Some mechanics will sign off an inspection as "XXX inspection c/w xx/xx/xxxx, signature, date." I disagree with that practice. If your mechanic is doing this, it doesn't speak highly of him.
If you don't have a record of an annual inspection in your aircraft maintenance log ("airframe log"), then you haven't had an annual inspection. Period. Unless it's on a progressive inspection or other approved program, you need that signoff in the log.
When I do work or an inspection, at a minimum I list all work done, the publications authorizing or describing the work, parts installed and removed by serial number (excepting certain standard parts that are part of a group installation, such as all the packings and o-rings that go with a filter change...just list the filter change and the filter P/N). I list any operational checks and the results. If any AD's were due and performed, I list them. If none were due, I note that none were due, that an AD check was performed. If I service something, I note what I serviced, and what I used to service it...this can be very critical for someone else down the line, in order that certain lubricants, oils, etc, not be mixed...many are incompatable). I put enough detail, without writing a book, that an inspector or anybody else will have a clear picture of what I did without having to guess. If I used a particular manufacturer checklist for the inspection or work, I cite that, by name, document number, and page number.
Something the mechanic needs to remember is that when he signs off that airplane, he's signing off his work, but in the case of an annual inspection or any airworthiness inspection, he's signing of the work of all who came before. Be clear on what you did. And where others in the future take responsibility for the work you do today, you're still not absolved of your workmanship. Those who say a signature buys the past but not the future are sorely mistaken, and the best protection you can buy is to ensure your work is detailed. It also has the effect of lending credibility to your actions and making your appear your professional, detail-oriented self to others who view that entry.
If you're flying an airplane and you can't find a signoff for the annual inspection, and the aircraft is past it's inspection interval, then stop flying it and ground the airplane. It's unairworthy, and you can only get yourself in trouble trying to fly it without a termporary authorization (eg, ferry permit).
