Electronic Signature for SignNow
Award-winning eSignature solution
What an electronic signature is
An electronic signature is any electronic sound, symbol, or process that a person uses with the intent to sign a record. In U.S. business, it helps replace paper signing while keeping the signing act tied to a document, a signer, and a record of events. SignNow supports this process by combining signer authentication, routing, audit trails, and tamper-evident records so teams can collect signatures, track approvals, and retain completed files for later review.
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Intuitive UI and API. Sign and send documents from your apps in minutes.
Why eSignatures matter in U.S. business
Electronic signatures reduce paper handling, speed approvals, and create enforceable records under ESIGN and UETA when signer intent, consent, and attribution are documented. That makes them useful for contracts, HR forms, invoices, and consent documents, while excluded records such as wills and certain court orders still require other execution methods.
Core features for secure signing
SignNow combines signing, routing, and recordkeeping tools that support routine agreements as well as controlled, compliance-focused workflows.
Audit trail
Store signer actions in a complete audit trail that supports attribution, review, and recordkeeping across business and regulated workflows.
Mobile signing
Collect signatures from desktop or mobile devices so signers can finish documents without printing, scanning, or mailing.
Templates
Use templates to reuse approved forms, reduce manual setup, and keep document wording consistent across teams.
Role routing
Apply signer roles and routing so each person signs in the right order with the right access.
Signer verification
Support higher-assurance workflows with additional authentication options for sensitive agreements and regulated records.
Record control
Keep signed files organized with searchable records and exportable history for internal review and compliance.
Security and signer verification
Certificate trust:
Identity binding:
Stronger access:
Phone verification:
Signer checks:
Validity checks:
Recommended workflow settings
Use stronger identity checks and long-term records where legal exposure, privacy rules, or audit expectations are higher.
| Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Authentication method | SMS OTP for stronger attribution |
| Signature type | SES for routine agreements |
| Audit trail | Enable full event logging |
| Document retention | 6 years for HIPAA records |
| Encryption | TLS 1.2/1.3 and AES-256 |
How signing works step by step
The signing flow moves from preparation to delivery, then verification, and finally storage of the completed record.
Prepare: Upload the document and assign signing roles. Distribute: Send the request through SignNow. Verify: Signer authenticates and applies the signature. Archive: Completed files are stored with audit history.
A simple signing workflow
Start with a prepared document, then assign who signs, how they verify, and when the transaction is complete.
Prepare file:
Upload a document, a template, or a reusable form into SignNow. Set recipients:
Add signers, fields, and signing order before sending. Configure access:
Choose authentication and delivery options for the transaction. Send document:
Send the request and track each signer’s progress.
FAQ about eSignature setup
These answers focus on signNow features, plan limits, and U.S. compliance standards that affect electronic signature workflows.
SignNow supports legally binding eSignatures under ESIGN and UETA, but enforceability still depends on signer intent, consent, and a complete audit trail. Business and Enterprise plans add deeper controls for templates, authentication, and records retention.
For HIPAA workflows, use a plan that supports a BAA and keep signed records for 6 years under 45 CFR §164.530(j)(2). SignNow’s HIPAA-compliant workflows also rely on audit trails, access controls, and encryption in transit and at rest.
21 CFR Part 11 workflows need validated controls, unique user IDs, audit trails, and time-stamped records. SignNow can support regulated signing when the system is configured for 2FA, retention, and document history, but the process must still be validated by the organization.
If you need signer identity checks, use authentication options such as SMS OTP, ID verification, or stricter role-based access. These controls help attribute the signature to one person and support stronger evidentiary records in court or audit reviews.
The Business plan includes legally binding eSignatures, templates, mobile apps, and audit trails. Business Premium adds bulk send and kiosk mode, while Enterprise adds advanced signer authentication and formula fields for more controlled workflows.
If a recipient says the document changed, the audit trail and tamper-evident record can show the signing sequence and document hash history. Export the completed file and audit log from SignNow for review or legal recordkeeping.
Recordkeeping practices that hold up
Good recordkeeping keeps signed documents usable for audits, disputes, and compliance reviews long after the transaction closes.
Standardize repeat forms
Keep complete records
Match verification to risk
Follow retention rules
Feature comparison across vendors
The table below compares verified entry pricing and selected workflow features across leading vendors using current published data.
| SignNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | Dropbox Sign |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criteria | Recommended | Yes | Yes |
| Starting price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo |
| Free trial | 7 days | Not verified | Not verified |
| Bulk send | Yes | Yes | Not verified |
| Audit trail | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA compliance | BAA available | BAA available | Not verified |
Key performance indicators that demonstrate SignNow's proven track record.