Can these forms be e-signed?

Yes. Electronic signatures are legally valid under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96, 2000) and UETA in most states, subject to specific exceptions such as wills or certain court filings. Confirm that the transaction is not an ESIGN exception before proceeding.

When is notarization required?

Notarization is commonly required for conveyances, assignments, and documents submitted for county recording. Check the recorder or county rules where the property is located to confirm notarization and witness requirements.

Are remote notarizations acceptable?

Remote Online Notarization (RON) is permitted in most states with varying requirements for identity proofing and audio-video recording. Verify the specific state's RON rules before relying on a remote notarization.

What supporting documents to attach?

Attach title opinions, recorded lease excerpts, prior assignments, and W-9 tax forms where relevant. Supporting documents reduce follow-up requests and help payors validate ownership for royalty payments.

How to correct a signed form?

Corrections generally require a written amendment or replacement document signed by all parties. Minor clerical errors may be cured by an affidavit or corrected re-execution depending on recording office rules.

Who is authorized to sign for an entity?

Signers must have authority: corporate officers per bylaws, managers for LLCs per operating agreement, or an explicit power of attorney. Verify signature authority and, where necessary, obtain a certified resolution or POA.

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Basic Oil and Gas Forms

Basic Oil and Gas Forms

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AGREEMENT GRANTING PERMISSION TO CONDUCT SEISMIC ACTIVITIES

(With Owners of Multiple Tracts of Land)

This Agreement Granting Permission to Conduct Seismic Activities (the "Agreement") is between , (the "Grantors") and (the "Company"). It is dated to be and deemed effective (the "Effective Date").

It applies to and is deemed to cover the lands in County, , which are described in Exhibit "A" to this Agreement (the "Lands").

For the valuable consideration paid by Company to Grantors, the Company is granted the right to conduct seismic operations on, over, and across the Lands. The amount paid in consideration for this Agreement does not include any payments which may be due Grantors for damages not known on the Effective Date of this Agreement for which payments are provided for in this Agreement.

In conjunction with this Agreement, Company is acquiring an Oil and Gas Lease (the "Lease") from Grantors on a minimum of acres out of Lands. The part of the Lands to be leased shall be selected by Company on or before days from the Effective Date of this Agreement. Company has paid and Grantors acknowledge receipt of the bonus consideration for the Lease.

This Agreement is entered into on the following terms and conditions, all of which are agreed to and accepted by Grantors and Company:

A. Company's operations will be conducted in accordance with good standard practices and in a prudent and careful manner and Company and its agents and contractors (collectively the "Company"), jointly and severally, will assume and pay, hold the Owners free and harmless from, and indemnify and defend Owners from any and all claims and damages including, without limitation, attorney's fees and costs of court that may result from work by Company by virtue of the permission granted in this Agreement. This provision shall apply whether the claims are by persons or to property located on or off the Lands, including persons employed by Owners and property owned by the Owners. The consideration paid for this Agreement is not compensation for any such damages.

B. The Owners will be compensated for all other damages including, but not limited to, damages to the surface of the Lands.

C. Company's permission to go on the premises is subject to its specific compliance with the following items:

1. No testing is to be done when soil conditions are wet, to the extent that ruts will be cut.

2. No fences are to be opened or crossed except by existing gates and/or gaps.

3. No water is to be used from water troughs, tanks, ponds, creeks, or rivers on the Lands without the prior written approval from the Owner of the applicable tract and an agreement in writing providing for payment of the water prior to its taking and use.

4. Testing will be done substantially along the lines furnished to Owners prior to testing.

5. All ribbons and refuse of all types placed on the Lands are to be removed from the Lands.

6. Company is to notify Owners of any and all damages to gates, posts, fences, roads, livestock, etc. immediately after occurrence and on completion of the testing. Company is to pay for any damages to livestock, gates, roads, fences, and/or other property of the Owners of the Lands.

7. No energy source shall be used within feet () of any house and/or water well without the prior written consent of the Owner of the surface of the Lands. Company agrees to have well evaluations made by a licensed water well contractor before and after the seismic operations are conducted to determine damage, if any, to any water wells on the Lands. In the event any water well or wells is or are damaged or fail, within one year from the date Company's work is performed, save and except for normal wear and tear of well pumping apparatus above the ground, Company agrees that the damages or failure was caused by operations of Company, and Company agrees to pay for as well as indemnify completely, including, without limitation, payment of attorney's fees, and costs of court, if any, the Owner of the surface of the Lands on which the damaged well is situated for all damages resulting from the damage or failure of the water well or wells.

8. All persons employed by Company will contact the Owners prior to entry on the Lands for the purpose of conducting seismic work and will then report to the Owners all activities and the date of conclusions of the seismic work on each separately owned tract of the Lands.

9. All vehicles shall proceed directly to and from the seismic line after entering the Lands, shall stay on the lines, as reasonably possible, and not stray off of the lines.

10. All gates with locks are to be kept closed and locked at all times except when entering or exiting same. All other gates shall remain in the position as found on entering the Lands. Any gate on the Lands negligently left open or unlocked during Company's operations shall immediately subject Company to an additional fee of $ in addition to any other damages resulting from the gate being left open. Owners will promptly notify Company when this condition is found to exist.

11. A bulldozer shall be used to clear any line where it is necessary, stacking all brush and trees in tight stacks or piles suitable for burning. Brush and trees shall not be left strewn about or along any line. Prior to entering the Lands for any purpose, Company will notify Owners at lease () days in advance of the entry so that Owners and/or their agents may be present to meet with representatives of the Company to discuss the location and course of the lines.

12. A bulldozer shall back-fill all holes and ruts and level all mounds created when clearing and/or turning. A bulldozer shall back-drag the lines and leave the ground smooth, within days after completion of the seismic work.

13. The surface of the ground shall be restored as near as reasonably possible to the same condition as it was prior to the Company's entry on the Lands.

14. Company shall not remove any trees larger than inches in diameter unless removal is essential. No larger trees are to be removed or uprooted.

15. Company shall terrace the banks of all gullies and creeks crossed to prevent damage from erosion.

16. Company will furnish each Owner copies of all seismic lines, seismic information, and geophysical information and/or interpretations, including, but not limited to, cross-sections and maps of the work done on the Lands, if any, and of any work done by Company on adjoining lands, but only to the extent necessary to provide full fold information on Owners' Lands.

17. Upon () days prior written notice, Owners shall have the right to appear and have their representatives appear at the offices of the Company to review and assess seismic data from all seismic work on Owners' Lands.

18. No hunting or fishing will be allowed on the Lands.

19. Company agrees there shall not be less than feet between cable lines. Owners may require that the course of any line may be varied as much as feet or more in any direction so as to not cross existing improvements, trees, or crops desired to be kept by Owners.

20. Company agrees to furnish to each Owner its surveyor's map showing the distances and number of miles across each of Owner's Lands where seismic lines will be run.

21. As a condition of Company's rights under this Agreement, any agents and contractors of Company shall agree to the terms of this Agreement.

22. Company will not market the information obtained from the seismic work performed on the Lands, whether by interpretation or however the same may be produced, published, or reduced to writing for () months from the Effective Date.

23. This Agreement and the rights granted Company shall be for a term of from the Effective Date.

24. Company agrees to indemnify the Owners against all claims for damages to persons for injuries, death, to the Lands or items situated on or off the Lands arising from the activities of Company, as well as pay all costs and fees, including, without limitation, attorney's fees, and expenses.

25. Company represents it has all insurance required by law and any other insurance that any prudent operator of a business would carry. Company agrees to pay as well as indemnify and hold harmless the Owners (including all mineral and surface interest Owners) from any claims arising from any of its activities on the premises, whether for death or injuries to persons or damage to property including items situated on or off the Lands and whether or not covered by insurance.

26. The provisions of this Agreement pertaining to the Company, its successors or assigns, assuming all liability for injuries, death, and property damage resulting from Company's operations shall apply to the Company's employees, guests, invitees, and others on the Lands of the Owners for any reason.

27. This Agreement is to be performed in Counties, , and all of the provisions are enforceable in County, .

This Agreement shall be binding on and inure to the benefit of the heirs, successors and assigns of each of the undersigned. Should any provision be determined to be invalid, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

This Agreement is signed by Owners and Company as of the date of the acknowledgment of their signatures below, but shall be deemed effective as of the Effective Date stated above.

Owners

Name:

Signature:

Date:

Company

Name:

Signature:

Date:

[Exhibit "A": Description of Lands.]

Description of Lands:

What Basic Oil and Gas Forms Cover

Basic Oil and Gas Forms are standardized documents used to record and authorize transactions related to mineral rights, lease assignments, division orders, royalty allocations, and site access. These forms capture party identities, legal descriptions of interest, consideration, effective dates, and signature blocks. They are commonly used by operators, landowners, title examiners, and royalty administrators to establish contractual rights and payment flows. Properly completed forms reduce title disputes, support regulatory reporting, and create a clear audit trail for financial and operational records.

Why Accurate Basic Oil and Gas Forms Matter

Accurate forms protect property rights, ensure correct royalty payments, and limit exposure to title and regulatory disputes. They create traceable records that support audits, transfers, and compliance with federal and state rules.

Who Typically Prepares and Signs These Forms

The following user groups commonly complete or receive Basic Oil and Gas Forms in the course of exploration, production, and royalty administration.

Operators and landmen responsible for leases, assignments, and division orders during transactions and production start-up.
Mineral owners and royalty recipients who verify ownership details, address records, and banking info for payments.
Title examiners, attorneys, and land title agents who review documents for marketable title and enforceability.

Each party has different obligations: preparers must ensure accuracy, signers must confirm identity, and reviewers must verify legal sufficiency before filing or payment.

Step-by-Step: Completing a Basic Oil and Gas Form

Follow these steps to prepare, verify, and finalize forms. Each step reduces the chance of downstream corrections and supports a clear audit trail.

01

Prepare: Collect legal descriptions, title documents, and payee banking information.
02

Populate: Complete fields exactly; use MM/DD/YYYY and full legal names.
03

Verify: Have title and legal counsel review for encumbrances and accuracy.
04

Execute: Obtain required signatures, notarizations, and retain copies for records.

Configuring an Online Signing Workflow

Set up a digital workflow to route, authenticate, and store signed Basic Oil and Gas Forms with an audit trail.

Field	Configuration
Signer Order	Sequential or parallel routing depending on transaction needs
Authentication	Email plus SMS code or knowledge-based authentication for high-risk signers
Notifications	Automated reminders and status updates to signers and reviewers
Storage	Secure, tamper-evident storage with searchable metadata

Technical Capabilities to Support eSigning

Use a platform that provides secure eSigning, audit trails, and integrations needed for oil and gas workflows.

Security: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit and AES-256 at rest are industry standards
Integrations: Integration with ERP/CRM (NetSuite, Salesforce) and cloud storage (Box, Google Drive) improves processing
Advanced Fields: Conditional fields, calculated fields, and templates reduce manual entry errors

Ensure the chosen platform supports HIPAA, SOC 2, and ESIGN/UETA compliance as required by your organization and transaction type.

Where to Send and File Completed Forms

Routing depends on the form type. Confirm the recipient and final repository before execution to prevent rework and ensure legal effect.

Operator Records: Send executed originals to the operator or designated land department for accounting.
Title Files: Provide copies to title examiners and the county or state recorder when required.
Royalty Administrator: Deliver payee and banking updates to the company handling royalty disbursements.
Legal Counsel: Retain counsel-signed copies when transaction terms require attorney approval.

Key Elements of a Professional Oil and Gas Form

A professional form clearly identifies parties, describes the interest, documents consideration, specifies governing law, allocates responsibilities, and provides signature and notarization blocks.

Party Identification

Full legal names, entity type, and contact information for all parties involved in the transaction.

Interest Description

Precise legal description of the mineral interest or lease, including tract identifiers and county.

Consideration

Specific monetary amounts, percentage assignments, or other consideration with calculation method.

Effective Terms

Effective date, term or duration, and any conditions precedent to effectiveness.

Governing Law

Specified governing state law and dispute resolution provisions applicable to the agreement.

Execution Blocks

Signature lines, printed names, titles, dates, and notarization or witness requirements as needed.

Download, Save, and Supporting Document Options

Common output formats and supporting documents ensure compatibility with internal systems and external filing requirements.

Output Formats

Save signed forms as PDF/A or DOCX for archival and exchange with partners.

Supporting Exhibits

Attach recorded leases, title opinions, and division order templates as exhibits to the primary form.

Audit Package

Include certificate of completion, IP/timestamp data, and signer audit trail with stored copy.

Record Filing

When required, record executed documents with the county recorder or state agency per local rules.

Best Practices for Consistent, Defensible Forms

Adopt standardized templates, require supporting documents, and maintain version control to limit disputes and administrative delays.

Use Standard Templates

Maintain template libraries with pre-approved language to reduce drafting variability and legal risk.

Require Title Checks

Attach recent title summaries or opinions to assignments to confirm current ownership and encumbrances.

Track Versions

Apply version numbers and save change logs so reviewers can trace edits and approvals.

Secure Storage

Store executed forms in encrypted repositories with access controls and audit logging.

Common Preparation Errors to Avoid

Using informal or abbreviated party names that do not match title documents.
Omitting precise land descriptions or lease identifiers leading to ambiguous transfers.
Failing to obtain required notarizations or witness signatures before recording.
Providing incorrect banking details that delay royalty payments and require costly corrections.

Risks and Penalties from Incorrect or Missing Information

Title Disputes: Errors can trigger ownership disputes and costly litigation or reformation.

Payment Delays: Incorrect payee data can prevent timely royalty distribution and require recovery processes.

Regulatory Noncompliance: Failure to file or record when required may breach state statute or agency rules.

Notarization Defects: Missing or improper notarization can invalidate recording and complicate conveyance.

Contractual Breach: Incomplete forms can be interpreted as breach, exposing parties to damages.

Tax Consequences: Incorrect payee identification may trigger backup withholding or tax reporting penalties.

Electronic Signature vs Digital (PKI) Signature: Key Differences

Understanding the distinction helps match signature type to legal or industry requirements, including evidentiary needs and regulatory obligations.

Criteria	Electronic Signature	Digital Signature
Definition	any electronic process indicating intent	cryptographic pki-based signature
Cryptographic Basis	not required	uses x.509 certificates
Non-repudiation	audit trail evidence	strong cryptographic non-repudiation
Typical Use	general contracts and approvals	fda, high-assurance, or evidentiary needs

eSignature Vendor Pricing and Feature Snapshot

Compare entry prices and basic feature availability for common eSignature providers; signNow is listed first to align with vendor-specific comparisons.

	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	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common practical and legal questions about preparing, signing, and storing Basic Oil and Gas Forms in the United States.

Need help? Contact support

Can these forms be e-signed?
Yes. Electronic signatures are legally valid under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96, 2000) and UETA in most states, subject to specific exceptions such as wills or certain court filings. Confirm that the transaction is not an ESIGN exception before proceeding.
When is notarization required?
Notarization is commonly required for conveyances, assignments, and documents submitted for county recording. Check the recorder or county rules where the property is located to confirm notarization and witness requirements.
Are remote notarizations acceptable?
Remote Online Notarization (RON) is permitted in most states with varying requirements for identity proofing and audio-video recording. Verify the specific state's RON rules before relying on a remote notarization.
What supporting documents to attach?
Attach title opinions, recorded lease excerpts, prior assignments, and W-9 tax forms where relevant. Supporting documents reduce follow-up requests and help payors validate ownership for royalty payments.
How to correct a signed form?
Corrections generally require a written amendment or replacement document signed by all parties. Minor clerical errors may be cured by an affidavit or corrected re-execution depending on recording office rules.
Who is authorized to sign for an entity?
Signers must have authority: corporate officers per bylaws, managers for LLCs per operating agreement, or an explicit power of attorney. Verify signature authority and, where necessary, obtain a certified resolution or POA.

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