Have you ever typed in your name as a way to "sign" an electronic document? Then you already know something about an S-signature.
An S-signature is a legal way to sign your name in an electronic document using your typed name instead of your actual, hand-written signature.
With an S-signature, you type your name on a signature line between two forward slashes (for example: /Jane Doe/). With a conformed signature, which is similar to an S-signature, your typed name is preceded by an "/s/" designation. (Example: /s/ Jane Doe).
Why Use an S-Signature?
S-signatures and conformed signatures –collectively called e-signatures– are an efficient way for people to review and sign documents remotely. They help government entities and businesses avoid delays in waiting for the receipt of paper documents to be printed, scanned, or mailed and sent back with a handwritten signature.
Many organizations and agencies accept them in lieu of a written signature after people read and review documents on their smartphones or computers. Laws can vary from state to state and agency to agency on the acceptance of electronic signatures.
When to Use Conformed and /S/ Signatures?
The most common reason to use an electronic signature when conducting business online. It saves the time and expense of downloading a legal document, signing it, and returning it in the mail. You can often sign a document with an S-signature right on your smartphone and wherever you happen to be.
How to Be Sure an S-Signature Is Valid?
It is important to read and follow the rules for an S-signature. Here are some steps to follow:
- Make sure you space the signature correctly.
- Check for the necessary punctuation, such as the slashes, lines, and periods required for your signature.
- Use letters, Arabic numerals, or a combination in your signature.
- Print or type out your name in the space provided near your S-signature.
FAQs About S-Signatures
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What states recognize S-signatures?
The Uniform Electronic Transaction Act (UETA) of 1999 gives states the jurisdiction to decide whether an electronically signed document is valid. The Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN) modernized the law in 2020. Currently, all states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington, D.C., give electronic signatures the same legal status as handwritten signatures. However, some states have certain situations that mandate an original signature.
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Can you type in someone else's name in an S-signature?
Only the document's intended signer may legally use an S-signature. However, under some circ*mstances, an individual can give another person permission to sign a document for them electronically.
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Can someone sign more than one document with an S-signature?
Yes, depending on the situation, you may be able to sign multiple documents with an electronic signature at the same time.
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Is fraud a concern with S-signatures?
Signature forgery -- the act of falsely replicating another person's name or signature on documents, is a criminal offense that is punishable by law.
To be considered valid, an e-signature should include the following:
- A way to verify the identity of the person signing the document
- A way to verify the signer intended to sign the document
- A way to verify that the signature is associated with the signed document.
Table of Contents:
- Why Use an S-Signature?
- When to Use Conformed and /S/ Signatures?
- How to Be Sure an S-Signature Is Valid?
Have you ever typed in your name as a way to "sign" an electronic document? Then you already know something about an S-signature.
An S-signature is a legal way to sign your name in an electronic document using your typed name instead of your actual, hand-written signature.
With an S-signature, you type your name on a signature line between two forward slashes (for example: /Jane Doe/). With a conformed signature, which is similar to an S-signature, your typed name is preceded by an "/s/" designation. (Example: /s/ Jane Doe).
Why Use an S-Signature?
S-signatures and conformed signatures –collectively called e-signatures– are an efficient way for people to review and sign documents remotely. They help government entities and businesses avoid delays in waiting for the receipt of paper documents to be printed, scanned, or mailed and sent back with a handwritten signature.
Many organizations and agencies accept them in lieu of a written signature after people read and review documents on their smartphones or computers. Laws can vary from state to state and agency to agency on the acceptance of electronic signatures.
When to Use Conformed and /S/ Signatures?
The most common reason to use an electronic signature when conducting business online. It saves the time and expense of downloading a legal document, signing it, and returning it in the mail. You can often sign a document with an S-signature right on your smartphone and wherever you happen to be.
How to Be Sure an S-Signature Is Valid?
It is important to read and follow the rules for an S-signature. Here are some steps to follow:
- Make sure you space the signature correctly.
- Check for the necessary punctuation, such as the slashes, lines, and periods required for your signature.
- Use letters, Arabic numerals, or a combination in your signature.
- Print or type out your name in the space provided near your S-signature.
FAQs About S-Signatures
-
What states recognize S-signatures?
The Uniform Electronic Transaction Act (UETA) of 1999 gives states the jurisdiction to decide whether an electronically signed document is valid. The Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN) modernized the law in 2020. Currently, all states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington, D.C., give electronic signatures the same legal status as handwritten signatures. However, some states have certain situations that mandate an original signature.
-
Can you type in someone else's name in an S-signature?
Only the document's intended signer may legally use an S-signature. However, under some circ*mstances, an individual can give another person permission to sign a document for them electronically.
-
Can someone sign more than one document with an S-signature?
Yes, depending on the situation, you may be able to sign multiple documents with an electronic signature at the same time.
-
Is fraud a concern with S-signatures?
Signature forgery -- the act of falsely replicating another person's name or signature on documents, is a criminal offense that is punishable by law.
To be considered valid, an e-signature should include the following:
- A way to verify the identity of the person signing the document
- A way to verify the signer intended to sign the document
- A way to verify that the signature is associated with the signed document.
