Scope
Define precisely which communications are permitted by email (for example: invoices, statements, legal notices), and exclude unintended categories.
A clear authorization reduces disputes about consent, documents delivery, and recordkeeping. It documents the signer's intent, supports compliance with the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and UETA where applicable, and enables secure electronic workflows while specifying limits and revocation procedures.
Organizations and individuals often adopt an Email Authorization Form when email will replace paper delivery for notices, invoices, or confidential communications.
Use this form whenever you need explicit, auditable consent for electronic delivery to reduce ambiguity and document operational procedures.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Consumer Disclosure | Present clearly before consent is captured; record affirmative acceptance. |
| Authentication Level | Choose email-only, SMS code, or knowledge-based checks depending on risk. |
| Retention Policy | Set automated storage duration and export formats for compliance. |
| Audit Trail | Enable IP, timestamp, and action logging for each signer step. |
Ensure your signing platform supports required authentication, retention, and integrations before issuing authorizations.
Verify the platform can produce an audit trail and retain records in exportable formats to satisfy legal and operational review.
Define precisely which communications are permitted by email (for example: invoices, statements, legal notices), and exclude unintended categories.
List the exact email address(es) authorized; note forwarding or shared inboxes and any limitations on distribution.
Include an ESIGN-compliant disclosure describing the right to receive paper, how to withdraw consent, and how to access records.
Specify required signer verification level (email link, SMS code, KBA) proportional to the sensitivity and risk of the communication.
State when the authorization begins and ends, and whether it renews automatically or requires reconsent after a period.
Confirm retention period and where signed copies and audit trails will be stored for retrieval and compliance review.
Obtain and record consent before sending covered electronic records; present ESIGN consumer disclosure prior to consent.
Specify how long revocation takes to process, commonly 3–10 business days operationally.
Provide signed copies within established service-level times, for example 7–30 days depending on policy.
Retention periods begin on effective date or creation date as defined in the form.
Plan for immediate retrieval capability for at least first two years for audits or litigation.
| 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 trial | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Bulk Send | Yes (Business Premium) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes (BAA) | Yes (BAA) | Yes (BAA) | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies | Varies | Varies |