Attestation statement
A concise declaration of the factual assertions (authority, identity, capacity) the signer affirms, written in plain language and signed by the responsible party.
An attestation clarifies signer authority, documents the authentication method used, and creates an auditable record that reduces disputes about who signed and when. It supports contract enforceability and meets internal compliance and audit requirements when retained properly.
Organizations that routinely use Legal Contract Attestations include teams responsible for high-value agreements, regulated workflows, and third-party onboarding.
Use the attestation when authority, chain of custody, or compliance evidence is relevant to enforceability or audit trails.
A concise declaration of the factual assertions (authority, identity, capacity) the signer affirms, written in plain language and signed by the responsible party.
Full legal names of the contracting parties and corporate identifiers where applicable to avoid ambiguity about who is bound by the attested statements.
The date the attestation applies, shown as MM/DD/YYYY to determine when obligations and rights commence under the agreement.
Printed name, title or capacity, date, and a signature line. For entities include signer's authority (e.g., 'CEO' or 'Authorized Signatory').
Method used to confirm signer identity (email link, SMS code, KBA, government ID check, RON) and any audit-trail data captured at signing.
If required, include a notary block or witness lines and indicate whether the notarization was remote or in-person and any relevant journal entries.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Authentication Method | Email, SMS code, or KBA |
| Notarization Option | RON or in-person selection |
| Signer Order | Sequential or parallel routing |
| Audit Trail | Enable detailed logging |
Choose platform features that match your authentication, retention, and integration requirements before producing attestations.
Recommended 7–14 days for routine contracts.
Allow extra time for ID checks or RON scheduling.
Capture audit trail at signing completion instantly.
Retention period normally begins on the effective date.
Preserve records immediately upon notice of claim.
Attestation language and contract finalized and approved.
Legal or governance sign-off obtained prior to sending.
All parties execute the attestation using the chosen method.
Store signed document with audit trail in long-term repository.
| Criteria | Electronic Signature | Digital Signature |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | broad legal category | cryptographic pki method |
| Legal status | acceptable under esign/ueta | acceptable; stronger non-repudiation |
| Technology | varies (images, clicks) | x.509 certificate |
| Common use | contracts and forms | high-assurance regulated records |
| 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 | Yes, 7-day trial | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bulk Send | Yes (Premium tier) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes (BAA) | Yes (BAA) | Yes (BAA) | No | No |
A title company attaches an attestation confirming seller identity and signing authority
A hospital adds an attestation to a data-use agreement documenting patient consent collection method