Requiring a phone number increases signer authentication options, enables SMS-based verification, and creates an additional communication channel for delivery and reminders while strengthening the overall audit trail.
Contract Managers configure required fields, set validation rules for phone inputs, and schedule reminders. They coordinate with IT to enable SMS services and ensure templates include proper consent language and audit tracking for each signed document.
Compliance Officers review retention schedules, confirm phone collection practices meet ESIGN and UETA requirements, and ensure stored numbers are protected per organizational privacy and security policies, producing documentation for audits.
Organizations across sales, HR, lending, and compliance commonly require phone numbers to strengthen signer verification and communications.
Requiring a phone number is most effective when combined with clear consent language, appropriate authentication settings, and documented retention policies.
Configurable phone input fields support required collection, auto-formatting, and country code options to reduce input errors and improve delivery success rates for SMS messages.
Optional SMS OTP sends a time-limited code to the signer’s phone for additional identity assurance; OTP settings such as expiration can be adjusted per workflow to balance security and convenience.
Conditional fields and routing let senders request a phone number only when specific conditions apply, minimizing unnecessary data collection and aligning forms with privacy requirements.
Every collected phone number and any verification result is recorded in the transaction audit log, showing timestamps, delivery attempts, and verification outcomes for compliance and dispute resolution.
| Workflow Setting Name and Description | Default configuration and typical values |
|---|---|
| Require phone field on templates | Enabled by default for applicable templates |
| Phone input validation pattern | Enforce E.164 or US format |
| SMS OTP verification toggle | Optional per envelope |
| OTP expiration and retries | 5 minute expiry, 3 retries |
| Document retention and masking | Mask exports; retain 7 years |
Ensure signers have a supported browser or mobile app and SMS-capable phone to receive one-time passcodes and complete verification.
For best results, document supported platforms in user-facing instructions, recommend updating apps and browsers, and provide alternative verification steps for international signers or those without reliable SMS access.
A regional mortgage lender required a phone number on loan documents to support signer communications and identity checks during closing
Resulting in faster closings and clearer audit documentation for compliance reviews.
A university required phone numbers on student consent forms to send scheduling and follow-up texts and confirm receipt
Leading to more reliable records and simplified FERPA-compliant communications processes.
| Feature | signNow (Recommended) | DocuSign |
|---|---|---|
| Required phone field | ||
| SMS OTP support | ||
| International SMS coverage | Wide | Wide |
| Audit log includes phone |
| Pricing Feature or Tier Name | signNow (Featured) | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | HelloSign | PandaDoc |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly starting price | Approx $8/month | Approx $10/month | Approx $14.99/month | Approx $15/month | Approx $19/month |
| Free tier or trial | Free trial available | Free trial available | Free trial available | Free limited plan | Free eSign plan |
| API access on plans | Available on paid plans | Available on paid plans | Available on paid plans | Available on paid plans | Available on paid plans |
| SMS OTP support and cost | Included; carrier fees possible | Included; carrier fees possible | Included; regional limits | Tier-dependent | Add-on or integration |
| Enterprise support available | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Experience airSlate SignNow to eSign and require a phone number when working with your company and personal documents.
This system makes it possible for users to personalize any form, agreement or other kind of documentation and approve it having a legally-binding signature that's acknowledged by governmental authorities. All documents contained in an airSlate SignNow account are guarded with high-level encryption and each of them will get its individual distinctive identification number right after becoming executed.
airSlate SignNow's capabilities provide a variety of options which make the completion and signing process a breeze. Easily insert fillable fields and label them, assign unique roles for various recipients, and gather payments when signing a document. By turning a form or agreement into a template, users will be able to utilize it many times while preventing boring and repetitive steps.
They can then distribute it to as many recipients as required.
