Electronic signatures for beginners: 12 answers to your FAQs

Our support team is constantly fielding questions about eSignatures. And while we love to talk about the convenience, efficiency, and security of eSignatures, there are specific questions that continue to pop up.

So, we figured we'd curate some answers to frequently asked questions to help you better understand how eSignatures work, and how Papersign can help streamline your workflows, and enhance your overall document management.

What is an electronic signature?

An electronic signature, or eSignature, is a digital representation of a person's agreement or approval of a document or set of data. It can take various forms, such as:

• A typed name
• A scanned image of a handwritten signature
• A unique mark made using specialized eSignature software

eSignatures are used to replace traditional pen-and-paper signatures, providing a compliant way to confirm consent or acceptance in a digital format. Platforms like Papersign facilitate the creation and management of electronic signatures, making them accessible and secure for various personal and business applications.

Are eSignatures legally binding?

The short answer is: yes... mostly. eSignatures are legally admissible in many jurisdictions around the world. Papersign complies with major legal standards (ESIGN, EUTA, ETA, ETR, eiDAS, and UK eiDAS), ensuring that signatures are compliant.

Always consult with legal professionals in your jurisdiction to understand the specific regulations that apply to your situation, but rest assured, Papersign is designed with legal compliance in mind.

Are traditional “wet ink” signatures still considered superior for legal purposes?

While wet ink signatures have been the traditional method for legal documents, eSignatures like those provided by Papersign are increasingly recognized as equivalent in many legal contexts. In numerous jurisdictions, eSignatures are considered just as legally binding as their ink counterparts.

Some specific documents or legal situations might still require a traditional signature, such as:

• Certain wills and trusts
• Family law documents  (e.g. adoption or divorce papers),
• Some court orders or notices

As always, it's a good idea to consult with legal professionals in your jurisdiction to understand the exact requirements for your particular needs.

What types of documents can be signed electronically?

Electronic signatures, like those provided by Papersign, can be used for a wide variety of documents, making them a versatile tool for individuals and businesses alike. Specific examples of documents that can typically be signed electronically include:

• Contracts and agreements (sales contracts, service agreements, lease agreements, and non-disclosure agreements)
• Employment documents (offer letters, onboarding paperwork, and employee handbooks)
• Financial documents (loan agreements, bank account openings, and investment documents)
• Healthcare forms (patient consent forms, medical history forms, and insurance paperwork)
• Government forms (tax returns, applications for benefits, and other governmental submissions)
• Educational documents (enrollment forms, consent for school trips, and other administrative forms)
• Real estate documents (purchase agreements, rental agreements, and property management contracts)

Do electronic signatures need to be witnessed?

The requirement for witnessing an electronic signature depends on the jurisdiction and the type of document being signed. In many cases, electronic signatures do not need to be witnessed. The authentication methods within the eSignature platform provide the necessary validation.

Some legal documents, such as wills, deeds, or affidavits, may require witnessing or notarization, even when signed electronically. The specific requirements can vary by jurisdiction and document type. With Papersign, you have the flexibility to handle either scenario. You can add a field for witnesses, or assign a specific notary to certify the signature is authentic.

Can I sign electronic signatures in person?

Yes, with Papersign, it's entirely possible to have your client sign a document when you meet face-to-face. You can simply access the document through the Papersign platform on a laptop, tablet, or mobile device, and your client can review and sign the document right then and there.

This flexibility allows for a seamless signing experience, whether it's conducted remotely or in person, providing convenience and efficiency for both you and your client.

Do I need to set up a document every time I send it?

No, with Papersign, you don't need to set up the document every time you send it. You can create templates for documents that you use frequently, saving you time and effort. These templates can be easily customized and sent to different recipients as needed. Check out this video tutorial to see how it works.

Can I create electronic signatures on a mobile device?

Yes, with Papersign, you can create an eSignature on mobile devices. Our platform is designed to be user-friendly and accessible, allowing you to send or sign documents electronically from smartphones and tablets.

Whether you're on the go or working remotely, Papersign's mobile-friendly interface enables you to create, send, and manage eSignatures with ease. Simply access the Papersign platform through your mobile web browser, and you'll have the flexibility to handle all your eSignature needs right from your mobile device.

What are the business benefits of eSignatures?

Electronic signatures offer a range of benefits that enhance business operations, simplify workflows and free up time. Here's a look at some of the advantages:

• Speed and efficiency: Electronic signatures enable quick and seamless signing processes, reducing the time it takes to finalize agreements. Documents can be sent, signed, and returned in minutes rather than days.
• Cost savings: By eliminating the need for printing, scanning, mailing, and storing physical documents, eS can significantly reduce costs related to paper, ink, postage, and storage space.
• Accessibility: Electronic signatures allow for signing documents from anywhere, at any time, using various devices, including mobile. This flexibility facilitates collaboration with remote teams, clients, and partners.
• Security and compliance: Electronic signatures offer robust security measures, such as encryption and authentication, to protect the integrity and confidentiality of documents. Platforms like Papersign are designed to comply with legal regulations in multiple countries.
• Environmental sustainability: By reducing the reliance on paper, electronic signatures contribute to sustainability efforts, aligning with environmentally conscious business practices.
• Integration and automation: Electronic signature platforms often integrate with other business tools and systems, so you can connect with your other tools and set up automations that make you more productive.
• Improved customer experience: The convenience and speed of electronic signatures can enhance your customer experience, making it easier for clients to do business with you.
• Audit trails: eSign platforms provide detailed audit trails, recording the entire signing process, including timestamps and IP addresses. This transparency can be valuable for compliance and dispute resolution.

Who uses eSignatures?

eSignatures are used by a wide range of individuals and organizations across various sectors.

• Businesses use eSignatures to streamline contract signing, human resources processes, and financial agreements
• Government agencies employ them to enhance efficiency in public services and administrative tasks
• Healthcare providers use eSignatures for patient consent forms and medical records.
• Educational institutions apply them for enrollment and administrative documents
• Individuals also use eSignatures for personal needs, such as signing legal documents or tax forms

The versatility and convenience of eSignatures, as offered by platforms like Papersign, make them a valuable tool for many different users and applications.

How do I create an electronic signature?

Start by accessing Papersign through your browser and uploading the document you need to sign (alternatively, you can create one from scratch in the editor).

Once the document is uploaded, you'll have the option to create a signature field. Add it to the desired section of the document. If creating within Papersign, you can use slash commands to easily create fields, or if uploading an existing PDF, simply click to place the signature field where you need it, and move it around as needed.

Once you've placed your signature, save the document and send it to the necessary recipients to be signed. Voila! If you need to check on the status of your document, you can check it any time from the Papersign dashboard.

By following this simple process, you can create an electronic signature and apply it to documents as needed, all within a secure and user-friendly environment. See our in-depth video walkthrough for a step-by-step guide.

What's the relationship between Paperform and Papersign?

Paperform is both the name of our company and the name of our form builder product. Papersign is our specialized eSignature solution that enables users to create, send, and manage electronic documents. Both tools operate completely standalone, but work best when paired together to automate workflows, and simplify your routine processes—so you can spend more time on the things that matter.

Any other questions?

We're here to answer any questions you have about eSignatures or anything else related to Paperform. Get in touch today.

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