Establishing secure connection…Loading editor…Preparing document…

Legal Resolution of Authority

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

LEGAL RESOLUTION OF AUTHORITY

This Legal Resolution of Authority (the "Resolution") is adopted by Entity Name: , organized as an entity type: , formed under the laws of Jurisdiction: , with principal office at . The Board of Directors or Managers convened at a duly called meeting on Meeting Date: , at which a quorum was present and acting throughout.

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Board has determined that it is in the best interests of the Entity to designate one or more individuals to execute documents, enter into transactions, and take such actions on behalf of the Entity within the scope set forth herein; and

WHEREAS, the Board seeks to set forth with particularity the authority to be granted, any conditions or limitations on that authority, and the means by which the authority may be revoked or amended; and

WHEREAS, the individuals identified below have represented that they are willing and able to accept the duties and responsibilities described in this Resolution.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED

  1. Appointment of Authorized Representative(s). The Board hereby appoints the following individual(s) as Authorized Representative(s) of the Entity with the authority described in this Resolution:
  2. Scope of Authority. The Authorized Representative is authorized, on behalf of the Entity, to negotiate, execute, deliver and perform all documents, agreements, instruments and certificates, to incur liabilities, and to take all actions in connection with the following matters: The authority granted herein includes the right to delegate ministerial tasks to employees or agents of the Entity, subject to any limitations expressly set forth in this Resolution.
  3. Limitations and Conditions. The authority granted to the Authorized Representative shall be limited as follows: Any transaction outside the scope or in excess of stated limits requires prior written approval of the Board of Directors or Managers.
  4. Duration and Revocation. Unless earlier revoked by vote of the Board or by operation of law, this Resolution shall remain in force until Revocation Date: . The Board may revoke or amend this Resolution at any time by majority vote at a duly convened meeting or by unanimous written consent.
  5. Reliance by Third Parties. Any person, bank, or other third party dealing with the Authorized Representative may rely upon a written certificate signed by the Secretary or other authorized officer of the Entity certifying the continuing authority of the Authorized Representative, the specimen signature of the Authorized Representative, and the absence of revocation, until such party receives written notice of revocation at the address provided in the Notices section below.
  6. Certification. The undersigned Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Entity hereby certifies that the foregoing is a true, complete and correct copy of the Resolution duly adopted by the Board and that such Resolution remains in full force and effect on the date below.

NOTICES

All notices, requests, consents and other communications required or permitted under this Resolution shall be in writing and delivered to:

MISCELLANEOUS

Governing Law. This Resolution shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Governing State: without regard to its conflict of laws principles.

Entire Agreement. This Resolution constitutes the entire agreement of the Board with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior resolutions and authorizations, whether written or oral, relating to the authority granted herein.

Severability. If any provision of this Resolution is held to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this Resolution shall remain in full force and effect and shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent of the Board to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Amendment and Waiver. This Resolution may be amended, modified or supplemented only by a written instrument approved by the Board. Failure or delay by the Board to exercise any right or remedy under this Resolution does not operate as a waiver of that right or remedy.

Counterparts. This Resolution may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Facsimile or electronic signatures shall be deemed original for all purposes.

ATTESTATION

I, the undersigned Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Entity, certify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing Resolution was adopted by the Board in accordance with the Entity's governing documents and applicable law, and that the persons named above are authorized to act as set forth herein.

Entity (Printed Name):

By:

Date:

Authorized Representative (Printed Name):

By:

Date:

Enter text✕

What a Legal Resolution of Authority Is and When it’s Used

A Legal Resolution of Authority is a signed corporate or organizational document that formally grants one or more persons the power to act on behalf of the entity for specified matters. Typical uses include authorizing officers to open bank accounts, execute contracts, sign closing documents, or delegate signing authority to an agent. The resolution records scope, limits, effective dates, and any required post-signature steps such as notarization or filing in corporate records. It becomes part of the organization’s official minute book or corporate record.

Why a Clear Resolution of Authority Matters

A well-drafted resolution reduces operational friction, prevents disputes over signer authority, meets bank and counterparty requirements, and documents corporate governance decisions for audits, compliance, and due diligence.

Why a Clear Resolution of Authority Matters

Who Typically Prepares and Relies on These Resolutions

Keep a signed copy in the official minute book and provide certified copies to banks, counterparties, or regulators as required.

  • Corporate boards and corporate secretaries who record and authorize officer actions for bank, real estate, and contract transactions.
  • Banking and treasury teams that require formal evidence of signatory authority to open accounts or authorize transfers.
  • General counsel and outside counsel who draft or review language to ensure compliance with bylaws and statutes.

Representative Signers and Document Owners

Board Chair

Typically signs or certifies the corporate resolution and may delegate authority. The chair ensures the resolution aligns with corporate bylaws and records the decision in minutes.

Corporate Secretary

Maintains minute book and certifies copies. The secretary verifies execution formalities, retains originals, and provides certified copies to banks or other third parties.

Core Elements of a Professional Resolution of Authority

A concise resolution contains specific provisions that define who can act, what they may do, time limits, and any authentication or recording steps required for effectiveness.

Authority Scope

Precisely list actions the authorized person may take (e.g., execute contracts, open accounts, sign checks), avoiding vague phrases that invite dispute.

Named Signatories

Provide full legal names, titles, and any alternate names or DBAs so third parties can confirm identity against IDs and corporate records.

Effective Period

State the start date and, if applicable, an expiration date or event that terminates the authority to avoid open-ended delegations.

Limitations

Include monetary caps, transaction type limitations, or conditional approvals to confine the delegations to intended activities.

Authentication

Specify whether notarization, witness signatures, or certified copies are required for third-party acceptance and bank onboarding.

Recordkeeping

Direct how the resolution will be filed in corporate records, who will certify copies, and retention requirements for audit and legal compliance.

Essential Identification and Security Information

Entity Name: Full legal entity name
Entity ID: EIN or state registration number
Signer Name: Full legal name as on ID
Signer Title: Official corporate title
Authentication: Notary, RON, or other method
Retention: Record retention instructions

Step-by-Step: Drafting and Executing the Resolution

Follow a concise sequence from draft to certified copy to ensure validity and acceptance by banks, counterparties, and regulators.

  • 01
    Draft resolution: State parties, powers, limits, and effective date clearly.
  • 02
    Board action: Obtain board or member approval according to bylaws.
  • 03
    Execute: Authorized officers sign; have signatures notarized if required.
  • 04
    Distribute copies: File original in minute book and provide certified copies.

Configuring an Online Signing Workflow

Set up fields, routing, and authentication in the e-sign platform to match the resolution’s execution requirements and recordkeeping rules.

Field Configuration
Signature Field Require signer name, signature, and date
Authentication Email + SMS code or advanced ID verification
Signing Order Specify sequential or parallel routing
Audit Trail Capture IP, timestamps, and completion certificate

Where to Send or File the Executed Resolution

After execution, distribute certified copies to internal and external stakeholders according to the resolution’s instructions and third-party requirements.

  • Corporate Records: File original in the minute book with secretary certification.
  • Bank or Financial Institution: Provide certified copy and bank-specific forms for account setup.
  • Counterparties: Attach certified copy to contracts requiring authority proof.
  • Regulatory Filings: Submit only when expressly required by statute or agency.

Distribution and eSubmission Options

Ensure the selected method retains an audit trail and provides tamper-evident copies for future verification and audits.

  • Email Delivery: Send signed PDFs to recipients for their records
  • Cloud Storage: Store master copy in secure cloud repository
  • Integrated Systems: Link to CRM or ERP for centralized access

Typical Timing and Processing Expectations

Key timing milestones help coordinate approvals, notarization, and delivery to banks or counterparties so transactions proceed without delay.

Execution Window:

Execute immediately after board vote or as specified by the resolution.

Notary Scheduling:

Arrange notarization within days of signature for time-sensitive banking needs.

Bank Processing:

Banks typically review and accept certified copies within 3–10 business days.

Internal Filing:

File originals in the minute book the same day as execution when possible.

Document Retention:

Retention period begins on execution date and follows corporate retention policies.

Common Preparation and Execution Pitfalls

  • Using informal or ambiguous language that fails to identify specific powers or limits, causing banks or counterparties to refuse acceptance.
  • Mismatched names between signer entries and government-issued IDs, which delays bank onboarding and can trigger additional verification.
  • Omitting certification or notary where third parties require it, resulting in rejection of the resolution for official transactions.
  • Failing to record board authorization in minutes or retaining only unsigned copies, which weakens the evidentiary trail in disputes.

Consequences of an Incorrect or Incomplete Resolution

Invalid Authority: Contracts signed without proper authority may be unenforceable
Bank Refusal: Banks can refuse account actions without certified authority
Contract Voidance: Counterparty may seek rescission or damages
Regulatory Exposure: Misstated authority can trigger compliance inquiries
Notary Failure: Missing notarization can invalidate third-party acceptance
Fraud Risk: Lax controls increase risk of unauthorized transactions

Frequently Asked Questions About Resolution Execution

Answers to common questions about valid execution, notarization, e-signing, revocation, and distribution of resolutions.


Need help? Contact support

Comparing eSignature Pricing and Capabilities for Executing Resolutions

Basic price and capability differences among common eSignature vendors can influence platform selection for secure execution and record retention.

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 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
be ready to get more
Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users