List Three Criteria of an Electronic Signature with 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. transactions, it can be as simple as clicking to accept, typing a name, drawing a signature, or using a stronger identity-verified method. The core mechanics are consent, signer attribution, and record integrity. signNow captures the signing event, stores the signed document, and keeps an audit trail so the signature can be reviewed later if needed.
Why it matters for U.S. records
It reduces paper handling, speeds approvals, and preserves evidence of intent. Under ESIGN and UETA, an electronic signature can be enforceable when the signer consents and the record is retained with reliable evidence.
Key implementation pitfalls
Signer identity can be weak if the workflow relies only on an email link and no additional verification. Documents may be disputed later when the audit trail does not clearly show intent, time, and sequence. Retention gaps can make signed records harder to produce during audits, litigation, or internal reviews. Improper setup can leave regulated records without the controls needed for HIPAA, FERPA, or 21 CFR Part 11 workflows.
Who uses electronic signatures
Real estate
Lease packets, rental applications, and closing documents move faster when tenants and agents sign remotely.
Healthcare
Patient forms, consent documents, and intake packets need secure signing and clear retention controls.
People who benefit most
A director of NetSuite operations at Xerox uses signNow to route the right documents to the right approvers through a NetSuite-connected workflow, which helps keep signatures aligned with internal controls and document formats across teams and locations. A founder at Martin Properties uses signNow to execute lease and property documents online, including mobile signing and offline access, while keeping a clear compliance record for real estate transactions and time-sensitive tenant paperwork.
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Key features and benefits
signNow supports electronic signatures with practical controls that help teams sign, track, and store records in a consistent workflow.
Signer intent
Captures signer intent with a clear action, such as clicking, typing, or drawing a signature, while preserving the signed record for later review.
Audit trail
Creates a time-stamped history of views, signatures, and document actions so teams can verify what happened and when.
Mobile access
Supports remote signing on desktop and mobile devices, which helps reduce delays when people are not in the same place.
Workflow routing
Keeps documents organized in a digital workflow, making it easier to route approvals and reduce manual follow-up.
Record retention
Stores signed files in a format that can be retrieved for audits, disputes, or internal recordkeeping.
Process consistency
Helps teams standardize signing steps across departments, which reduces errors and makes review easier.
How the signing flow works
The process follows a simple sequence from document delivery to final record storage, with evidence captured at each step.
Open document: The signer opens the document and reviews the request. Verify signer: Identity is verified through the selected authentication method. Sign and submit: The signer completes the signature action and submits it. Save record: signNow stores the signed file and audit trail.
Quick setup steps
A short setup sequence helps teams send documents quickly while keeping the signing process organized and traceable.
Prepare file:
Upload the document and set the signing order. Assign signers:
Add signers and assign fields for each person. Send request:
Choose the authentication method and send the request. Archive record:
Review the completed file and store it securely.
Recommended workflow setup
A practical setup balances identity checks, recordkeeping, and retention so signed documents stay usable for review and compliance.
| Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Authentication method | SMS OTP |
| Signature type | SES |
| Audit trail | Enable full event log |
| Document retention | 6 years for HIPAA records |
| Encryption | TLS 1.2/1.3 and AES-256 |
Platform and device requirements
signNow works in modern browsers and on mobile devices, so users can review and sign documents from desktop or phone. A stable internet connection and current browser version help ensure the signing session loads correctly.
Desktop browsers Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge Operating systems Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android Mobile access signNow mobile apps on iOS and Android
For regulated or enterprise deployments, managed devices, access controls, and retention policies matter as much as browser support. Teams using HIPAA, FERPA, or 21 CFR Part 11 workflows should confirm authentication, storage, and administrative settings before rollout.
Security and compliance
Transport encryption:
At-rest encryption:
Security certification:
Information security:
Healthcare compliance:
Privacy and trust:
Real-world examples
These examples show how signNow fits document-heavy workflows where identity, timing, and record integrity matter.
Enterprise operations
A NetSuite operations leader needed signatures tied to internal document routing and format control.
- Xerox used signNow with NetSuite integration.
- The workflow matched the right document to the right signer.
The result was a more controlled signing process with fewer routing errors and better alignment between document type, signer, and business system.
Real estate
A property founder needed online execution for lease documents without losing compliance visibility.
- Martin Properties signed documents on mobile and offline.
- The workflow supported fast turnaround for tenant paperwork.
The result was faster lease execution, easier document handling, and a clearer record of who signed, when they signed, and what was completed.
Best practices
A careful setup improves enforceability, reduces review delays, and makes it easier to produce records when questions arise later.
Match authentication to risk
Preserve intent and evidence
Define retention before launch
Restrict document access
FAQ and troubleshooting
These answers focus on plan limits, compliance requirements, and the controls teams usually check before rollout.
signNow Business starts at $8/user/mo on annual billing, and the 7-day free trial lets teams test signing, templates, and audit trails before purchase.
signNow supports ESIGN and UETA-compliant electronic signatures, and its audit trail helps show signer intent, timing, and document history for U.S. transactions.
HIPAA workflows require a BAA, plus access controls, audit logging, and retention settings. signNow lists HIPAA support with BAA required for PHI handling.
For 21 CFR Part 11 workflows, use unique user IDs, secure timestamps, and controlled access. signNow’s compliance features support regulated electronic records, but validation remains the customer’s responsibility.
Bulk send is included in signNow Business Premium. If you need higher-volume routing, compare plan features before sending large batches of documents.
DocuSign’s envelope cap can matter for high-volume teams. signNow’s Business plan has no envelope cap, which simplifies recurring document workflows.
Vendor comparison
The table below compares core signing features across leading vendors using publicly available baseline information.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESIGN and UETA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Envelope cap | No cap | 100/year | Not verified |
| Audit trail | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Starting price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo |
Rollout and retention timeline
This timeline combines adoption steps with retention facts that matter when documents must stay available after signing.
Day 0:
Day 1:
Week 1:
7-day trial:
HIPAA retention:
UETA adoption:
ESIGN baseline:
Archive review:
Risks of improper use
Weak attribution
Poor audit trail
Missing retention
Part 11 gaps
What the audit trail records
The audit trail captures the evidence needed to show who signed, when they signed, and whether the file changed later.
Signer authentication:
Timestamp capture:
Document hashing:
Tamper-evident sealing:
Trail storage:
Audit export:
Pricing and plan features
Pricing and plan details below use verified baseline figures and publicly stated plan information where available.
| 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 | Business Premium | Not verified | Not verified | Not verified | Not verified |
| Audit trail | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| HIPAA compliance | BAA required | BAA available | BAA available | Not verified | Not verified |
Key performance indicators that demonstrate SignNow's proven track record.