In today’s digitized world, it’s no surprise that even the process of signing documents has gone digital. Welcome to the world of e-signatures! An esignature is simply an electronic version of a handwritten signature that can be used to sign contracts, forms, and other legal documents.
Not only are e-signatures more convenient than their paper counterparts (no more faxing or mailing documents!), but they’re also legally binding in most jurisdictions. That means that any document you sign using an e-signature carries the same weight as if you had signed it with a pen and paper.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what e-signatures are and how they work. We’ll also debunk some common myths about e-signatures and explain why they’re the future of document signing.
How Do E-Signatures Work?
E-signatures work by encrypting the document you’re signing with a digital signature. This signature is unique to you and can be verified by anyone who needs to check that the document is indeed signed by you.
When you sign a document electronically, you’ll first need to create a digital signature. A signature can be registered in multiple ways – by typing your name, drawing it with a mouse or touchscreen, or uploading a scanned image of it. Once your signature has been created, it will be automatically applied to the document whenever you need to sign it.
Is E-Signatures Legally Binding?
One common misconception about e-signatures is that they’re not legally binding. This couldn’t be further from the truth! E-signatures are legally binding in most jurisdictions, including the United States and European Union.
There are some exceptions to this rule, however. For example, countries like Belgium and Switzerland have not yet passed legislation specifically recognizing electronic signatures as legal substitutes for paper signatures. As a result, contracts signed using e-signatures in these countries may not be enforceable in court.
Why Are E-Signatures The Future Of Document Signing?
There are several reasons why e-signatures are becoming increasingly popular and why they’re poised to replace traditional paper signatures in the years to come. Here are just a few of those reasons:
- E-signatures are more convenient than paper signatures. There’s no need to print out documents or fax them back and forth – you can sign documents electronically from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.
- E-signatures save time. Because they’re so convenient, e-signatures can save businesses and individuals alike wasted time and money spent on printing, mailing, and faxing documents back and forth.
- E-signatures promote sustainability. Unlike paper signatures, which require physical documents and use up valuable resources like trees, e-signatures are completely paperless – meaning they’re much more sustainable in the long run.
- E-signatures are secured. When properly encrypted, e-signed documents are just as secure – if not more secure – than their traditional counterparts. That’s because it’s difficult for hackers to access encrypted data without the proper key. Plus, electronic signatures leave behind an audit trail that can be used to track who signed when – something that’s impossible to do with paper signatures.
In conclusion, e-signatures are legal substitutes for paper signatures in most jurisdictions and offer several advantages over traditional paper signatures. They’re more convenient, faster, more sustainable, and just as secure as their traditional counterparts. If you’re not using e-signatures already, now is the time to start!