Handwritten Signature: Wet, Drawn and Typed

What is a handwritten signature?

A handwritten signature is a signing mark written by hand. A wet signature is applied in ink to a physical document. A signature drawn with a finger or stylus on a screen is handwritten in appearance, but the resulting record is electronic.

A typed signature uses entered characters, sometimes displayed in a script-style font. That font does not turn the act into handwriting. Sign.Plus’s online signature generator lets you create a drawn or typed visual mark. A signature pad or touchscreen captures a drawn mark; it does not, on its own, establish the signer's identity.

Does the signature need a handwritten appearance?

Not always. The Law Commission's statement for England and Wales explains that intent and document formalities matter and identifies circumstances in which typed names and other marks can serve as signatures. That does not mean every document in every country accepts every form.

An electronic signature can therefore use a typed or drawn mark, subject to the relevant rules. Its appearance does not establish that it meets advanced-signature requirements or uses a cryptographic digital signature.

When does wet ink matter?

Check whether the specific document, recipient or applicable law requires a physical original or a particular signing form. Choose the method around those requirements, rather than assuming a handwritten-looking mark has stronger legal status.