Identification Notice
What an Identification Notice Is and When it’s Used
Why an Identification Notice Matters for Records and Compliance
An Identification Notice creates a reproducible record that supports legal attribution and consent, helps satisfy identity-proofing requirements, and reduces fraud risk. Properly completed notices support audit trails and may be used with electronic signature workflows governed by ESIGN (15 U.S.C. §7001) and state UETA laws.
Who Typically Prepares or Receives an Identification Notice
The notice is suitable for both paper and electronic workflows and may be completed by a requesting organization or directly by the individual being identified.
- Human resources and onboarding teams verifying new hires and contractors
- Compliance and risk teams collecting KYC information for vendors
- Healthcare intake staff confirming patient identity for protected health information
Primary Roles That Interact with This Notice
Compliance Officer
A compliance officer reviews Identification Notices to confirm identity evidence meets organizational policies and regulatory standards. They log the notice in records, flag inconsistencies, and request additional documentation when identity proofing fails or is ambiguous.
Authorized Signer
An authorized signer is the person whose identity is being verified. They complete the notice, attach required ID copies, and certify the accuracy of provided information, enabling the organization to attribute actions and comply with audit requirements.
Step-by-Step: Completing an Identification Notice
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01Collect ID: Request a government-issued ID and note type
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02Capture details: Enter full name, ID number, DOB, and address
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03Attach copy: Include a clear photocopy or scanned image of the ID
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04Sign and date: Signer certifies accuracy with signature and date
How to Configure an Online Identification Notice Workflow
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Required fields | Full name, ID type, ID number, DOB, address |
| Attachments | Enable scanned ID upload (PDF, JPG, PNG) |
| Signer authentication | Email link or SMS code; KBA for higher assurance |
| Audit capture | Record IP, timestamp, and document history |
Technical Considerations for Digital Completion
Ensure the eSignature provider supports secure storage, export formats, and required compliance standards for your industry.
- File types: PDF, DOCX, JPG accepted
- Authentication: Email, SMS, or KBA
- Audit trail: IP, timestamps, and actions
Where to Send or File the Completed Identification Notice
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HR filing: Store in employee personnel file
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Vendor onboarding: Attach to vendor profile in ERP/CRM
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Healthcare records: Place in patient EHR with privacy controls
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Compliance archive: Retain in secure retention system
Timing and Deadlines to Monitor
Response to request:
Provide identity info upon request within a reasonable timeframe
Record retention start:
Retention begins on document execution date
HIPAA retention:
Six years from creation or last effective date
Tax record standard:
IRS baseline: three years from filing (IRC §6501(a))
RON session record:
Retain audio-video per state RON rules
Common Preparation Errors to Avoid
- Submitting photocopies that obscure ID numbers or expiration dates, which prevents reliable verification and triggers re-submission.
- Using nicknames or abbreviated names instead of the exact legal name on the government ID, causing mismatches with authoritative records.
- Failing to sign or date the notice properly, or relying on initials where a full signature is required, making the notice legally ambiguous.
- Attaching the wrong document type (e.g., utility bill instead of government ID) when the process specifies a government-issued photo ID.
Key Risks and Consequences of Incorrect Identification Notices
eSignature Vendor Snapshot for Identification Notices
| 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 vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Real-World Examples of Identification Notice Use
Optica Ventures — COO
The interface is simple and easy-to-use for our team; more importantly, it is just as easy for our customers.
- Rapid adoption across workflows reduced manual verification handoffs.
- As a result, the company shortened onboarding cycles and kept an auditable record of identity checks linked to each contract and customer file.
Martin Properties — Founder
I can process and execute all of these documents online with 100% compliance and built-in security.
- Mobile and offline signing supported closing activity.
- This allowed the firm to complete remote tenant identification and lease execution reliably while preserving the identity evidence needed for landlord and regulatory records.
Frequently Asked Questions About Identification Notices
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Can an Identification Notice be signed electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures are valid under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and UETA in most states when the four ESIGN elements are met: intent, consent, attribution, and record retention.
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What types of ID are acceptable?
Typically a government-issued photo ID such as a driver license, state ID, or passport. Higher-risk processes may require secondary proofs or credential analysis for stronger assurance.
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Is notarization required for the notice?
Not usually for standalone identification notices, but notarization may be required when the notice supports deeds, powers of attorney, or other instruments—check state rules for specific instruments.
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How do I correct a submitted notice?
Issue a corrected Identification Notice with the updated fields, reference the original, and retain both records to preserve the audit trail and explain the amendment.
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How long should I retain the notice?
Follow applicable retention rules: at least three years for tax-related records and six years for HIPAA-related records (45 CFR §164.530(j)); longer retention may apply by state or industry.
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How can identity documents be protected?
Store scanned IDs in encrypted storage, limit access, and retain only as long as required by policy. Use secure transmission and maintain an audit trail of access and downloads.