Record of Unanimous Action of the Shareholders and Directors
What the Record of Unanimous Action of the Shareholders and Directors Is
Why a Clear Unanimous Action Record Matters
A well-drafted Record of Unanimous Action creates clear, contemporaneous evidence that all required decision-makers approved a corporate action, reducing ambiguity for banks, auditors, and regulators and supporting internal governance.
Who Typically Prepares and Signs These Records
These records are commonly prepared by corporate counsel, corporate secretaries, or officers and signed by all directors and shareholders when unanimous consent is permitted by governing law and the company’s bylaws.
- Corporate secretary or counsel — prepares text, confirms quorum and authority, and updates minute book.
- Directors — sign to indicate board-level approval where required.
- Shareholders — sign to record shareholder-level consent when full ownership approval is required.
Maintain originals or certified electronic copies in the corporate minute book and circulate signed copies to affected parties such as banks, escrow agents, or filing counsel.
Step-by-Step: Preparing and Executing the Record
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01Draft the Resolution: Write precise action language and reference governing documents.
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02Verify Authority: Confirm articles, bylaws, and ownership percentages; ensure unanimity where required.
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03Circulate for Signature: Share the final document to all signers with clear signing instructions and a deadline.
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04Record and File: Store the signed record in the minute book and distribute certified copies as needed.
Typical Workflow for Using an Electronic Signing Process
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Upload Document: Sender uploads the final prepared record to the eSignature platform.
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Place Fields: Add signature, date, and role fields where each party must sign or initial.
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Set Authentication: Choose signer authentication level (email, SMS code, or advanced ID check).
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Audit Trail: Platform captures timestamps, IP addresses, and completion certificate.
Recommended eSignature Workflow Settings
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signer Authentication | Email + SMS code for moderate assurance |
| Sequence | Simultaneous signing allowed for unanimous actions |
| Audit Trail | Enable full event log and certificate |
| Document Retention | Export signed PDF/A and store in minute book |
Technical Considerations for Electronic Execution
Select eSignature features that support legal proof and secure long-term storage.
- File Formats: PDF or PDF/A recommended
- Security: TLS in transit; AES-256 at rest
- Integrations: Connect to cloud storage or corporate systems
Preserve the full audit trail and export a timestamped, tamper-evident PDF to include in the corporate minute book and any compliance archive.
How a Record of Unanimous Action Compares to Similar Corporate Documents
| Criteria | Record of Unanimous Action | Board Minutes | Written Consent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formality | less formal | more formal | formal |
| Requires Meeting | often yes | ||
| Filing Required | typically no | typically no | |
| Signatures Needed | all required parties | presiding officer + secretary | all consenting parties |
Representative eSignature Pricing for Executing Corporate Records
| 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, no card | 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 |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies | Varies | Varies |
Key Risks When the Record Is Incomplete or Incorrect
Common Pitfalls to Watch For
- Failing to confirm that unanimous approval is permitted under bylaws or state law, which can render the action ineffective.
- Using inconsistent company names or signer titles across documents, creating uncertainty for banks and counterparties.
- Omitting signer capacity or failing to attach supporting ownership schedules or officer delegations when required.
- Neglecting to capture or export the eSignature audit trail, reducing evidentiary value in disputes.
Real-World Uses of a Record of Unanimous Action
Private Sale Approval
A closely held corporation approves the sale of a noncore asset without a meeting.
- All shareholders sign a single record to document consent.
- The signed record and supporting sale documents are placed in the minute book and presented to the escrow agent to satisfy closing conditions and prove corporate approval.
Bank Account Authorization
Directors authorize new bank signatories for operating accounts.
- All directors sign the unanimous action to appoint signers.
- The bank accepts the signed record with corporate formation documents to add authorized signatories and activate online banking access.
Frequently Asked Questions and Troubleshooting
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Can this be signed electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures are legally enforceable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA in most states when the parties demonstrate intent, consent, attribution, and reproducible retention.
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Is notarization required?
Generally not for internal corporate records, but third parties may request notarization or additional authentication; state-specific matters such as deed execution may require notary and witnesses.
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What if a shareholder refuses to sign?
Unanimous action requires all required signatures. If any party with voting rights withholds consent, use a formal meeting or written consent process that complies with bylaws and state law.
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How should I store the signed record?
Keep an original wet-signed copy or a timestamped, tamper-evident PDF in the corporate minute book, and retain the audit trail showing signer identity and timestamps.
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Does unanimous action substitute for board minutes?
It can serve the same legal purpose for the specific action approved, but maintain minutes for broader governance matters and recurring records as required by bylaws.
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When should I consult counsel?
Consult counsel for complex transactions, actions involving fiduciary issues, cross-jurisdictional corporate law questions, or when counterparty acceptance of electronic records is uncertain.