client that are necessary to effectuate the authorised purpose, subject to prior written approval where specified in this Agreement; and

- Instruct third parties and receive communications related to the authorised purpose.

1.3 Limitations. The Authorised Representative shall not: (a) transfer or encumber Client assets except as expressly authorised in writing; (b) make payments or disbursements from Client funds unless expressly authorised in writing; or (c) enter into any agreement that obligates Client beyond the narrow purpose detailed in Section 1.2.

2. TERM; TERMINATION

2.1 Term. The authority granted under this Agreement commences on the Effective Date set forth above and continues until the earlier of (a) completion of the authorised actions, (b) termination by either party in accordance with this Section, or (c) .

2.2 Termination for Convenience. Either party may terminate this Agreement for any reason upon providing days' prior written notice to the other party.

2.3 Effect of Termination. Upon termination the Authorised Representative shall promptly return or destroy all Client materials and cease all activities under this Agreement unless otherwise directed in writing by Client.

3. DUTIES AND STANDARD OF CARE

3.1 Standard of Care. The Authorised Representative shall act in good faith, with reasonable care, and in the best interests of Client with respect to the authorised actions and shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

3.2 Records. The Authorised Representative shall maintain accurate records of actions taken under this Agreement and shall make such records available to Client upon request.

4. CLIENT REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Client represents and warrants that: (a) it has full power, authority and legal capacity to enter into this Agreement and to grant the authorisations herein; (b) the person executing this Agreement on behalf of Client is duly authorised to do so; and (c) no conflict of interest or law precludes the actions authorised by this Agreement.

5. FEES AND EXPENSES

5.1 Compensation. In consideration for services performed, Client shall pay Authorised Representative fees as set forth: Fee Amount: .

5.2 Expenses. Client shall reimburse Authorised Representative for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in performance of authorised actions upon presentation of receipts or other evidence of expenditure.

6. CONFIDENTIALITY

6.1 Confidential Information. Authorised Representative shall keep confidential all non-public information obtained from Client in connection with this Agreement and shall not disclose such information except (a) to perform authorised actions, (b) as required by law, or (c) with Client's prior written consent.

6.2 Survival. The obligations in this Section shall survive termination or expiration of this Agreement for a period of five (5) years, or longer if required by applicable law.

7. INDEMNIFICATION; LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

7.1 Indemnity. Each party (the "Indemnifying Party") shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the other party (the "Indemnified Party") from and against any and all liabilities, losses, damages, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of the Indemnifying Party's breach of this Agreement, gross negligence or willful misconduct.

7.2 Limitation. Except for liability resulting from gross negligence, willful misconduct, or breach of confidentiality, neither party shall be liable to the other for incidental, consequential, special or punitive damages.

8. NOTICES

Notices to Client Notices to Authorised Representative

Notices shall be in writing and delivered by hand, certified mail (return receipt requested) or overnight courier to the addresses set forth above, and shall be effective upon receipt.

9. AMENDMENTS; WAIVER; COUNTERPARTS

9.1 Amendments. Any modification or amendment of this Agreement must be in a written instrument signed by both parties.

9.2 Waiver. No waiver of any breach shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the party granting the waiver. Failure to enforce any right shall not constitute a waiver of that right.

9.3 Counterparts and Electronic Execution. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original, and signatures transmitted by electronic means shall be deemed original signatures for all purposes.

10. GOVERNING LAW; ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SEVERABILITY

10.1 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which Client's primary residence or principal place of business is located, without regard to conflicts of law principles.

10.2 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings and representations, whether written or oral.

10.3 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect and the invalid or unenforceable provision shall be amended only to the extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable while preserving the parties' intent.

11. ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

Detailed scope (describe in detail) Specific authorisations (select all that apply)

Access financial records and statements
Obtain legal or administrative documents on Client's behalf
Execute limited documents necessary to effectuate the authorised purpose
Disclose information to third parties strictly for the authorised purpose

Additional notes

AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE

By signing below, each signatory represents and warrants that they are duly authorised to execute this Agreement on behalf of the party for which they sign, and that their execution and performance of this Agreement will not violate any other agreement or obligation of such party.

Client Name:

By:

Date:

Authorised Representative Name:

By:

Date:

What a Client Authorisation Agreement Is

Client Authorisation Agreement is a written authorization that allows a client to appoint an agent, provider, or third party to act on their behalf for specified tasks, access records, or approve transactions. It defines scope, duration, limits of authority, and any conditions for revocation. Typical uses include authorizing account access, financial transactions, representation with government agencies, or engagement of professional services. When properly completed and signed, it becomes a binding contract between the client and the authorized party, subject to state law and federal e-signature rules such as ESIGN and UETA.

Why a Clear Authorization Matters

A Client Authorisation Agreement documents consent, reduces operational delays, clarifies responsibilities, and creates an evidentiary record for auditors and third parties. Proper wording limits liability and supports enforceability under ESIGN, UETA, and industry-specific rules.

Typical Users and Signers

Common users include legal counsel, financial institutions, healthcare providers, and professional services firms that need documented client permissions.

Legal counsel and law firms managing representation authorizations and client engagement limits.
Banks and broker-dealers granting limited transaction authority or account access for clients.
Healthcare entities using designated representatives for records, billing, or HIPAA authorizations.

Confirm roles and limits in the agreement to prevent disputes and ensure enforceability under applicable statutes.

Step-by-Step: Complete a Client Authorisation Agreement

Follow these steps to complete a Client Authorisation Agreement accurately, whether using paper or an electronic signing platform.

01

Prepare Details: Identify parties, scope, duration, and specific permissions.
02

Confirm Identity: Obtain government ID or verified e-authentication.
03

Draft Authority: Spell out actions allowed and any monetary limits.
04

Sign and Date: All parties sign; include effective and expiration dates.

Configuration Checklist for Digital Completion

Key configuration options when preparing a Client Authorisation Agreement in an eSignature platform that affect authentication, field behavior, and retention.

Field	Configuration
Signer Authentication	Email link, SMS code, KBA, or SSO
Field Validation	Required fields, format masks, conditional logic.
Notary/Kiosk Mode	Enable RON options or in-person signing workflows.
Retention Settings	Set document retention period and export PDF/A.

Typical eSigning Flow for an Authorization

Typical routing for an electronic Client Authorisation Agreement, from preparation through signed record and auditing.

Upload Doc: Upload the agreement in PDF or DOCX format.
Place Fields: Add signature, date, and identity fields as needed.
Send to Signer: Send via email or secure link with authentication.
Archive Record: Store signed copy and audit trail for retention.

Platform Capabilities to Verify

Choose a signing platform that supports secure e-signatures, audit trails, and the authentication methods required by your jurisdiction or industry.

File Types: PDF, DOCX, HTML accepted
Integrations: CRM and document storage connectors
Authentication: Email, SMS, KBA, SSO available

Key Dates and Processing Expectations

Key dates and processing expectations when executing a Client Authorisation Agreement, including effective dates and deadlines for notice or revocation.

Effective Date:

Determines when authority commences; use MM/DD/YYYY.

Signed Copies:

Provide signed copy to agent and client immediately.

Revocation Notice:

Specify notice period and acceptable delivery methods.

Notary Recording:

Allow time for RON session or in-person notarization.

Third-Party Reliance:

Banks may require additional forms or ID verification.

Security and Compliance Essentials

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit; AES-256 at rest

Certifications: SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, PCI DSS

HIPAA: BAA available; HIPAA-compliant workflows

Audit Trail: Timestamps, IP, action history retained

Authentication: Email, SMS, KBA, SSO options

Access Controls: Role-based permissions and admin logs

Potential Penalties and Legal Risks

Tax Penalties: Missing TIN triggers 24% backup withholding

Unauthorized Transfers: Bank may freeze accounts; liability risk

Revocation Disputes: Late notice causes third-party reliance claims

Notarization Failure: Document may be rejected by recorders

I-9 Compliance: Employment authorizations require accurate records

Data Breach: HIPAA or state fines possible

Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

Using vague authority language such as 'manage affairs' without specifying actions, dollar limits, or timeframes leads to third-party refusal and legal disputes.
Failing to verify signer identity or use acceptable authentication can void reliance, especially for financial institutions requiring strict ID proofing.
Not including an explicit revocation method or notice period creates uncertainty about when authority ends and increases litigation risk.
Relying on handwritten initials or incomplete signature blocks instead of full signatures with dates can undermine enforceability.

eSignature Vendor Pricing Snapshot

Compare common pricing and capability points for eSignature vendors to inform selection for Client Authorisation Agreement workflows.

	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 plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan
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	No cap listed	No cap listed	No cap listed

FAQs and Troubleshooting

Answers to frequent questions about completing, signing, and validating a Client Authorisation Agreement, including e-signature and notarization concerns.

Need help? Contact support

Is an e-signature valid?
Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and state UETA laws, provided intent, consent, attribution, and record retention requirements are met. Certain categories (wills, court orders) remain excluded from e-signature coverage.
When is notarization required?
Notarization depends on the document purpose and state law; many jurisdictions require notarized acknowledgements for deeds, some powers of attorney, and self-proving wills. Remote online notarization (RON) rules vary by state and may require audio-video recordings and identity proofing.
Can I limit authority?
Yes. Define limits with precise language: list permitted transactions, maximum amounts, duration, and explicit exclusions. Specificity protects the client and third parties relying on the authorization and reduces disputes over scope or unintended financial exposure.
How to revoke the agreement?
Include a clear revocation clause specifying notice, acceptable delivery methods, and effective date. For immediate revocation, require written notice to the agent and known third parties; consider sending a revocation to financial institutions and filing a copy where the original was recorded.
Are witness signatures required?
Witness requirements vary by state and by document type. Durable powers of attorney and certain real estate documents may need one or two witnesses plus a notary. Check state statutes or consult counsel to confirm witness count and self-proving affidavit options.
What if names mismatch?
If signer names differ from ID or account records, update the agreement to match legal names or attach proof of name variation (marriage certificate, DBA). Banks or agencies may refuse reliance and tax reporting could trigger backup withholding consequences.

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