Confirmation of Legal Signature Authority: What It Is, How to Get One, and Costs
Confirmation of Legal Signature Authority
What Is a Confirmation of Legal Signature Authority?
A Confirmation of Legal Signature Authority is a document typically signed by a lawyer – and in some countries apart from the US, also signed by notaries (see here for why US notaries do not sign similar documents). In this document, the lawyer confirms that they have reviewed your organizational documents and can confirm that the signatory has the power to execute those documents.
This is typically requested in international transactions (Germany and Spain for instance) where the foreign notary or registering court needs to be certain that the executor of a power of attorney, deed, or other document is authorized to bind that entity in a deal. In a few cases, it may be requested with an apostille.
What Documents Do Lawyers Review To Confirm Authority?
A lawyer will typically review your articles or certificate of incorporation, written consents giving power to the signatory, your By-Laws, operating, or other governing agreement, and any powers of attorney you may have issued as an entity.
Cost of a Confirmation of Legal Signature Authority
Many lawyers consider these confirmations legal opinions issued by the lawyer. As such, they will charge you the cost of issuing a standard legal opinion, which may range from $300-$1500 depending on the law firm and their standard rates. These are typically brief and succinct, so we charge on the lower range at $250. Contact us here.
How to Send a Confirmation to the Requesting Party
Many times a soft copy of the signed Confirmation suffices. This is especially true in German deals. In some cases however the hard copy is required. In that case, the lawyer can send out the hard copy directly to the requesting party.
How to Send a Confirmation to the Requesting Party
Many times a soft copy of the signed Confirmation suffices. This is especially true in German deals. In some cases however the hard copy is required. In that case, the lawyer can send out the hard copy directly to the requesting party.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do all countries require confirmation of signature authority?
No. Requirements vary. Some jurisdictions rely solely on corporate records, while others require a lawyer’s or notary’s confirmation.
2. Can in-house counsel issue the confirmation?
Generally, outside counsel provides the opinion. Some foreign parties may not accept in-house confirmations due to independence concerns.
3. Is notarization always required?
In the U.S., confirmations are usually lawyer-signed only. In civil law countries, notaries may also need to sign or endorse them.
4. What’s the difference between a Confirmation and a Power of Attorney?
A power of attorney grants authority, while a confirmation verifies that the person signing has that authority under governing documents.
5. How quickly can I get one?
If your corporate records are organized, confirmations can usually be issued within 1–2 business days. Delays occur if documents are missing or outdated.
How to Get a Confirmation of Legal Signature Authority
If you’ve been asked for this document as part of an international deal, we can help. Our legal team reviews your organizational documents and issues confirmations quickly and affordably.
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