Identifying Data
Full legal name, DOB, SSN/TIN, current address, and contact details to ensure an accurate match to consumer reporting agency records.
A well-constructed form protects organizations by documenting consent, establishing the lawful purpose for a credit inquiry, and reducing dispute risk under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Accurate records support faster decisions and clearer adverse-action workflows.
Each user group must tailor the form to their lawful purpose and retention policies while collecting only the information legally required for the credit check.
The individual whose credit is being checked. The Applicant must provide full legal name, identifying information (SSN/TIN), and an explicit signature or electronic consent. If the Applicant is a business, an authorized representative must sign using the business's legal name and capacity.
The organization or individual requesting the score (lender, landlord, employer) should be identified by legal name and contact details. Where a third-party screening vendor performs the pull, the vendor's role and identity should be disclosed on the form.
Full legal name, DOB, SSN/TIN, current address, and contact details to ensure an accurate match to consumer reporting agency records.
A concise explanation of why the credit report is being requested (e.g., underwriting, tenant screening, employment conditional offer).
Clear affirmative consent that authorizes the requester to obtain a specified type of credit report (soft vs hard inquiry).
Place a dated signature block that supports handwritten or electronic signatures and records signer attribution and timestamp.
If applicable, include any FCRA-required consumer disclosures and adverse-action pre-notice language to preserve rights.
Record how long the form and associated reports will be retained and where they will be stored for audit purposes.
Export signed forms as searchable PDF/A to preserve content integrity and enable long-term archiving across platforms and audit tools.
Store key field values in CSV or database format to support batch processing, tenant screening integrations, and reporting.
Provide a clean, print-ready layout for in-person signings and notarizations where required by a specific jurisdiction.
Structure fields to map to common CRMs or applicant tracking systems (Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace) for automated workflows.
Applicant signs authorization and requester documents the lawful purpose before any credit pull.
Request the consumer report only after identity is verified and consent is recorded.
If adverse action follows, provide required notices and disclosure of the reporting agency used.
Store the signed form and report per retention schedule and applicable recordkeeping laws.
Provide clear adverse-action notice promptly after decision; state law and FCRA require timely notification to affected consumers.
Confirm whether consent remains valid for multiple pulls or separate purposes; document any time limits you impose.
Ensure signed forms and reports are retrievable for consumer disputes and audits for the applicable retention period.
Process any signed revocation requests promptly and document the action taken and date.
Respond to consumer requests for copies of reports or authorizations within the timelines required by applicable law.
| Field | Recommended Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signature Field | Require date + audit metadata |
| SSN Field | Mask display; store encrypted |
| Authentication | Email + SMS code or KBA for sensitive pulls |
| Storage | Encrypted at rest with access logging |
Choose platforms that provide tamper-evident storage, detailed audit logs, and configurable retention to meet legal and operational requirements.
| Criteria | Full Form | Checkbox Consent |
|---|---|---|
| Identity Capture | ||
| Purpose Documented | limited | |
| Audit Trail Strength | high | low |
| Recommended Use | lenders/landlords | low-risk soft checks |
| 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 promotion | Varies by promotion | Varies by promotion | Varies by promotion |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Optica uses a two-page authorization with explicit purpose and signature block
Martin Properties includes a tenant-screening section that distinguishes soft from hard inquiries