Yes you can create a free developer sandbox through the Developer Center and start making API calls in seconds. Developer sandbox accounts operate in the DocuSign Demo environment, have Enterprise level features enabled, and they do not expire. Note that signature requests sent through the Demo environment are not legally-binding, and you’ll need to create your Integrator Key (aka API key) through your sandbox preferences.

API Plans can access DocuSign through the DocuSign Website and through our REST and SOAP APIs whereas general DocuSign plans can only access through the Website (except for Enterprise edition). Once you purchase an API Plan you’ll be able to send and sign documents immediately through the DocuSign Website, however for production API usage you’ll need to go through API Certification.

API Certification is required for API access in DocuSign’s production environment. During the process your integration is reviewed for potential security flaws and other criteria. Upon completion your Integrator Key (aka API key) will be enabled in production and you can start making legally-binding signature requests. The process normally takes ~1 day, learn more through the Go Live section of the Developer Center.

DocuSign uses Envelopes to send documents to recipients. An Envelope may contain multiple documents, multiple signature fields, and multiple signers. Regardless of how many documents, fields, and signers a given envelope contains it still only counts towards one of your monthly requests (ie 30 signature requests per month = 30 envelopes per month).

DocuSign has the most active developer community in the industry by far. For free support search the DocuSignAPI tag on Stack Overflow to see over one-thousand questions and answers, or post a new one. We also have open source tools, code walkthroughs, and API documentation. Additionally we have paid support options and Account Managers available for certain plans.

Plans include an envelope limit per month (for monthly plans) or per year (for annual plans). Additional envelopes are available for $4/envelope within your plan. Note that an envelope may contain multiple documents, multiple signing and data fields, and multiple recipients. To check usage details login to your account and go to Admin -> Billing and Usage -> View Usage Details.