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What's Electronic Signature?

An electronic signature (also known as "e-signature"), is a digital representation of a person's handwritten signature or a symbol or mark used to sign a document electronically. Nowadays, electronic signatures are widely used and legally recognized in many countries and regions around the world, provided certain conditions are met to ensure the authenticity and integrity of the signature.

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Digital Signature Certificate Knowledge.

What are the benefits of making an electronic signature on PDFs and other documents?

Convenient Accessibility

Creating electronic signatures is convenient. They can be appended to digital documents from anywhere, anytime, on any device, and transmitted instantaneously with an internet connection.

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Cost Savings

Electronic signatures reduce the consumption of paper, and other supplies, and eliminate the shipping costs of physical mail.

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Enhanced Efficiency

Sign PDF or other digital documents electronically enables the automatic approval processes and faster document routing, ensuring easy management, search, and retrieval of the signed documents.

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Legal Binding

In many jurisdictions, e-signatures are legally recognized and have the same legal standing as traditional ink signatures when certain conditions are met.

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Security

Making an electronic signature often comes with an authentication process to ensure the identity of the signer and other security features that make it evident if a contract has been altered after signing.

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Environmental Benefits

By reducing paper usage, electronic signatures contribute to environmental conservation.

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What kinds of documents are electronic signatures used in ?

Contracts and Agreements

Electronic signatures streamline the process of creating, signing, and managing contracts and agreements...

Contracts and Agreements

Electronic signatures streamline the process of creating, signing, and managing contracts and agreements. Businesses can send digital contracts to parties for quick and legally binding signatures. Parties can review documents online, sign them electronically with ease, and receive signed copies instantly. This efficiency is especially valuable for sales contracts, employment agreements, lease contracts, and any other legally binding arrangements.

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Financial Documents

In the financial sector, electronic signatures simplify complex transactions. Borrowers can electronically sign PDF loan agreements...

Financial Documents

In the financial sector, electronic signatures simplify complex transactions. Borrowers can electronically sign PDF loan agreements, investors can execute investment contracts, and mortgage applicants can sign mortgage documents securely online. Financial institutions can ensure compliance while expediting processes like account openings, fund transfers, and insurance claims.

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Government Forms

Government agencies use electronic signatures to modernize citizen interactions. Citizens can create electronic signatures on tax returns...

Government Forms

Government agencies use electronic signatures to modernize citizen interactions. Citizens can create electronic signatures on tax returns, permit applications, and license renewals in PDF or other formats, reducing paperwork and in-person visits. Electronic signatures enhance government efficiency while maintaining the legal validity of important documents, making it easier for constituents to engage with public services.

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Educational Documents

Electronic signatures revolutionize administrative tasks in educational institutions. Students can electronically sign enrollment forms...

Educational Documents

Electronic signatures revolutionize administrative tasks in educational institutions. Students can electronically sign enrollment forms, financial aid applications, and consent forms, eliminating the need for manual paperwork. Educational institutions can enhance their enrollment processes and compliance procedures while reducing administrative overhead.

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Legal Documents

In the legal realm, e-signatures provide a secure and efficient way to sign court documents, contracts, affidavits, and various legal documents...

Legal Documents

In the legal realm, e-signatures provide a secure and efficient way to sign court documents, contracts, affidavits, and various legal documents. Lawyers and clients can sign documents remotely, expediting case proceedings and legal transactions. Electronic signatures offer a convenient way to ensure the authenticity and integrity of legal paperwork.

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Healthcare Records

Electronic signatures play a critical role in healthcare by allowing patients to sign consent forms, release of information documents, and treatment plans electronically...

Healthcare Records

Electronic signatures play a critical role in healthcare by allowing patients to sign consent forms, release of information documents, and treatment plans electronically. Medical professionals can streamline documentation processes while maintaining patient privacy and HIPAA compliance.

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Compliance and Regulatory Documents

Industries subject to strict compliance regulations, such as pharmaceuticals and finance, use electronic signatures to ensure adherence to legal requirements...

Compliance and Regulatory Documents

Industries subject to strict compliance regulations, such as pharmaceuticals and finance, use electronic signatures to ensure adherence to legal requirements. Companies can sign and store compliance documents, audit reports, and regulatory filings securely and electronically, simplifying compliance management.

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Wills and Estate Planning

Some jurisdictions permit electronic signatures for wills, trusts, and estate planning documents...

Wills and Estate Planning

Some jurisdictions permit electronic signatures for wills, trusts, and estate planning documents. This modern approach allows individuals to sign these sensitive documents electronically online, often with added security measures to ensure the document's integrity and the testator's intent.

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Non-Profit and Charity Documents

Non-profit organizations leverage electronic signatures to streamline their operations...

Non-Profit and Charity Documents

Non-profit organizations leverage electronic signatures to streamline their operations. Donation receipts, volunteering agreements, and grant applications can be signed electronically. This efficiency allows non-profits to focus on their missions while minimizing administrative burdens.

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Electronic signatures on PDF examples .

Create Electronic Signature on PDF

How to request electronic signatures on PDFs?

Requesting and creating an electronic signature in PDFs is like a breeze with Wondershare PDFelement.

Step 1. Access the Request eSign Feature

Import your desired PDF into PDFelement. Click "Protect" > "Request eSign." In the popup window, add signers' emails and arrange the signing order.

Step 2. Create Signer Fields

Add signature, date, title or company fields into the document, and assign the fields to corresponding signers.

Step 3. Send the PDF for Electronic Signature

Send the PDF to signers and track the signing process on any device. The signers can get access to the PDF through an email link and append electronic signatures by uploading an image, drawing or typing signatures.

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Electronically Sign PDFs FAQ.

1. Are electronic signatures legally binding?

Yes, electronic signatures are legally binding. The use of electronic signatures has become widely accepted and recognized as a valid form of agreement in many jurisdictions around the world. In the United States, the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN) and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) both establish the legal validity of electronic signatures. These laws recognize that electronic signatures can be just as enforceable as traditional handwritten signatures, as long as certain requirements are met.

ESign applications, like PDFelement eSign feature which complies with ESIGN, ISO 27001, HIPAA and other internet security-related standards, ensuring that your electronic signatures are not only legally sound but also incredibly convenient.

2. How does an electronic signature work?

An electronic signature works by digitally capturing a person's signature or a unique identifier and attaching it to an electronic document. This can be done through an eSign application, like PDFelement, which provides various methods such as uploading an image of your signature, drawing your signature with the mouse or on a touchpad, and typing the name with a specific font or style.

The electronic signature is then securely stored. When the document needs to be verified, the electronic signature can be compared to the stored signature to ensure that it has not been tampered with. This allows for a quick, efficient, and legally binding way to sign documents without the need for physical paperwork.

3. Are electronic signatures secure?

Electronic signatures are generally considered to be secure, as they use encryption technology to protect the integrity and authenticity of the signed documents. The encryption ensures that the signature cannot be tampered with or forged.

Additionally, electronic signature platforms and applications, like PDFelement, often have additional security measures in place, such as multi-factor authentication and audit trails, to further enhance the security of the process. However, it is important to note that the level of security may vary depending on the specific platform or service being used.

4. Can I use electronic signatures for any type of document?

Yes, electronic signatures can generally be used for any type of document. The use of electronic signatures has become increasingly common and accepted in many industries and legal jurisdictions.

However, there may be certain documents that require specific types of signatures or additional authentication measures, such as certain legal or government documents. It is important to review the specific requirements and regulations of the jurisdiction or industry in which the document is being used to ensure that electronic signatures are accepted and legally binding.

5. Are electronic signatures suitable for sensitive documents?

Some jurisdictions permit the use of electronic signatures for sensitive documents, but there may be legal requirements and regulations in place that specifically dictate the use of physical signatures for certain types of sensitive documents. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider the specific requirements and legal considerations before determining if electronic signatures are suitable for sensitive documents.