How to View and Interpret a Document Audit Certificate
Direct Answer
To view a document audit certificate, open your completed SignCEO PDF and navigate to the final page where the certificate is permanently attached. The certificate documents the envelope UUID, signer verified emails, IP addresses, signing methods, chronological event timestamps, and the SHA-256 cryptographic digest proving legal execution under the ESIGN Act and UETA.
What is a Document Audit Certificate?
A Document Audit Certificate (also known as a Certificate of Completion) is a formal forensic ledger generated automatically upon the execution of an electronic agreement. It serves as permanent legal evidence proving who participated in the transaction, when each event occurred, and that all parties consented to the terms.
Under the US ESIGN Act and state UETA laws, electronic agreements must be retained in a durable format that accurately reproduces the information and establishes attribution.
SignCEO embeds the Audit Certificate directly onto the final page of the executed PDF deliverable, ensuring that the legal evidence is permanently attached to the underlying contract and cannot be misplaced.
- Comprehensive forensic ledger permanently attached to the executed contract PDF
- Satisfies strict statutory record retention requirements under ESIGN and UETA
- Self-contained evidence package admissible in state and federal court proceedings
- Generated automatically upon completion with zero manual administrative overhead
How to Read and Interpret Certificate Fields
Understanding each section of the SignCEO Audit Certificate ensures you can confidently present your document in audits, legal reviews, or client disputes:
• Envelope Identifier: A unique UUID generated at creation, serving as the master database reference for the transaction.
• Signer Identity Records: Lists the legal name, verified email address, and network IP address for every participating signatory.
• Chronological Event History: Records microsecond UTC timestamps for each key transaction milestone: Document Sent, Document Viewed, and Document Signed.
• SHA-256 Document Digest: The mathematical hash verifying that the PDF file has not been altered or tampered with since execution.
- Unique envelope UUID linking the PDF directly to the transaction record
- Verified email delivery and network IP address confirming signer attribution
- Chronological UTC timestamps documenting exact sending, viewing, and signing events
- SHA-256 cryptographic digest guaranteeing post-signing document integrity
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I find the audit certificate in a completed SignCEO document?
The audit certificate is attached directly to the very end of the completed PDF file as the final page, ensuring it is always stored and presented with the agreement.
Can the audit certificate be detached from the PDF?
The certificate is merged into the PDF canvas upon completion. Attempting to extract or delete pages alters the file structure and invalidates the cryptographic SHA-256 hash.
Why are timestamps recorded in UTC?
UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) provides an unambiguous global standard that eliminates confusion across different time zones and daylight saving adjustments.
What does it cost to generate audit certificates on SignCEO?
Audit certificates are automatically included with every completed envelope across all plans at zero extra cost, including the free SignCEO Standard plan.
SignCEO Transparent Pricing
Straightforward pricing with zero surprise charges, no arbitrary price hikes, and no required credit card to start:
SignCEO Standard Plan ($0/month)
3 free envelopes every month. Additional envelope packs: 5 for $10 or 25 for $25. Purchased envelopes never expire. Recipients sign free without accounts.
ClientCEO Integration (10 Free/month)
10 free envelopes monthly per unique user for ClientCEO users. 5 envelopes for $10 or 25 for $25. Purchased credits never expire.