What is a legal signature

What is the legal signature

A legal signature is a mark or sign that signifies an individual's consent to the contents of a document. It can take various forms, including handwritten signatures, electronic signatures, or digital signatures. In the context of electronic documents, a legal signature is recognized as valid under U.S. law, provided it meets specific criteria outlined in the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce (ESIGN) Act and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA). These laws ensure that electronic signatures hold the same legal weight as traditional handwritten signatures, allowing for seamless digital transactions.

How to use the legal signature

Using a legal signature in an electronic format is straightforward with airSlate SignNow. Users can upload their documents to the platform and specify where signatures are required. The process typically involves the following steps:

• Upload the document that needs to be signed.
• Indicate the signers' email addresses and the order in which they should sign, if necessary.
• Place signature fields in the document where required.
• Send the document for signature.

Once the document is sent, recipients will receive an email notification prompting them to review and sign the document electronically. After all parties have signed, the completed document is securely stored and can be easily accessed.

Steps to complete the legal signature

Completing a legal signature electronically involves several key steps that ensure the document is signed correctly and securely:

• Log in to your airSlate SignNow account and select the document you wish to sign.
• Review the document thoroughly to ensure all information is accurate.
• Click on the designated signature field to add your legal signature.
• Follow the prompts to create your signature, which can be drawn, typed, or uploaded as an image.
• Finalize the signing process by clicking the 'Finish' or 'Submit' button.

After signing, you will receive a confirmation email, and the signed document will be stored in your account for future reference.

Legal use of the legal signature

The legal signature is essential in various contexts, including contracts, agreements, and official documents. In the United States, electronic signatures are legally binding, provided they adhere to specific regulations. This means that documents signed electronically can be used in legal proceedings, just like their paper counterparts. It is important for users to ensure that their electronic signatures are created in compliance with applicable laws, which typically require the signer's intent to sign, consent to do business electronically, and a clear association between the signature and the document.

Security & Compliance Guidelines

When using legal signatures electronically, security and compliance are paramount. airSlate SignNow employs robust security measures to protect user data and ensure compliance with legal standards. Key guidelines include:

• Utilizing encryption to safeguard documents during transmission and storage.
• Implementing user authentication processes to verify the identity of signers.
• Maintaining audit trails that log all actions taken on the document, including when it was signed and by whom.

These measures help ensure that electronic signatures are not only legally valid but also secure, protecting both the signer and the integrity of the document.

Examples of using the legal signature

Legal signatures can be used in a variety of scenarios, including:

• Business contracts, such as employment agreements or partnership contracts.
• Real estate transactions, including lease agreements and purchase contracts.
• Legal documents, such as wills or powers of attorney.
• Financial documents, including loan agreements and credit applications.

Each of these examples demonstrates how legal signatures facilitate efficient and secure transactions, allowing parties to finalize agreements without the need for physical meetings or paper documents.