Authority Clause
Specify the statutory or charter basis for the signers’ authority, cite board bylaws or corporate articles, and explain any delegated powers including limits, durations, and reporting requirements to prevent overreach or ambiguity.
Used to establish clear authorization, maintain corporate records, and provide evidence for compliance and audits. When executed properly it supports legal enforceability under ESIGN and state UETA/ESRA frameworks and reduces disputes by documenting who authorized which action and when.
Organizations across sectors use this document when board or authorized officers must record formal approvals or consents.
Smaller businesses and public agencies also use these records to meet corporate governance and regulatory documentation standards.
Directors who vote on corporate actions use this document to record motions, seconds, and outcomes; entries become part of the corporate minute book and can be used as evidence of authority for third parties reviewing company records.
Company officers or secretaries prepare, attest, and maintain signed resolutions; they ensure signatures meet statutory formalities and certify copies for banks, regulators, or counterparties that require proof of corporate authorization.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signer Order | Sequential or parallel routing per resolution requirements |
| Authentication | Email link, SMS code, or multi-factor options |
| Conditional Fields | Show fields only when specific answers selected |
| Retention Settings | Automatic storage duration and export options |
For electronic execution, verify platform capabilities such as authentication strength, audit trails, and integration with storage systems.
Enter MM/DD/YYYY as effective date and record it
Obtain votes and signatures before contract execution
Complete notarization within state-required timeframe
Submit copies to registrars or lenders promptly
Retention begins on execution or effective date
Specify the statutory or charter basis for the signers’ authority, cite board bylaws or corporate articles, and explain any delegated powers including limits, durations, and reporting requirements to prevent overreach or ambiguity.
List each action being approved in clear, numbered points — contracts, transfers, officer appointments — with sufficient detail to identify documents, amounts, or assets, and reference supporting exhibits or schedules.
State the exact effective date in MM/DD/YYYY format, indicate whether the action is retroactive, and note the date that triggers obligations, payments, or reporting responsibilities to third parties.
Provide printed names, titles, signature lines, and dates for each authorized signer; include corporate seals, attestations by officers, and spaces for witness or notary information if state law requires them.
Include a certification clause for the secretary or custodian confirming the document is a true copy, that approvals occurred as recorded, and specifying where the original will be maintained.
Attach referenced agreements, schedules, and legal descriptions as exhibits; ensure exhibit labels match resolution references to avoid confusion during enforcement or third-party review.
A startup board adopted a resolution authorizing the CEO to execute a licensing agreement for intellectual property with specified financial limits and reporting requirements.
A healthcare clinic used a resolution to authorize remote patient consent forms and delegate signature authority to the practice manager under HIPAA-compliant procedures.
| 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 | Yes, 7-day | 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 |