Types of Signatures: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
Whether you're signing a contract, approving a form, or verifying your identity online, signatures play a vital role in our daily lives. But did you know there are many different types of signatures—each with its own purpose and level of security?
What Is a Signature?
A signature is a way of saying, “I agree,” “I approve,” or “This is me.” It’s a personal mark that shows your identity and intent. Whether you’re signing a check, a contract, or a digital form, your signature helps confirm that you stand behind the content.
From handwritten to esignatures, choosing the right form, corporate, or personal, ensures documents remain globally valid, secure, and legal.
What Are the “Types of Signatures”?
There are many different types of signatures, each with its own purpose and level of security. Here’s a quick overview:
Wet (handwritten) signatures: Ink on paper, the traditional way
Symbols, initials & marks: Used in art, informal settings, or by those unable to write
Electronic signatures: Include SES (Simple), AES (Advanced), and QES (Qualified)
Digital signatures: Certificate-based, part of the broader category of electronic signatures
Click-wrap & tap-to-sign: Online checkboxes or buttons showing consent
PDF certification & approval signatures: Built into PDF tools for reviews and approvals
Digital seals & cloud signatures: Secure, remote options for organizations
Stamps & autographs: Used by officials or celebrities, often symbolic
Let’s explore each in detail.
Traditional Signatures
Wet (Handwritten) Signatures
These are the classic ink-on-paper signatures. You use a pen to sign your name on a document. Example: Signing a lease agreement at a real estate office.
Why they’re still used:
Trusted in many legal and cultural settings
Required for some in-person transactions
Easy and familiar
No tech needed
Hard to verify identity
Can be forged
No automatic record or backup
Symbols, Stamps, Autographs, Initials & Marks
Symbols and marks can be an “X” or another personal sign for those who cannot write. Initials are often used to approve sections of a document. Stamps are used by organizations to represent authority. Autographs are unique signatures, mostly from celebrities.
Example: A painter signs their artwork with a unique symbol. A company uses an official stamp on a contract.
In many countries, these can be valid if they clearly show intent and identity.
Electronic Signatures
Simple Electronic Signatures (SES)
These are the most basic types of electronic signatures. Examples include:
Typing your name at the bottom of an email. i.e. Signing an internal HR form by typing your name into a digital document.
Adding a scanned image of your handwritten signature
Clicking “I agree” on a digital form
Quick and easy
Works for many everyday tasks
Lower security
Harder to prove identity
Advanced Electronic Signatures (AES)
AES uses encryption and is linked to the signer’s identity. For Example, a financial advisor uses AES to approve an investment agreement. It shows that:
Only the signer had access to the key
The document hasn’t been changed since signing
AES is much more secure and reliable
Often used in legal or financial setting
Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES)
This is the most secure type under EU law (eIDAS). It uses a digital certificate from a trusted provider, and it’s legally equal to a handwritten signature in Europe. For example: A lawyer signs a cross-border contract using QES.
Issued by a certified authority
Follows strict identity checks
Trusted across borders
Other Electronic Signature Variants
Digital Signatures (Certificate-Based)
Digital signatures use certificates issued by a Certificate Authority (CA). For example: A government officer signs a grant approval form using a certificate-based digital signature. They prove:
The signer’s identity
The document hasn’t been altered
Digital signatures are a subset of electronic signatures with added security.
Click-Wrap & Tap-to-Sign
These are agreements made by clicking a checkbox or a button. For exampleClicking “I agree” when installing an app or accepting a website’s terms.
If clearly presented, they are enforceable in many regions.
PDF Certification & Approval Signatures
PDF editors like Acrobat allow for two types:
Certification: Locks the file after signing
Approval: Lets others sign or comment later
A project manager certifies a project report before sharing it with the team.
Digital Seals & Timestamping
A digital seal is like a stamp used by organizations to prove the document is genuine. A timestamp adds proof of when the signature occurred.
A company uses a digital seal and timestamp on an invoice to prevent fraud.
Cloud Signatures & Biometric Options
These signatures are created through cloud platforms. Some use biometrics like fingerprint or face ID.
Signing a loan application with a fingerprint on your phone through a secure app.
Legal Validity & Compliance
Core Legal Requirements
Intent: The signer meant to sign
Consent: The signer agreed willingly
Attribution: You can link the signature to the signer
Retention: The document is stored and accessible
Major Global Frameworks
ESIGN & UETA (USA): Legalizes electronic signatures
eIDAS (EU): Recognizes electronic and qualified signatures
Other regions: Countries like Brazil, India, and Japan have their own laws
Industry-Specific Standards
Healthcare: HIPAA-compliant e-signatures for patient safety
Finance: MiFID II for secure digital transactions
Government: Special rules for public contracts
Comparing Signature Types
Typed signatures are a type of electronic signature. Electronic signatures may also include drawings, clicks, or biometric methods. Digital signatures use advanced cryptography for verification and security.
Use Cases & When to Use Which Signature
Low-risk: SES is great for internal HR documents or memos
High-security: Use AES or QES for banking, legal contracts, or healthcare data
Regulated industries: Choose QES or certificate-based digital signatures
Quick approvals: Click-wrap works well for online terms and low-risk tasks
How to Create & Manage Each Signature Type
Wet Signature: Sign paper, scan it, and upload it as a file
SES/AES/QES: Use Sign.Plus to type, draw, or upload your signature with added verification
Digital Certificates: Apply through a certificate authority
Click-wrap: Add checkbox logic to your online forms
Future Trends in Signatures
Mobile biometrics: Fingerprint and face ID are becoming more common
Blockchain notarization: Adds tamper-proof history to signed documents
AI fraud detection: Helps spot fake or unusual signing behavior
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