Signature Types
Specify whether simple electronic signatures, advanced signatures, or qualified/digital (PKI) signatures are permitted and when each type is required for particular transaction categories.
A written agreement removes ambiguity about intent, consent, and authentication methods, supports admissibility of signed records, and documents how signers will be identified and how records are retained under federal and state e‑signature laws.
Organizations and individuals who need clear legal footing for electronic transactions use this agreement before enabling qualified e‑signatures.
Use this agreement to set expectations across signers, technical vendors, and custodians of signed records.
Legal lead who reviews and approves authentication methods, consent language, and governing law clauses. Ensures the agreement aligns with ESIGN/UETA principles and any industry‑specific rules such as HIPAA or SEC recordkeeping.
Responsible for implementing identity proofing, encryption, and audit‑trail logging. Coordinates retention, access controls, and any required integrations with document repositories or notarization services.
Specify whether simple electronic signatures, advanced signatures, or qualified/digital (PKI) signatures are permitted and when each type is required for particular transaction categories.
Define acceptable identity verification methods such as email plus SMS OTP, knowledge‑based questions, credential analysis, or government ID review and whether multi‑factor authentication is required.
Describe signer authentication strength for different document classes and whether higher assurance (KBA, biometric, or certificate‑based) is mandatory for sensitive records.
State the audit data to be captured (timestamps, IP address, device info, authentication events) and the format for producing a certificate of completion or event log.
Set retention durations, who stores records, permissible export formats, and procedures for record reproduction for legal or regulatory requests.
Allocate responsibility for contested signatures, define notice procedures, and limit liability where appropriate while preserving enforceability and compliance.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signature Field | Require signer initials and full signature |
| Authentication | Email OTP or KBA per signer risk profile |
| Audit Trail | Enable IP, timestamp, and event logs |
| Storage | Export signed PDF/A to secure repository |
Ensure your eSignature platform supports the authentication, retention, and export features required by this agreement before deployment.
Confirm the platform can produce reliable audit trails, meet industry compliance (HIPAA when required), and export signed records in long‑term formats.
Document the date the agreement becomes binding upon all parties
Specify how long signers have to complete signing
Define when retention clocks begin (usually effective date)
State how quickly signed records can be exported upon request
Provide electronic consent procedures before execution for consumer‑facing transactions
| 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 plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |