Client Identity
Full legal name, DBA, tax ID or EIN, primary contact, and legal entity type to ensure invoicing and tax reporting are accurate and attributable to the correct organization.
A uniform onboarding form reduces administrative delays, clarifies responsibilities, and documents client consent and key terms in one place for legal and operational review.
The form is completed jointly by client-facing staff and the client; internal reviewers vary by organization and risk profile.
Keep the completed form in the client record and route copies to finance, legal, and the client's account owner for ongoing reference.
The primary business contact who completes commercial details, confirms scope of work, and provides the initial client-facing signature; responsible for ensuring operational setup and escalation if data gaps exist.
Internal or external counsel who reviews contract terms, endorses any non-standard clauses, and signs where legal authorization is required; ensures the onboarding meets regulatory and corporate policy requirements.
Full legal name, DBA, tax ID or EIN, primary contact, and legal entity type to ensure invoicing and tax reporting are accurate and attributable to the correct organization.
Concise description of services, deliverables, start date, expected term, and any milestones that define the scope and allow downstream teams to schedule resources and billing triggers.
Billing frequency, payment method, invoicing contact, late fee terms, and any upfront deposits or retainers required before work begins.
KYC/AML questions, conflict-of-interest disclosures, insurance requirements, and any industry-specific attestations needed to accept the client.
Attach W-9 or equivalent, proof of insurance, corporate authorization, identity documents, and any executed NDAs or special agreements referenced in the engagement.
Signature blocks for client acceptance, approver sign-off, and a recorded consent statement for electronic signatures and record retention under ESIGN and applicable state law.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Required Fields | Enable required for name, TIN, and effective date |
| Authentication | Use email link or SMS code; KBA for high risk |
| Routing | Auto-route to legal, then finance after client signature |
| Attachments | Allow PDF and DOCX uploads; require named files |
Ensure the chosen eSignature provider supports conditional fields, an audit trail, and the required authentication level.
Confirm the platform supports ESIGN/UETA legal requirements, HIPAA BAAs where needed, and a retrievable certificate of completion for each signing event.
Aim to collect all client data within 3 business days of engagement.
Legal and KYC checks should complete within 5–7 business days.
Finance to configure invoicing within 2 business days after approvals.
Target signed form return within 48 hours of request for standard accounts.
Plan for account activation within 7–10 business days barring escalations.
Client submits initial request and contact details.
Confirm identity, tax ID, and KYC information.
Legal approves terms and client executes the form.
Operations completes setup and notifies internal owners.
| 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-day free trial | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No envelope cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |