As the digital world has become the primary means for doing business – especially across great distances – e-signatures have started to be used across a constantly growing number of industries. Businesses have grown accustomed to completing business online and e-signatures have become an important part of ensuring that these transactions are legally binding.

It’s a fact e-signatures are legally binding. Even if they don’t require any ink, the format for digital signatures has been approved by the U.S. government and the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act of 2000 states “a signature, contract, or other record relating to such transaction may not be denied legal effect, validity, or enforceability solely because it is in electronic form.” In other words, an electronic signature is a symbol that demonstrates a legal agreement with intent to sign.

Not only are they safe to use, e-signatures will be subject to more scrutiny than an ink signature will ever see. This is why it’s important to employ a digital signature platform that promises a solid security system. Otherwise, third parties may tamper with any signed document and put its authenticity into question. This can be disastrous for business.

Non-Qualifying Documents

There are a number of documents that do not qualify for e-signatures. This is for consumer protection. This means that you will need to get a written signature from the intended person. This can be done by hiring professional legal document servers or asking them to meet you in person. To avoid getting into legal trouble when it comes to consumer protection, you will need to make sure that the documentation found with e-signatures would actually be considered invalid and illegal. This can also be verified by a beglaubigte übersetzung service provider near you. Below are some categories that should be assessed.

• Wills, testamentary trusts and codicils
• Adoption, divorce and family law documents
• Notices that terminate or cancel life or health insurance benefits
• Notices to terminate or cancel utility services
• Notices of foreclosure, repossession and eviction
• Court orders, legal documents and other legal notices
• Documents required by law that detail the transportation of hazardous materials
• Product recall notices

The digital world continues to expand and it’s likely the business world will be running alongside it. The usage of digital signatures will become increasingly common. They are safe, legal and easy to implement. Like a coded message, the e-signature authenticates the person originating the message. Any business utilizing an Internet host that would like to significantly lessen piles of paper and streamline the contract process should consider digital signatures.