Multi-Factor Options
Combine password entry with email verification, SMS codes, or one-time passcodes for layered authentication appropriate to transaction risk and regulatory needs.
Password electronic signatures add a simple, familiar layer of authentication that helps control document access and confirm signer identity without requiring specialized hardware or certificates.
An HR manager uses password-protected signing for onboarding documents to prevent unauthorized viewing before an official offer is accepted. They coordinate distribution, set expiry windows, and rely on the audit trail to confirm completion for personnel files.
A real estate agent shares draft contracts with buyers and sellers using access codes to maintain confidentiality during negotiation. They apply passwords to limit document access and to provide an additional check before final digital signatures are executed.
Organizations across legal, HR, finance, and real estate frequently use password-based access to balance usability and document protection in routine workflows.
These users often pair password authentication with audit trails, access logs, and optional stronger identity checks where regulation or risk demands additional verification.
Combine password entry with email verification, SMS codes, or one-time passcodes for layered authentication appropriate to transaction risk and regulatory needs.
Enforce complexity, expiration, and reuse rules for access codes to reduce the risk of guessable or reused passwords across documents and senders.
Show or require specific form fields only after correct password entry, ensuring sensitive inputs are accessible only to authenticated recipients.
Apply password requirements to bulk send templates so each recipient receives individualized access while administrators manage distribution centrally.
Programmatically create password-protected signing sessions and integrate access-code generation with internal systems using REST APIs for automation.
Generate reports that combine password access logs with signature audit trails to demonstrate controls during compliance reviews and audits.
Create one-time or reusable access codes for documents and signing sessions, control expiry, and require codes before viewing or signing to add an immediate layer of authentication.
Maintain tamper-evident logs recording access, password entry attempts, signature events, IP addresses, and timestamps to support legal admissibility and internal compliance checks.
Save frequently used documents with preconfigured access-code requirements and signer roles to reduce setup time and ensure consistent protection across repeat agreements.
Support password entry and signing on mobile devices with responsive interfaces and secure transport so recipients can complete protected signatures from phones and tablets.
| Workflow Setting Name Header (first column) | Default Configuration Value Column Description |
|---|---|
| Email Reminder Frequency Setting (header) | 48 hours |
| Access Code Expiration Policy Setting | 72 hours |
| Code Distribution Channel Setting | SMS or secure portal |
| Retry and Lockout Policy Setting | Three attempts then lock |
| Audit Logging Detail Level Setting | Full event detail |
Ensure all participants use supported browsers or mobile apps and secure channels to receive access codes and complete protected signatures.
Validate that recipients can receive the chosen password delivery method, confirm that required JavaScript or cookies are enabled for the signing session, and provide clear instructions for password entry to avoid delays.
A clinic sends patient consent forms protected by an access password to ensure only the intended recipient can view sensitive records before signing.
Resulting in clearer compliance records and controlled document distribution that supports HIPAA privacy practices.
A brokerage shares contract drafts with clients using a short-term password so only the buyer or seller can open negotiation documents.
Leading to improved confidentiality and an auditable path from draft to final signature.
| Criteria | signNow (Recommended) | DocuSign (Featured) |
|---|---|---|
| Password-protected access | ||
| Per-recipient one-time codes | ||
| API support for codes | REST API | REST API |
| Audit trail included | Full | Full |
7 years recommended
72 hours default
Minimum 3 years
Encrypt and store for retention period
Follow corporate shredding policy
| Subscription Plans and Pricing Header | signNow (Recommended) | DocuSign (Featured) | Adobe Sign | HelloSign | PandaDoc |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly price (individual plans) | $8 to $20 per user | $10 to $40 per user | $9 to $39 per user | $15 per user | $19 per user |
| Free or trial tier availability | Limited free trial | Limited free trial | Trial available | Free tier with limits | Free trial available |
| API access included | Available on API plans | Enterprise API available | API on business plans | API paid add-on | API on higher tiers |
| Bulk send and templates | Included on higher plans | Available on enterprise tiers | Available | Limited bulk features | Included on business plans |
| Enterprise support and SLA | Optional enterprise SLA | Enterprise SLAs available | Enterprise SLAs available | Priority support options | Enterprise support available |
Create, perform, and control workflows of any intricacy, electronically from virtually anywhere. Scalable electronic signature capabilities let you exchange papers with the right users the right order and assign roles for each signee. Perform document workflows faster and simpler than ever before.
Improve complicated signing tasks with airSlate SignNow�s effective capabilities to boost your business. Take control of your automated signature workflows to make sure they're running at maximum efficiency with fast notifications and alerts.
Join teams together in a protected, shared workplace. Manage documents, use form templates and notices to create more efficient cross-organization interaction. Free your workers from having to hang out on recurring actions so that they can center on valuable, business-vital projects.
Manage your tasks with industry-leading integration. Assemble Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, and SharePoint in one business flow. Link your applications to a single system for endless possibilities and higher productivity.
Feel confident understanding that your data remains secure by the latest in encryption security. airSlate SignNow is GDPR and eIDAS certified and gives you awareness into your eSigning experience with court-admissible audit trails. Configure user authorization and rights to regulate who has access to what.