Can I send a document for signature if I don’t know a recipient’s email address?

Yes! Send a link to your document or template to the recipient's phone number. Note that this functionality is only available for USA and Canada mobile numbers.

Is Invite via SMS available only for a document?

You can send signature invites via SMS for documents and templates.

How do I know that a recipient has received my signature invite via SMS?

Once a signer opens and signs your document, you will receive a notification email from airSlate SignNow.

How do I add fillable fields to a document?

When in the airSlate SignNow editor, choose any item in the Tools section of the left-hand sidebar and click where you need the field to appear on the document. Then, adjust its size and placement and click OK . Don’t forget to save the document after editing by clicking Save and Close .

What telephone numbers are valid for using Invite via SMS?

You can only send invites to mobile phone users in the USA and Canada.

Do my signers need a airSlate SignNow account to sign my document?

No, your signers can open the link in SMS and sign a document right on their mobile device, without having to register with airSlate SignNow.

What are the differences between sending an email and SMS signature invite?

Sending a signature invite via SMS is the preferable way of collecting signatures if you don’t know a recipient’s email. The signing flow is the same as the email invite, but your signers will receive an SMS link to your document instead of an email. When creating a signature invite, you have to select the sharing method, select the available country, and enter the recipient's phone number.

How do I send a document for signing to multiple parties?

Upload a document to your airSlate SignNow account and click Invite to Sign . Add as many signers and signing steps as you need and enter signer emails or phone numbers.

Electronic Signature
Features
Standard eSignature tools
Share Your Signature Invites Via SMS with SignNow

Share Your Signature Invites Via SMS Securely

Empower your recipients to sign documents on their mobile devices in seconds. Send an SMS with an invite link to your document or template and quickly collect signatures and payments.
Note: Invite via SMS is available for US and Canadian phone numbers.

See how it works!Click here to sign a sample doc

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What sharing signature invites via SMS means

Sharing signature invites via SMS delivers a secure link to a signer’s mobile phone number so they can review and sign documents on a mobile device. The process typically includes preparing a document, specifying the signer and their phone number, adding fields for signature and data, and sending an SMS with a short, tracked link. The sender receives status updates and an audit trail once the recipient opens, authenticates if required, and completes the signing session. This method reduces friction for mobile-first signers and keeps a verifiable record of the transaction.

Why SMS invites are useful for modern signing workflows

SMS invites increase signer responsiveness, simplify mobile signing, and reduce delays in time-sensitive transactions while preserving a clear record of delivery and completion for compliance.

Common operational challenges to anticipate

Incorrect or outdated phone numbers can cause delivery failures and delay signatures.
Carrier filtering and message throttling may affect timely SMS delivery in some regions.
Recipients may not recognize short links, creating hesitation or trust concerns.
Regulatory consent and spam rules require explicit recipient permission for SMS.

Representative user roles and responsibilities

Field Sales

Field Sales professionals send contracts and order forms from mobile devices while on client visits. They rely on SMS invites to complete transactions quickly, reduce back-and-forth, and capture signatures at point of sale while ensuring an auditable record of consent and completion.

HR Manager

An HR Manager uses SMS invites to collect signed onboarding documents and policy acknowledgements from new hires who may not have company email immediately. They coordinate templates, reminders, and retention policies to maintain compliance and consistent recordkeeping.

Who commonly uses SMS signature invites

Organizations that need rapid signer response and field-facing teams often adopt SMS invites for convenience and speed.

Real estate and mortgage agents closing deals with clients in the field.
Human resources teams collecting onboarding forms from new hires remotely.
Field service and delivery teams obtaining signatures at point of service.

SMS invites are particularly effective when signers lack reliable email access or prefer mobile workflows, but processes must include consent and clear sender identification.

Extended capabilities that improve SMS invite workflows

Beyond core features, these tools help scale and secure SMS-driven signing for teams and enterprises.

Mobile-optimized signing

Responsive signing interfaces and touch-friendly fields designed for smartphones reduce friction and errors, enabling signers to complete agreements without zooming or switching devices.

Template reuse

Save frequently used documents and field placements as templates so SMS invites can be issued rapidly with minimal setup for routine transactions.

Bulk Send

Send the same document to many recipients via SMS in a single operation while tracking individual delivery and completion statuses for each signer.

API access

Programmatic send and status endpoints enable integration of SMS invites into CRMs, POS systems, and backend processes for automated document workflows.

Access controls

Fine-grained team roles and permissions let administrators restrict who can send SMS invites and view sensitive documents or audit logs.

Third-party integrations

Prebuilt connectors to storage and productivity platforms streamline document import, signature collection, and archival for consistent workflows.

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Core features to look for with SMS signature invites

Essential capabilities help ensure deliverability, compliance, and a smooth signer experience when using SMS invites in workflows.

SMS delivery

Carrier-aware sending with delivery and click tracking, short-link formatting, and retry logic to maximize reach and capture timestamps for compliance reporting.

Custom messaging

Ability to include an explanatory message and sender identity in the SMS body to improve recognition and trust, reducing the chance recipients treat the link as spam.

Automated reminders

Configurable reminder schedules and escalation options that resend invites at set intervals to improve completion rates without manual follow-up.

Audit trail

Comprehensive event log capturing send, delivery, open, authentication, and signing timestamps to support legal admissibility and recordkeeping requirements.

How SMS signature invites work end to end

A high-level view of the flow from sender to signed document when using SMS invites.

Send Invite: System sends SMS containing a short secure link.
Receive Link: Recipient taps the link on a mobile device.
Verify Identity: Optional SMS OTP or email confirmation authenticates signer.
Complete Signing: Signer completes fields and submits; audit trail records events.

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Quick setup: sending an SMS invite

Basic steps to prepare and send a signature invite via SMS from a document management interface.

01

Upload Document: Add the file you need signed.
02

Add Fields: Place signature and data fields.
03

Enter Phone: Provide recipient mobile number with country code.
04

Send Invite: Compose message and dispatch the SMS link.

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Recommended workflow settings for SMS invites

Key configuration points to set when enabling SMS signature invites to balance user convenience, security, and compliance.

Workflow Setting Name and Header	Configuration Value or Default Setting
Reminder Frequency and Notification Interval	48 hours; two reminders scheduled
Document Expiration and Retention Period	14 days expiration; archive after 365 days
Authentication Method and Verification Options	SMS OTP by default; optional email verification
Sender Identification and Display Name	Company short name or phone display
Default Language and Localization Setting	English; additional locales available

Supported platforms and device considerations

SMS invites work across modern mobile browsers and most smartphone operating systems without requiring a dedicated app.

iOS and iPadOS support: Safari and Chrome browsers
Android support: Chrome and Android browser
Desktop access: Open link on any desktop browser

For optimal signer experience, ensure recipients use updated browsers, confirm link behavior on corporate-managed devices, and provide fallback options such as email invites when mobile access is restricted or carriers block SMS.

Security controls for SMS-based invites

SMS delivery logs: Timestamped delivery and click records

Access controls: Role-based permissions enforced

Encryption in transit: TLS-protected links

Encryption at rest: Stored with AES-256 encryption

Authentication options: SMS OTP and email verification

Audit trail: Full event history recorded

Industry examples where SMS invites add value

Two concise examples illustrate how SMS invites streamline workflows across common industries.

Real Estate Closing

A listing agent sends the final purchase agreement via SMS to an out-of-town buyer for immediate review and eSignature using a mobile device

fast link deliverability and mobile-ready signing fields
reduced closing delays and fewer scheduling conflicts

Resulting in faster settlement timelines and fewer missed signatures.

Home Healthcare Consent

A home healthcare coordinator sends treatment consent forms by SMS to patients before an in-home visit

secure, time-limited links with OTP authentication
ensures consent documentation is captured before services begin

Leading to auditable records that support billing and regulatory compliance.

Best practices for secure and reliable SMS signature invites

Adopt operational practices that protect signers, improve completion rates, and maintain compliance when sending signature invites via SMS.

Obtain explicit consent for SMS delivery and messaging

Before sending invites by SMS, document and record recipient consent to receive messages for signature requests. Include consent language in initial contact or onboarding to reduce disputes and meet telecommunication regulations.

Include clear sender identification and message context

Use a recognizable sender name and a short purpose statement in the SMS body so recipients understand why they are receiving the link, reducing the risk of recipients ignoring or flagging messages as spam.

Implement appropriate authentication for sensitive transactions

For high-value or regulated documents, enable SMS OTP, knowledge-based authentication, or multi-factor verification, and capture verification events in the audit trail to strengthen evidentiary value.

Monitor delivery metrics and adjust retry policies

Track delivery, click-through, and completion metrics to identify carriers or geographies with higher failure rates, then tune retry intervals, message content, and sender settings to improve deliverability.

Connect airSlate SignNow to your apps

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Data accuracy, security, and compliance

airSlate SignNow is committed to protecting your sensitive information by complying with global industry-specific

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FAQs and troubleshooting for SMS signature invites

Answers to frequent questions and troubleshooting guidance for common issues encountered when sharing signature invites via SMS.

Why didn’t the recipient receive the SMS invite?
Confirm the phone number format includes the correct country code and has no typos, check carrier filtering or blocking, review delivery logs for bounce codes, and ensure the recipient has not opted out of SMS messages; consider resending or using an alternate contact method.
How can I verify the signer’s identity over SMS?
Enable SMS one-time passcode (OTP) verification or require an additional email confirmation; record OTP verification events in the audit trail to strengthen proof of identity and support admissibility if identity is later contested.
What if the recipient reports a short link as suspicious?
Include a clear sender name and brief description in the SMS body, optionally include an expected sender phone number, and allow recipients to verify via a known sender email or portal; keeping branding consistent reduces recipient hesitation.
Can SMS invites be used for HIPAA-covered data?
Use a platform configured for HIPAA compliance, enable encryption, limit PHI fields, and document business associate agreements; implement access controls and logging to meet HIPAA requirements when sending health-related documents by SMS.
How do I troubleshoot delivery failures recorded in logs?
Review the delivery error code for carrier-specific reasons, confirm sender identification settings and short code configuration, check rate limits, and retry after resolving transient carrier issues or update recipient contact information if number is invalid.
What retention practices should I follow for SMS-sent documents?
Follow your organization’s retention policy and applicable regulations, archive signed documents and audit logs in secure storage for required periods, and ensure deletion procedures are documented to meet legal and privacy obligations.

Feature comparison: SMS invite capabilities across providers

A concise availability comparison for SMS invite features among major eSignature vendors; signNow is listed first as Recommended.

Comparison Criteria and Feature Availability Table	signNow (Recommended)	DocuSign	Adobe Sign
Supports SMS invite delivery natively
Mobile-optimized signing with responsive UI
API for SMS sending and webhook
Two-factor SMS authentication available			Email only

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Risks and potential penalties to consider

Invalid consent: Signature challenge

Data breach: Regulatory fines

Noncompliant records: Legal disputes

Carrier violations: Delivery blocking

Privacy breaches: Penalties under GDPR

HIPAA violations: Civil monetary penalties

Pricing and capability comparison across eSignature vendors

A high-level pricing and capabilities snapshot for common purchase considerations; signNow is listed first as Recommended.

Plan Tier and Vendor Columns	signNow (Recommended)	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting price per user per month	From $8/user/month	From $10/user/month	From $9.99/user/month	From $19/user/month	From $15/user/month
Free tier or trial availability	Free trial available	Free trial available	Free trial available	Limited free plan	Free trial available
API access included or available	Included with API plan	Included with business plans	Available via API	Available via API	Available via API
Bulk Send capability in plans	Bulk Send included	Bulk Send available	Bulk Send limited	Bulk Send included	Bulk Send limited
Customer support level offered	Email and phone support	24/7 phone support	Business hours support	Priority support available	Email support only
Common compliance certifications	SOC 2, HIPAA options	SOC 2, HIPAA	SOC 2 compliant	SOC 2 available	SOC 2 available

How to create a signature invite and share it via SMS

airSlate SignNow allows document senders to speed up signature and payment collection. Users can create a signature invite for one or multiple users and send it as a link to the USA or Canada-based mobile numbers. Recipients can instantly open and submit a document on their mobile device.

Create a signature invite

Select the document or template you’d like to send and prepare it for signature. Add fillable fields, assign roles, and customize the document as you need. Once you are ready to send it for signature, select INVITE TO SIGN.

Share your signature invite with recipients

Complete your signature invite with the recipients’ data before sending it for signature. Select the Sent via icon to choose your preferred sharing method: email or SMS.

Select the country – Canada or United States – and enter your recipient’s phone number. This number will be used to send an SMS with a link to your document or template.

Complete your signature invite to collect signatures

Customize your signature invite for each recipient. You can set up an authentication method, configure reminders for signers, and select an expiration date.

Also, set up a signing order, add emails of CC recipients, and define what happens once the document has been signed.

Select Send Invite to send a link to your document via email or SMS.

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