Signature Block: Meaning, Line and Page

What is a signature block?

A signature block is the section of a document containing a place to sign and information identifying the signer. Depending on the agreement, it may include the person's name, role, organization and signing date.

A signature line is the specific signing position within that block. A signature page is a page containing one or more signing blocks. These describe document layout, rather than different signature levels.

What should the block make clear?

Show which party the person represents and whether they sign personally or on behalf of an organization. The Government of Canada's signature-block guidance illustrates the distinction between the signature and identifying information in correspondence. Contracts can require different or additional wording.

A block naming a company representative does not make that person an authorized signatory. Check the required authority and execution formalities separately. Similarly, adding initials beside a clause is a different action from completing a final signing block.

How does this work electronically?

An electronic document can place signing fields within its signature blocks. A typed name used only as an identifying label is not automatically an electronic signing act.

Retain the completed block with the agreement it belongs to. A signature page detached from its surrounding document can leave uncertainty about which version or terms were signed.