Description
What is an E-Signature?
An electronic signature is a digital version of a handwritten signature. It can take various forms, such as a typed name, a scanned image of a handwritten signature, or a digitally created signature. It’s used to authenticate the identity of the signatory and indicate agreement to the terms of a document.
Benefits of E-Signatures
- Convenience: Sign documents from anywhere, at any time, without the need for physical paperwork.
- Efficiency: Speed up the signing process and reduce turnaround time compared to traditional methods.
- Cost-Effective: Reduce costs associated with printing, scanning, and mailing physical documents.
- Security: Many e-signature platforms offer enhanced security features, such as encryption and authentication, to ensure the integrity and authenticity of signed documents.
- Environmental Impact: Reduce paper usage and contribute to environmental sustainability.
Legal Validity
E-signatures are legally binding in many countries, including the United States, European Union, and Australia. In the U.S., the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce (ESIGN) Act and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) provide the legal framework for e-signatures. In the EU, the eIDAS Regulation governs electronic signatures.
