IDENTITY VERIFICATION

Ensure recipient authenticity for critical documents

Verify collaborators and signers using four distinct validation methods. Confirm identities using simple passcodes, SMS, photo identification, and more.

Over 68,000+ businesses trust PandaDoc to secure documents and validate signers

What is ID verification?

Identity verification is the process of confirming that an individual is who they claim to be. This is essential in scenarios where an individual is requesting access to personalized services and information, or where legally binding documents like contracts and consent forms need to be signed.

Users undergoing this process may be required to provide proof of identity — such as driver’s licenses or photo IDs — in order to prevent fraud. Mobile apps can also be used to take a selfie for biometric confirmation.

PandaDoc offers a premium identity verification suite to help you protect sensitive information and ensure that contracts are valid and legally binding.

Improved security for essential contracts

Verify recipients before they sign

Establish identities before e-signing begins using knowledge-based authentication (KBA) and other tools.

Ensure contract validity and non-repudiation

Use ID checks to prevent fraud and ensure that contracts are signed by the appropriate users.

Customize the verification experience

Vary your methods to increase security for critical documents and keep validation light for known signers.

Choose the verification process that suits your needs

Passcode verification

Need a fast and easy validation method? Passcode verification requires recipients to enter a pre-shared, secure passcode in order to access or sign a document. It’s an ideal solution for everyday transactions and agreements with internal partners.

SMS verification

SMS verification requires users to submit a code sent via text in order to access or sign a document. This method is a common aspect of two-factor authentication and works well for mid-level security needs where mobile verification is appropriate.

ID check

Knowing your signers is essential for critical contracts and agreements. This method requires recipients to submit a government-issued ID, which is verified in real time via a biometric facial scan on a mobile app. Once an identity is confirmed, users can access, review, or sign a document.

Knowledge-based authentication (US only)

KBA verification challenges recipients to answer security questions based on personal information gathered from public records. This includes questions like previous addresses, loan information, and personal history. It’s a great choice in compliance-driven industries, offering a high level of security through an automated, behind-the-scenes process.

Kelsey Boyd, Director of Business Systems & Processes, states: "PandaDoc is making this so much more efficient than it once was. The Hiring Packages are a breeze to send to candidates… this would’ve been a time-consuming administrative burden if it weren’t for PandaDoc."

Verified important signatures where they matter most

High-value proposals and quotes

Proposals may preview an organization’s future plans or business dealings. ID verification helps to ensure that sensitive information is confidential while deals are revised and quotes are finalized. Keep unwanted eyes out of key negotiations by ensuring that recipients are authorized to view your offers.

Essential contracts and critical agreements

Some business agreements are more valuable than others. Critical documents like mortgage agreements, affidavits, or patient consent forms require specific signers and carry legal weight. Adding an extra layer of security during the e-signing process can defend against non-repudiation and guarantee ironclad agreements.

High-regulation industries

PandaDoc’s ID verification tools fully support compliance-heavy sectors like finance, healthcare, and legal. Combine ID verification with PandaDoc forms and onboard document preparation tools to create fast and easy signing workflows while conforming to regulatory requirements.

Mandatory accounting forms and employee paperwork

Employment offers, taxes, and other administrative processes often require an exchange of sensitive information between two parties. Before asking for social security numbers, national identity documents, and other information, verify recipients with a simple passcode or SMS challenge. This ensures that contact information is correct and that only the intended recipient can access the document.

Who uses ID verification?

• HR: Particularly useful for onboarding, a simple ID verification process done via passcode or SMS can be used to ensure that phone numbers and emails are accurate and accessible.

• Customer success: When working up new service contracts for existing customers, ID documents can ensure data protection regarding company operations.

• Operations: Managing critical document workflows requires both efficiency and security. PandaDoc’s identity verification methods ensure that only verified individuals can access and sign documents.

• IT Managers: IT teams need to secure sensitive documents while keeping workflows simple. PandaDoc offers flexible solutions like SMS and passcode for lower-risk documents and KBA and ID check for higher-security needs.

• Sales Ops: For high-value sales opportunities, identity verification can limit access to sensitive business information while adding additional peace of mind.

• Legal: Legal teams can leverage PandaDoc’s identity verification services to defend against non-repudiation claims. Use real-time ID challenges to ensure sensitive documents, like affidavits and power of attorney forms, are signed by verified individuals.

Frequently asked questions

• What types of ID verification does PandaDoc offer? In addition to our standard security features, PandaDoc offers four secondary verification options:

  • Passcode verification
  • SMS verification
  • ID checks
  • Knowledge-based authentication
    This toolkit enables teams to validate signer credentials using a wide selection of materials, including government-issued ID cards and system-generated passcodes.

• How do recipients submit their identification? Recipients will receive an ID challenge when trying to access protected documents. This prompt varies by verification method and related requirements.

• How is PandaDoc’s remote online notarization (RON) different from ID verification? PandaDoc offers RON as a user-friendly way to securely sign and notarize legally binding documents. While RON utilizes online identity verification, the service is designed to facilitate the one-time presence of a third-party — a certified notary — who can witness the document signing process via a video call.

• How are signer identities verified? PandaDoc offers a broad selection of verification tools to confirm a recipient’s identity.

• Does PandaDoc store IDs and verification information? No, PandaDoc does not retain any identity documents or biometric information.