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.

签名

签名与全名

您的签名必须是全名吗？

不，您的签名不一定要是您的法定全名。许多人会选择姓名首字母、缩写、符号或独特的风格化标记。不过，具体要求可能因文件类型和司法辖区而异。

签名为何重要

签名是任何表明您有意认可文件的标记——无论是草书、印刷体、符号还是其他形式。它不一定要使用草书。您的签名证明您已审阅并同意文件内容，从而确认其真实性。例如，签署租赁协议即表示您接受其中列明的条件。
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历史与文化视角

签名经历了巨大的演变。历史上，人们会用符号、火漆印章，甚至简单的叉号来标记文件。在东亚，被称为“印章”（chops）的个人印鉴十分常见。在欧洲，华丽的花体笔画常常是身份地位的象征。
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法律意义

无论是手写还是电子形式，法院都承认签名是身份和意愿的有效证明。发生争议时，法院会关注签名的一致性和明确的意愿。

签名的法律要求

不同司法辖区的差异

美国：根据 ESIGN Act 和 UETA，电子签名、姓名首字母和符号均可接受。
欧盟：eIDAS 法规承认电子签名具有法律约束力。
其他地区：在瑞士等地，手写签名中必须包含您的姓氏，但不强制使用草书。

手写与电子签名

电子签名包括键入的姓名、在触摸屏上绘制的标记，或点击签署选项。大多数文件同时接受电子签名和手写签名，但遗嘱或授权委托书等部分文件通常要求使用您的法定全名。

特定文件的规则

房地产合同、经公证的表格和政府文件等通常要求使用完整且一致的签名。公司高管可能需要正式签名，而日常文件则可以使用更简单的标记。

签名的类型

全名签名：人们通常会在正式文件、法律协议或金融交易中使用全名签名。这样可以减少歧义，并增强真实性。
首字母与缩写：在不太正式的场合，首字母或简写形式是可以接受的。如果您的姓名较长，使用首字母或缩写可以简化签署流程，同时不影响其合法性。
符号、徽标与风格化标记：艺术家和创意工作者可能会使用独特的符号或风格化签名。例如，艺术家巴勃罗·毕加索就以一笔简单却极具辨识度的花体签名在作品上落款而闻名。只要持续一致地使用，此类符号通常会被法律接受。
印章与图章：企业和公证人经常使用印章或图章。橡皮图章如果配有其他标记或官方核验，通常是有效的。
电子签名：电子签名，例如在触摸屏上绘制的标记、键入的姓名或勾选框，已被广泛接受。Sign.Plus 等工具可以简化电子签名的安全创建。