From convenient and faster transactions to cost-efficiency and high-level security, using electronic signatures have innumerable benefits. While an electronic signature is increasingly becoming a standard document tool today, you may still have questions about it. Here are some of the frequently asked questions about electronic signatures:
What is an electronic signature?
According to the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce (E-SIGN) Act of the United States, the term “electronic signature” means an electronic sound, symbol, or process, attached to or logically associated with a contract or other record and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the record.
Basically, an electronic signature is a signature in electronic form. It can be a digitized image of a handwritten signature, an electronic signature on a digital document, or a verbal authorization in the form of a voiceprint.
What is considered an electronic signature?
An electronic signature refers to any signature in electronic form. It can be an image version of your written signature, a signature executed using an electronic signature tool, or a recording or voiceprint.
Is electronic signature legally binding?
In the United States, there are several laws that make electronic signatures legally binding. Two of the major electronic signature laws are the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce (E-SIGN) Act of 2000 and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) of 1999.
E-SIGN ACT of 2000
The E-SIGN Act enforces a general rule of validity involving the use of electronic records and signatures for transactions in or affecting interstate and foreign commerce. It is a federal act affecting all states in the U.S. According to it, for an electronic signature to be valid:
- the person providing his signature should do it purposely and deliberately;
- there must be consent to transact electronically; and
- records associated with e-signing should be kept in a secure online database.
UETA of 1999
UETA, similar to the E-SIGN Act, secures the legality of the use of electronic signatures. However, only forty-seven states, along with the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands implement it. Illinois, New York, and Washington have their own bills on electronic signature.
Other E-Signature Acts
- Illinois — Electronic Commerce Security Act
- New York — Electronic Signatures and Records Act
- Washington — Electronic Authentication Act
What is the difference between a wet signature and an electronic signature?
A wet signature, or also referred to as traditional signatures or manual signatures, is a physical mark on a document using a pen. It is a name written distinctly in cursive or any unique mark or symbol used to certify a physical document. Whereas, an electronic signature refers to an electronic mark, image, or any electronic symbol by an individual on an electronic document.
What is the difference between a digital signature and an electronic signature?
A digital signature is a type of electronic signature that uses Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) technology to verify the identity of a signatory to provide additional security to electronic documents. Whereas, an electronic signature refers to an electronic mark, image, or any electronic symbol by an individual on an electronic document.
How do I electronically sign a Word document?
There are several electronic signature applications that let users upload and electronically sign a Word document. One of the e-signature applications you can use is SignedTrue.
To e-sign a document using SignedTrue, you may follow these steps:
- Upload your Word document.
- Click on the E-Signature button.
- Click on the Sign Document button.
- Draw, upload an image of, or type your signature.
- Position your electronic signature in your Word document.
How do I digitally sign a PDF document?
A digital signature is a type of electronic signature. There are several electronic signature applications you can use to digitally sign a PDF document.
Using signedTrue, follow these steps to digitally sign a PDF document:
- Upload your Word document.
- Click on the E-Signature button.
- Click on the Sign Document button.
- Draw, upload an image of, or type your signature.
- Position your electronic signature in your PDF document.
How do I create a free electronic signature?
There are electronic signature websites that let users create a free electronic signature.
You may electronically sign documents a limited number of times. Follow these steps:
- Upload your document.
- Click on the E-Signature button.
- Click on the Sign Document button.
- Draw, upload an image of, or type your signature.
- Position your electronic signature in your PDF document.
You may sign up for a subscription plan to use SignedTrue’s other electronic signature tools, including electronic document management, sending documents for e-signing, and inline editing.
Is a PDF signature an electronic signature?
A signature in a PDF document is considered an electronic signature, as a PDF document is a digital document.
How do I create an electronic signature on my phone?
If your phone does not have a built-in electronic signature feature, you may download an electronic signature application via its application store. An easier option is to visit a website that lets users sign documents online, without installing any applications.
With SignedTrue, you may electronically sign documents using your phone. Follow these steps:
- Upload your document.
- Click on the E-Signature button.
- Click on the Sign Document button.
- Draw, upload an image of, or type your signature.
- Position your electronic signature in your PDF document.
How do I create an electronic signature?
There are several ways to create your electronic signature. With SignedTrue, you have the following options:
- Draw your signature — If you have a touchscreen smartphone or tablet, you may draw your signature using your finger or a stylus.
- Upload your signature — You can take a photo of your handwritten signature and upload it.
- Type your signature — Using your keyboard, you can type in your name and select the font style you prefer.
How safe is an electronic signature?
There are several laws that make electronic signatures legally binding in the United States, including the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce (E-SIGN) Act of 2000 and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) of 1999.
Can I use an electronic signature?
You can use an electronic signature when you agree to transact electronically. To verify your consent, you must affix your electronic signature to applicable documents.