Definitions
Define key terms such as 'fraud', 'verification', 'authorized signer', and 'suspicious activity' so obligations and triggers are unambiguous for all parties.
A clear addendum reduces uncertainty about authentication, documents expectations for verification, and preserves evidence needed for enforcement. It supports compliance with ESIGN (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA for electronic execution, and helps meet industry-specific obligations such as HIPAA privacy safeguards when protected health information is involved.
Primary users include legal, compliance, and transaction teams in regulated and high-risk sectors.
Parties tailor the addendum to the transaction type and applicable regulatory framework before execution.
General counsel or outside counsel reviews addendum wording, confirms that verification procedures meet legal standards, and approves remedial language to minimize litigation and regulatory exposure.
The compliance officer sets operational verification thresholds, documents audit processes, and ensures the organization can meet retention and reporting obligations under applicable statutes and internal policy.
Define key terms such as 'fraud', 'verification', 'authorized signer', and 'suspicious activity' so obligations and triggers are unambiguous for all parties.
Specify acceptable identity proofing (ID credential analysis, KBA, MFA, RON), who performs checks, and timeframes for completing verification before performance.
Require signers to attest to accuracy of provided identity information and to authorize verification checks; include consequences for false attestations.
Require retention of audit trails, timestamps, and any recorded identity-proofing sessions to support investigations and potential litigation.
Describe remedies for proven fraud: rescission, indemnity, replacement of transactions, and fee recovery to clarify available relief.
State how personal data used for verification will be handled, retained, and protected; reference HIPAA or other privacy obligations when applicable.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signature Type | eSignature (ESIGN/UETA compliant) |
| Authentication | Email + SMS code or KBA as required |
| Audit Trail | Enable IP, timestamp, and action log |
| Retention | Set policy per regulatory needs |
Choose a platform that captures auditable metadata, supports your chosen verification methods, and meets required compliance certifications.
Ensure the vendor offers a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) for HIPAA scenarios, and that audit trails include timestamps, IP addresses, and signer attribution for later review.
Addendum obligations begin on the Effective Date signed by all parties.
Require identity checks be completed within five business days of signature.
Report suspected fraud internally within 30 days of discovery.
Allow defined cure periods for correctable verification failures.
Signed records must be retrievable on demand for audits.
| 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 | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies | Varies | Varies |