Work order
A work order is a document that authorizes a specific job, such as a repair, installation or service call, and records what needs doing, by whom, and later what was done.
Updated October 13, 2026 · 1 min read
How it's used
Work orders are common in service businesses, property management and maintenance. A customer or manager requests the work, the order describes it, a technician does it, and the customer signs off when it's complete. The signed work order then backs up the invoice.
Work order, contract or change order?
- Contract: the overall agreement, often for a larger project, with the full terms.
- Work order: authorizes one specific job, sometimes under a contract that's already in place.
- Change order: changes the scope, price or schedule of an existing contract.
To get a work order approved or signed off on the spot, upload it to SignMaster and use Sign in person to hand the customer your phone. Add an Approve button if you just need a yes; approving is recorded the same as a signature.
Questions? Answers.
Who signs a work order?
Usually the customer or manager who authorizes the job, and often again when it's done, to confirm the work was completed. The technician or company may sign too.