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Authentication is an additional step that requires the signer to confirm their identity before being able to sign documents.
There are different authentication options for your signers:
Without a security code,
With a security code via email,
With a security code via SMS.
Discover when and how to use them in this guide.
Authentication without a security code
By selecting the option without a security code, the signer can sign documents by simply clicking the "Sign" button after reviewing the documents.
Attention: Authentication without a security code is not compatible with Advanced Electronic Signature or Qualified Electronic Signature.
This mode applies to most signature requests for non-critical documents. However, it lowers the security level of the signature and reduces the evidence present in the proof folder.
This is the default authentication method for all your signature request, templates, and forms. The signature level (here, only Simple Electronic Signature) remains the same; it simply provides additional information to identify the signer in the proof folder. See how to modify it.
Authentication with a security code via email
By selecting authentication with "Security Code via email," the signer will receive a security code via email during the document signing, which they need to enter to sign. The code is sent to the email address provided when adding the signer.
Authentication with sending a code via email is included in all Yousign plans: Free, One, Plus, Pro, and Scale.
This authentication mode applies to documents requiring a higher level of security or when you do not have the signers' phone numbers.
Attention: Sending a security code via email is not compatible with Advanced Electronic Signature or Qualified Electronic Signature.
Authentication with a security code via SMS
By selecting authentication with "Security Code via SMS," the signer will receive a security code via SMS during the document signing, which they need to enter to sign. The code is sent to the phone number provided when adding the signer.
Authentication with sending a code via SMS is included in Plus, Pro, and Scale plans (at no additional cost). This option is not available in Free and One plans.
This authentication mode applies to documents requiring a higher level of security.
If the signer does not have a mobile phone:
The security code can also be sent via a voice server to a landline number. By clicking the "Sign" button, your signer will receive a voice call indicating the code to enter to sign the document(s).
If you use this option, we recommend informing the signer to ensure they are near their landline phone during the signature to receive the voice call.
This option is only available in Plus, Pro & Scale subscriptions and is not available during the 14-day trial period and in Free and One plans.
If your signer has neither a landline nor a mobile phone, consider using authentication with a security code via email.
If your recipient has a foreign phone number, check out our article.
Choose the authentication method
You can easily set the security level for your signature requests, templates, or forms during their preparation.
Choose an authentication method for your signers in the settings, under Security section, select the eSignature type then select you authentication level.
If your signature request has multiple signers, you can set specific authentication methods for each and differentiate the security level for each signer:
Click on "Set a different level for each signer",
Select the desired authentication option from the dropdown menu for each signer.
It is not possible to choose different security levels with Qualified Electronic Signature: all signers will be automatically invited to sign with a Qualified Electronic Signature.
Edit the default authentication method
Authentication without a security code is the default authentication method for your Yousign organization.
Users with Administrator or Owner access can set the default security level for their organization here (remember to validate your choice by clicking the "Save Signature Settings" button).
This setting will apply to all future signature requests, templates, and forms created.