Parties Identified
List full legal names and roles of each signing party, including corporate capacity when applicable.
A Signature Agreement clarifies authority, reduces disputes over validity, and documents signer intent and method of authentication. Defining permitted signature types and retention practices helps ensure enforceability under ESIGN (15 U.S.C. §7001) and state UETA rules.
Organizations and individuals use Signature Agreements to control signing authority, standardize electronic processes, and meet statutory or sector-specific recordkeeping requirements.
Clear allocation of signer roles and methods reduces execution delays and helps meet compliance obligations across industries.
List full legal names and roles of each signing party, including corporate capacity when applicable.
State which signature types are acceptable: handwritten, simple electronic, or PKI-based digital signatures.
Define required signer authentication: email link, SMS code, knowledge-based verification, or multi-factor methods.
Note whether notarization or remote online notarization (RON) is required and any state-specific constraints.
Assign who retains the final signed record, its format, and retention period in line with legal standards.
Describe how changes must be executed and whether electronic amendment acknowledgements are acceptable.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signing Order | Sequential or parallel routing |
| Authentication | Email link, SMS code, or KBA |
| Reminders | Auto-reminders and expiry settings |
| Storage | PDF/A export and retention tagging |
Ensure the chosen platform supports required authentication, audit trails, and integrations needed to meet the agreement.
Confirm that the platform can produce a tamper-evident PDF with a complete audit trail and supports any regulatory requirements such as HIPAA or 21 CFR Part 11.
Provide W-9 upon request from a payer (no fixed IRS due date)
Issue recipient and IRS copies by January 31 each year
Individual tax returns due April 15 (Form 4868 extends to Oct 15)
Retain I-9 for 3 years after hire or 1 year after termination, whichever is later (8 CFR §274a.2)
Retain audio-video and journal entries per state RON rules (often 5–10 years)
Legal and business teams finalize terms and signature rules
Confirm who is authorized and collect any corporate resolutions
Parties sign using specified method and authentication
Custodian stores the executed record with audit trail
| 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 (Business Premium) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No envelope cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
The interface is simple and easy-to-use for our team; more importantly, it is just as easy for our customers.
The airSlate SignNow team has been exceptional, responsive, the API has been great, and we're extremely happy that we chose airSlate SignNow as a company.