What is an electronic signature?

Discover the easy, secure, and legal way to sign documents online in seconds. An electronic signature, also known as an esign, e-signature, or online signature, is the digital version of a traditional signature. It serves as proof that a person has agreed to the contents of a document. Unlike a wet signature, which is made with pen and paper, an electronic signature is created and stored online. At Sign.Plus, we provide secure esignature services that help users sign documents quickly and safely.

Are electronic signatures legal?

Yes. When an electronic signature is created using secure technology with proper authentication and record keeping, it holds the same legal weight as a traditional wet signature in many places. The technology behind digital signatures ensures robust security and compliance, which is why they are recognized as legally valid.

How does an electronic signature work?

An electronic signature works by using special technology that secures and verifies your identity. When you sign a document with sign.plus, your signature is created with methods like encryption, digital certificates, and timestamps. This process protects the integrity of the document and confirms that the signature is genuine.

What is the difference between a digital signature, an electronic signature, an online signature and a wet ink signature?

An electronic signature is a general term covering all forms of digital signing. A digital signature is a specific type of electronic signature that uses cryptography to protect and verify your signature. An online signature refers to any signature created through a web-based service like sign.plus. A wet ink signature is the traditional method of signing with pen and paper.

Should my electronic signature look like my handwritten signature?

Your electronic signature does not have to look exactly like your handwritten wet signature. Some people prefer to replicate their handwritten style, while others create a new digital design. The key is that the signature is secure and verifiable, which Sign.Plus ensures with its advanced technology.

Signature

Can a signature be anything

Can a Signature Be Anything?

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Quick answer, yes and no. Legally, a signature can take many forms, but it must meet certain criteria.

Understanding what counts as a valid signature helps you confidently sign documents—whether on paper or online.

Can a Signature Be Anything?

Signatures can be nearly any mark you make intentionally to show agreement or verify your identity. Legally, this flexibility has limits: your signature can't break laws, impersonate others, or lack intent. Simply put, while signatures can range widely, not everything scribbled down qualifies as a legal signature.

What Is a “Signature”?

A signature is a mark or symbol used to indicate your intent and confirm authorship.
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Everyday Definition

In daily life, your signature is typically your personal mark—your name, initials, a unique symbol, or its electronic version—that you use consistently on documents.

Examples Accepted by Courts:

Typed names
Scanned images of handwritten signatures
Electronic symbols or sounds (under laws like the ESIGN Act in the U.S. and the eIDAS regulation in Europe)

Why Are Signatures Important?

Legally Binding Agreements: A signature makes agreements enforceable by clearly showing consent.
Identity Verification & Fraud Prevention: Signatures confirm who signed the document, helping prevent fraud.
Evidence of Consent: Your signature is proof that you understood and agreed to a contract.
Professionalism & Formality: Signatures convey seriousness and respect toward business and personal dealings.

What Can Count as a Signature?

Electronic and Digital Signatures

Electronic signatures and digital signatures are legally recognized worldwide if they meet specific requirements.

Full Name (Cursive or Print)

Clearly writing or printing your full name counts.

Initials or Monogram

Courts accept initials or stylized monograms if used consistently.

Nickname or Pseudonym

Consistent use of a nickname or stage name can also qualify.

Symbols, Drawings & Emojis

In special cases, even symbols or emojis can legally be signatures if consistently used.

Typed "/s/" Signatures

This simple typed symbol is widely accepted in electronic legal documents.

Digital Signatures & e-Signatures

These secure, encrypted signatures provide additional legal and security advantages.

Biometric Signatures

Fingerprints or stylus traces on electronic devices are increasingly accepted.

Rules & Requirements for Valid Signatures

Intent to Authenticate: You must clearly intend your mark as a signature.
Unique Identifier: Your signature should reasonably link to you and not be easily replicated.
Consistency: While some style changes are fine, drastic variations can cause legal issues.
Jurisdictional Formalities: Certain documents, like wills or notarized deeds, may require specific forms, witnesses, or notarization, and may not accept electronic signatures.
Identity Verification & Document Integrity: The signer’s identity must be verifiable, and the document must remain unchanged after signing.
Electronic Signature Standards: In the U.S., the ESIGN Act governs electronic signatures. In the EU, eIDAS provides clear standards.

When a "Signature" May Be Rejected

Random Scribbles with No Intent: Marks made accidentally or carelessly don’t qualify.
Offensive or Illegal Symbols: Such marks will be invalidated.
Signatures That Impersonate Others: Fraudulent marks made to impersonate someone else are illegal.
Non-Compliant Electronic Marks: Electronic signatures must meet legal standards to be accepted.

How to Create Your Signature

Using e-signature platforms like Sign.Plus, the process involves:

Designing a Unique, Consistent Mark: Create something easy to replicate, quick to write, yet secure.
Wet-Ink Signatures: Choose quality pens or stamps that produce clear, consistent marks.
Electronic Signatures: Platforms like Sign.Plus offer legally compliant digital signatures, making online signing secure and easy.

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Security & Protection

Preventing Forgery: Make your signature distinctive enough to be hard to copy accurately.
Safeguarding Digital Keys & Certificates: Always keep digital signature credentials secure and confidential.
What to Do If Your Signature Is Compromised: Immediately notify relevant parties and consider re-signing documents to avoid legal issues.

Real-World Examples & Famous Signatures

Warren Buffett

Steve Jobs

Mark Zuckerberg

Jeff Bezos

Elon Musk

Bill Gates

Clint Eastwood

Meryl Streep

Marlon Brando

Marilyn Monroe

Charlie Chaplin

Audrey Hepburn

Salvador Dalí

Vincent van Gogh

Pablo Picasso

Rembrandt

Frida Kahlo

Jean Claude Monet

William Shakespeare

Mark Twain

Jane Austen

J.K. Rowling

Ernest Hemingway

Charles Dickens

Roger Federer

Pelé

Muhammad Ali

Michael Jordan

Lionel Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo

Winston Churchill

Napoleon Bonaparte

Martin Luther King Jr.

Mahatma Gandhi

George Washington

Abraham Lincoln

FAQs

Can a signature be just a doodle?

Yes, if you consistently use it to sign documents and clearly intend it as your signature.

Is a typed "/s/" legally valid?

Yes, typed “/s/” signatures are recognized legally in many electronic documents.

Can I change my signature style mid-career?

Yes, but abrupt and extreme changes might prompt identity verification checks.

Do electronic signatures need witnesses?

Usually no, but some documents, like wills or notarized contracts, might require witnesses or notarization.

What happens if my signature on a contract is challenged?

You may need to prove authenticity through additional verification steps or witness testimony.

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