SignNow is built to keep your documents safe and legally valid at every step of the signing process. All files are encrypted in transit and at rest, stored in certified data centers, and protected by role-based access controls. SignNow complies with key global regulations such as GDPR, SOC 2 Type II, HIPAA, and eIDAS — ensuring that every eSignature and PDF you send is both secure and legally binding.

Each document signed with SignNow includes a comprehensive history of every action taken during the signing process — from when the document was created and sent to when each signer viewed, filled, and signed it. This audit trail helps ensure accountability, transparency, and legal validity for all parties involved.

You can view the document history directly in your SignNow account at any time. It lists timestamps, signer details, IP addresses, and completed actions in chronological order.

If you need an official record, you can also download the signed document with its full history attached. This downloadable version serves as a valid legal copy, proving the authenticity of all signatures and actions taken within SignNow.

To download a document with its full history, open your Documents folder or Documents Dashboard, click the ⋯ (Action) menu on the right side of the document, and select Download With History. This will generate a copy of your signed document that includes the complete audit trail as an attachment.

If you only want to view the audit trail without downloading, click the same ⋯ (Action) menu and select History. This lets you review all actions—such as views, edits, and signatures—directly in your SignNow account.

You can also enable automatic export of documents to include history at the user level. This ensures that every document you export or archive automatically contains its detailed audit trail for compliance and record-keeping.

Each signature in SignNow includes a signature stamp, which provides key verification details for compliance and authenticity. The stamp shows the signer’s name, email address, timestamp, and unique document ID, confirming when and by whom the signature was made.

The signature stamp appears directly on the signed document and is automatically linked to the document’s audit trail. Together, they ensure that every signature can be independently verified as legally binding and tamper-proof, in accordance with U.S. ESIGN Act, UETA, and EU eIDAS regulations.

When combined with encryption, secure storage, and full document history, the signature stamp reinforces SignNow’s commitment to keeping every signed document authentic, compliant, and legally defensible.

To enable the signature stamp, click your account icon in the upper-right corner of the screen and select My Account. Then, open the Account Settings tab and scroll to Additional Settings. Turn on the option Display SignNow e-signature ID.

Every document signed in SignNow is backed by a trusted digital certificate issued by airSlate, verified through Adobe’s certificate authority. This certificate confirms that the document has not been altered since signing and that each signature is authentic and legally valid.

To confirm the validity of any signed copy, open the document in Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader and view the airSlate certificate details. The certificate will show that the document was digitally signed and secured in compliance with Adobe’s global trust standards.

SignNow protects every document with advanced encryption protocols — AES-256 for data at rest and TLS 1.2+ for data in transit — ensuring your files remain private and tamper-proof during upload, signing, and download.

All data is stored in secure, access-controlled data centers that meet SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, and ISO 27001 standards. In addition, SignNow uses advanced threat protection to help detect and block malicious files or harmful attachments uploaded by signers. This added layer of protection prevents potential security risks before they reach your organization.

Combined with role-based access controls, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits, SignNow’s encryption, storage, and threat-prevention measures maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and safety of your documents throughout their lifecycle.

SignNow offers multiple layers of authentication to verify signer identity and ensure that only authorized recipients can access and sign documents.

You can enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for invites, requiring recipients to enter a one-time passcode (OTP) sent via email or SMS before opening the document. This additional verification step helps protect sensitive agreements from unauthorized access or accidental sharing.

For organizations operating under CFR Title 21 – Part 11 compliance, SignNow provides specialized security settings that meet strict electronic record and signature requirements. These include:

SignNow supports Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) — the highest level of trust and assurance under the EU eIDAS regulation. A QES is created using a qualified digital certificate issued by an accredited trust service provider, which verifies the signer’s identity before the document is signed.

Each QES is uniquely linked to the signer and secured by advanced cryptographic methods to prevent any alteration after signing. This ensures both authenticity and data integrity, providing the same legal standing as a handwritten signature across the EU and other recognized jurisdictions.

SignNow adheres to a wide range of industry-recognized security and compliance standards designed to protect sensitive data and ensure the legal validity of electronic signatures. These certifications and regulatory frameworks apply only to SignNow Corporate customers, supporting organizations that operate in highly regulated industries such as healthcare, finance, biotechnology, and legal services.

Below is an overview of the key standards and how SignNow aligns with them:

For organizations regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—including those in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, and clinical research—SignNow provides features designed to meet 21 CFR Part 11 requirements. These include identity verification, secure access controls, detailed audit trails, data integrity measures, and electronic signature validation. This ensures compliance for all electronic records and signatures used in Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practice(GMP) environments.

SignNow offers 21 CFR Part 11 compliance as part of its Corporate/Site License plan. Subscribers of this plan have access to compliance documentation, including SOC 2 reports, detailed verification records, and an official compliance certificate. Due to the sensitive nature of these documents, a mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) must be signed to acquire them.

For healthcare providers, insurers, and clinical research organizations handling Protected Health Information (PHI), SignNow offers HIPAA-compliant eSigning and document storage.
All PHI is protected by encryption, strict access controls, and detailed audit logs, ensuring that patient consent forms, claims, and medical records are handled securely and privately. SignNow’s HIPAA compliance applies to covered entities and business associates who require secure eSignature workflows for medical or research documentation.

SignNow is PCI DSS certified, meeting the security requirements for organizations that handle payment card data. This certification ensures that payment requests or transactions completed via SignNow are processed through secure, encrypted channels that protect cardholder information.
It’s particularly relevant for financial institutions, e-commerce platforms, and payment processors that rely on SignNow for compliant documentation of payment authorizations or contracts.

SignNow fully complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), safeguarding the personal data of EU residents during document creation, signing, and storage.
Users maintain control over their data, with transparent consent, access, and deletion options in accordance with GDPR principles. All personal and document data is processed under strict privacy and security controls, ensuring compliance for organizations operating within or with the EU.

SignNow meets the requirements of both the U.S. Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce (ESIGN) Act and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA), making every eSignature legally binding and enforceable across the United States.
These frameworks ensure that electronic signatures executed through SignNow hold the same legal validity as handwritten signatures, provided proper consent, disclosure, and record-keeping requirements are met.

SignNow’s SOC 2 Type II certification demonstrates ongoing commitment to security, confidentiality, and data integrity.
This certification requires independent third-party audits of SignNow’s internal systems and operations, confirming that security controls are designed effectively and consistently maintained over time. It’s particularly relevant for SaaS, financial, healthcare, and legal industries handling sensitive data.

For organizations managing the data of California residents, SignNow complies with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
This ensures users have the ability to access, correct, or delete their personal data, and that SignNow does not sell user data or share it beyond what’s necessary for legitimate business purposes. SignNow’s privacy practices enable organizations to maintain transparency and compliance with CCPA requirements.