Cover and instructions
A brief cover page listing parties, package contents, signing instructions, authentication expectations, and return directions to reduce signer confusion and support correct execution.
A full Legal Signature Package reduces ambiguity about who signs what, documents how signatures were captured, and supports enforceability under federal and state e-signature laws such as the ESIGN Act and state UETA statutes.
Organizations and individuals that require legally dependable signatures prepare Legal Signature Packages to ensure clear signatory authority and a reproducible record.
Properly assembled packages reduce follow-up, support downstream filing or notarization, and simplify retention obligations for recordkeeping.
A corporate officer or designated agent with documented authority to bind the legal entity. Confirm role with a corporate resolution or power of attorney when required; mismatched authority can invalidate a contract.
An independent third party who attests to the signer’s identity or provides a notarization block. For remote online notarization, identity proofing and an audio-video record are typically required and must be retained per state rules.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Authentication Level | Email + optional SMS code or KBA for higher assurance |
| Signing Order | Role-based sequential or parallel depending on contract needs |
| Reminder Schedule | Automated reminders at three and seven days, customizable |
| Retention | Store signed PDFs plus audit trail for mandated retention periods |
Confirm integration requirements (API keys, SSO/SSO settings) before automating high-volume signature processes to ensure secure, auditable transfers.
W-9 is furnished when a payer requests it; no fixed IRS submission deadline applies.
Information returns to recipients and IRS generally required by January 31.
Form 1040 is due April 15 (October 15 with approved extension).
Retain for three years after hire or one year after termination, whichever is later (8 CFR §274a.2).
Many states require audio-video records retained five to ten years for RON transactions.
Internal review, redlines, and final approval by legal and business owners.
Configure signer identity verification and signer order before sending.
Signers complete e-signatures; if required, notary or RON session is conducted and recorded.
File with registry if needed and store signed package with audit metadata.
A brief cover page listing parties, package contents, signing instructions, authentication expectations, and return directions to reduce signer confusion and support correct execution.
The substantive contract or legal form with clear signature blocks, defined effective date, governing law clause, and any conditional or conditional formatting for optional terms.
Blocks for each party including printed name, title, company, signature line, and date; indicate whether initials are required on each page and who must sign where.
A dedicated notary or witness area with instructions for in-person or remote online notarization, required attestations, and signature authority declarations.
Number and label exhibits, attach supporting documents (IDs, schedules, exhibits), and reference them in the main agreement to avoid ambiguity.
A completion certificate or audit trail that records signer authentication events, timestamps, IP addresses, and any RON recording reference for evidentiary support.
Export a signed PDF/A for long-term archival and preservation of signature appearance and embedded audit metadata.
Keep a final editable DOCX or source file for future amendments, while storing the executed PDF as the official record.
Include the notarial acknowledgement or remote notarization certificate as a separate page to satisfy recording or registry requirements.
Attach redacted copies of government ID when required by authentication policies; retain originals per retention rules.
The interface is simple and easy-to-use for our team; more importantly, it is just as easy for our customers.
I can process and execute all of these documents online with 100% compliance and built-in security.
| Criteria | Electronic Signature | Digital Signature |
|---|---|---|
| Legal definition | sound, symbol, or process | pki-based cryptographic method |
| Non-repudiation | audit trail evidence | stronger via certificate chain |
| Use cases | commercial contracts | fda, high-assurance workflows |
| Complexity | lower | higher |
| 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 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 |