Dgft Digital Signature Class 2 for SignNow Compliance

Award-winning eSignature solution

What dgft digital signature class 2 means

A dgft digital signature class 2 is a certificate-based electronic signature used to confirm identity and protect document integrity. In practical terms, it links a signer to a document through cryptographic keys, so changes after signing are detectable. For U.S. users, the concept aligns with electronic signature workflows that rely on authentication, intent, and tamper evidence. Platforms like signNow capture signer actions, timestamps, and audit data to support defensible records under ESIGN and UETA.

Why it matters for enforceability

It helps teams reduce paper handling, speed approvals, and preserve evidence of who signed, when, and how. Under ESIGN and UETA, that record can support enforceability when intent, attribution, and consent are documented.

Why teams look for DocuSign alternatives

Common implementation challenges

Signer identity checks can be too weak if teams rely on basic email access alone.
Documents may lose evidentiary value when timestamps, IP data, or action history are incomplete.
Retention gaps can create problems when records must be produced during audits or disputes.
Users may confuse digital signatures with simple eSignatures and choose the wrong workflow.

Regulated workflows

Teams handling regulated or high-value documents use it for identity-backed signing and recordkeeping.

Document approvals

It fits contracts, approvals, and forms that need clear signer attribution and audit evidence.

People who benefit most

A director of NetSuite operations at Xerox uses signNow to route the right documents to the right people in the right format, which is useful when identity, sequence, and system integration all matter in a controlled approval process.
A founder at Martin Properties uses signNow to execute documents online with built-in security and mobile access, which fits lease, closing, and property paperwork that benefits from clear signer attribution and fast turnaround.

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Audit trail

Captures signer identity, timestamps, and document history so the signed record is easier to defend later.

Tamper evidence

Uses cryptographic sealing to show whether a document changed after signing.

Mobile access

Supports mobile signing so approvals can move without waiting for desktop access.

Routing control

Reduces manual routing by sending documents to the right signer in sequence.

Record retention

Keeps signed files organized for later review, export, or retention workflows.

Access control

Works with controlled access and authentication steps that help support compliance-focused use cases.

Connected systems for signing workflows

Connected systems move signed documents into the tools teams already use, reducing re-entry and keeping approvals tied to business records.

How the signing flow works

The signing flow follows a simple sequence from request to sealed record, with each action captured for later review.

Send request: The signer receives a request and opens the document.
Verify signer: Identity is checked through the selected authentication method.
Apply signature: The signer reviews and applies the signature.
Store evidence: signNow records the event history and seals the file.

Quick setup steps

Use a short setup process to prepare, send, and retain signed documents with clear control points.

Prepare file:
Upload the document and choose the signer order.
Set controls:
Add authentication and required fields before sending.
Send document:
Send the request and monitor completion status.
Save record:
Download or store the completed record for retention.

Setting	Recommendation
Authentication method	SMS OTP with ID verification
Signature type	Digital signature with audit trail
Audit trail	Enable full event logging
Document retention	6 years for HIPAA records
Encryption	TLS 1.2/1.3 and AES-256

Platform and device requirements

signNow works across major browsers and operating systems, with mobile support for signing on phones and tablets.

Desktop browsers Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari on current versions.
Operating systems Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices.
Mobile access Mobile apps support iPhone, iPad, and Android phones.

For managed deployments, teams should standardize supported browsers, keep devices updated, and align access controls with SSO, API, and retention policies. Regulated workflows may also require certificate handling, export controls, and documented authentication steps for audit review.

Security and compliance snapshot

Encryption:

TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit

Data protection:

AES-256 at rest

Controls:

SOC 2 Type II available

Certification:

ISO 27001 certified

Healthcare use:

HIPAA support with BAA

Legal framework:

ESIGN and UETA aligned

Enterprise operations

A NetSuite operations leader needed signatures tied to the right records and formats.

Xerox used signNow with NetSuite integration.
The workflow matched document format and routing needs.

That setup helped keep approvals aligned with system records and reduced manual handling across internal and external requests.

Real estate

A property founder needed online execution with security and mobile access.

Martin Properties processed documents without paper.
Mobile signing supported faster turnaround.

The result was a more controlled signing process with clearer attribution, easier access on mobile, and less delay in property paperwork.

Best practices for controlled signing

A disciplined setup makes the record easier to defend, easier to retain, and easier to review across teams and systems.

Match authentication to risk

Use stronger authentication for documents that may be reviewed in audits, disputes, or regulated workflows. SMS OTP can help, but higher-risk records often benefit from ID verification or layered controls that better support attribution and later evidence review.

Preserve the full event history

Keep the audit trail complete by preserving timestamps, signer actions, and delivery history. If a document may need to stand up in review, the record should show who acted, when they acted, and what changed during the process.

Define retention before launch

Set retention rules before sending documents so completed records stay available for the required period. For healthcare records, HIPAA retention is 6 years from the date of creation or last effective date, whichever is later.

Restrict access and exports

Limit access to users who need to send, sign, or export records. Pair role-based access with SSO, where available, and keep encryption enabled so signed files remain protected during storage and transfer.

FAQ and troubleshooting

These answers focus on plan limits, compliance needs, and workflow issues that affect signing, retention, and evidence.

signNow Business includes legally binding eSignatures, audit trails, templates, and mobile apps. If your workflow needs HIPAA support, confirm a BAA and keep encryption and access controls enabled.

signNow supports HIPAA when a BAA is in place. HIPAA also expects unique user identification, access controls, audit controls, and integrity protections under 45 CFR 164.312.

For higher-assurance signing, use ID verification or layered authentication instead of email-only access. ESIGN and UETA require attribution to the signer, and stronger authentication improves evidentiary weight.

If a document must be retained for a regulated period, set retention rules before sending. HIPAA-covered records require 6 years, and the completed file should remain exportable with its audit trail.

If a signer cannot complete the process on mobile, confirm browser support and app access on iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. signNow supports mobile signing across these platforms.

For enterprise access, use the Site License or Enterprise options when you need SSO, API access, or advanced controls. If a feature is missing, check whether it belongs to a higher plan tier.

signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc
ESIGN and UETA	Yes	Yes	Yes
Audit trail	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA support	Yes	Yes	Yes
Envelope cap	No cap	100/yr	Varies

Setup day:

Configure authentication, routing, and retention before first send.

First send:

Start with one document and verify the audit trail.

Team onboarding:

Add users after roles and permissions are defined.

HIPAA retention:

Keep covered records 6 years under 45 CFR 164.530(j)(2).

Free trial:

7 days, no credit card required.

Enterprise access:

Use Site License for 1000+ docs/year.

Compliance review:

Confirm ESIGN, UETA, and HIPAA controls before rollout.

Archive export:

Export completed files with audit history intact.

Risks of improper use

Weak attribution

Document may be harder to defend in a dispute.

Missing trail

Audit evidence may be incomplete.

Archive gap

Retention obligations may be missed.

Policy mismatch

Compliance review may fail.

Signer authentication:

The signer is verified before access is granted.

Timestamp capture:

Each action receives a secure UTC timestamp.

Document hashing:

The document hash changes if content changes.

Tamper-evident sealing:

The signed file is sealed against tampering.

Audit retrieval:

The audit trail can be retrieved or exported.

Evidence package:

The record preserves signer, time, and action history.

	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 days	Not verified	Not verified	Not verified	Not verified
Bulk send	Yes, Business Premium	Not verified	Not verified	Not verified	Not verified
Audit trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Envelope cap	No cap	100/user/yr	Not verified	Not verified	Not verified

28M+Documents signed

13+Years in business

4.6/5Average G2 rating