Explore Your Digital Signature – Questions Answered: How to Add Digital Signature to Word Document

Quick guide on how to add digital signature to Word document

The airSlate SignNow eSignature solution is ready to replace your handwritten autograph and enhance almost any paper-based, manual tasks. Signing forms electronically saves time, reduces costs, and offers you the power to sign agreements and business forms from anywhere and at any time, on any system. Continue reading to discover how you can begin improving your approval workflows and sign and send out documents for signature electronically.

Take the following steps below to learn how to add digital signature to Word document:

1. Open your web browser and visit signnow.com.
2. Subscribe for a free trial or log in utilizing your electronic mail or Google/Facebook credentials.
3. Click on User Avatar -> My Account at the top-right area of the page.
4. Customize your User Profile with your personal data and adjusting settings.
5. Design and manage your Default Signature(s).
6. Return to the dashboard page.
7. Hover over the Upload and Create button and select the appropriate option.
8. Click on the Prepare and Send key next to the document's name.
9. Enter the name and email address of all signers in the pop-up window that opens.
10. Make use of the Start adding fields option to proceed to modify document and self sign them.
11. Click SAVE AND INVITE when accomplished.
12. Continue to configure your eSignature workflow using extra features.

It can't get any simpler to find out how to add digital signature to Word document than it is with airSlate SignNow. Register your profile, modify and sign templates, request signatures, and keep track of every activity taken to your documents.

What is the digital signature in a Word document?

A digital signature in a Word document is an electronic equivalent of a handwritten signature, providing authenticity and integrity to the document. It uses cryptographic techniques to ensure that the signer is verified and that the document has not been altered after signing. Digital signatures are legally recognized in the United States under the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN Act) and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA), making them a secure option for signing documents electronically.

Steps to complete the digital signature in a Word document

To add a digital signature to a Word document, follow these steps:

• Open the Word document you wish to sign.
• Navigate to the 'Insert' tab in the toolbar.
• Select 'Text' and then click on 'Signature List' followed by 'Microsoft Office Signature Line.'
• Fill in the details in the signature setup box, such as the signer’s name and title.
• Click 'OK' to insert the signature line into the document.
• Right-click on the signature line and select 'Sign' to add your digital signature.
• Follow the prompts to create or select your digital certificate, then finalize the signature.

Legal use of the digital signature in a Word document

Digital signatures are legally binding in the United States, provided they comply with specific regulations. The ESIGN Act and UETA establish that electronic signatures hold the same legal weight as traditional handwritten signatures. This means that documents signed with a digital signature are enforceable in court, making them suitable for contracts, agreements, and other formal documents. It is essential to ensure that the digital signature process adheres to the necessary security standards to maintain its legal validity.

Security & Compliance Guidelines

When using digital signatures, it is crucial to follow security and compliance guidelines to protect sensitive information. Ensure that the digital signature solution you use, such as airSlate SignNow, complies with industry standards such as the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines. Additionally, consider the following:

• Use strong authentication methods to verify the identity of signers.
• Maintain an audit trail that records the signing process for accountability.
• Store signed documents securely to prevent unauthorized access.

Examples of using the digital signature in a Word document

Digital signatures can be utilized in various scenarios, including:

• Signing contracts for business agreements, ensuring both parties are committed.
• Approving legal documents, such as wills or powers of attorney, to streamline the process.
• Finalizing HR documents, like employment contracts or policy acknowledgments, efficiently.

Sending & Signing Methods (Web / Mobile / App)

With airSlate SignNow, users can send and sign Word documents digitally through multiple platforms. Whether on the web, mobile, or app, the process remains straightforward:

• Upload the Word document to airSlate SignNow.
• Specify the recipients and their signing order.
• Send the document for signature, allowing recipients to sign from any device.
• Receive notifications when the document is signed and securely store the completed file.