Are there any specific types of documents that can't be signed digitally?
Asked by: Dr. Joe Rempel | Last update: October 24, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (12 votes)
As outlined by the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA), electronic signatures are not legally valid when signing: Wills and testamentary trusts. State statutes governing divorce, adoption or other family law. Court orders or official court documents.
What documents can not be signed electronically?
A “signature” that is simply a typed name, with or without a font change, will not be accepted, subject to judicial direction. An electronic signature cannot be used on the following documents: a Will, codicil, testamentary trust, power of attorney. a negotiable instrument (cheque, promissory note, etc.)
Can all documents be signed electronically?
What documents cannot be signed electronically? Certain documents, including wills, codicils, testamentary trusts, divorce and adoption papers, some court orders, and notarized contracts, cannot typically be signed electronically. Always verify specific state regulations for precise limitations.
What contracts Cannot be signed electronically?
Particular contracts that may not be signed by way of an electronic signature of either type are contracts for the alienation of immovable property, contracts for the long-term lease of immovable property, the execution, retention and presentation of a will or codicil, and the execution of a bill of exchange.
Is digital signature valid for all documents?
A particular signing type is either valid or invalid for a particular type of document. But the question of validity has a very narrow and limited utility when it comes to actually going digital with paperwork. As per the validity matrix, most documents can be validly signed through any type of electronic execution.
Which Documents Can't Be Signed Digitally? Essential Guide to Digital Signatures
What makes a digital signature invalid?
If a digital signature isn't valid, there can be many causes. For example, the sender's certificate may have expired, it may have been revoked by the certificate authority (CA), or the server that verifies the certificate might be unavailable.
Are PDF digital signatures valid?
Electronic signatures are legally recognized, trusted, and enforceable in many countries around the world.
Which of the following documents may not be signed with a digital or electronic signature?
Electronic signatures are not permitted to be used in executing wills or codicils, contracts relating to the alienation of immovable property, bills of exchange such as cheques, and long-term agreements for immovable property, which are in excess of ten years.
What are the exceptions to electronic signatures?
- Wills, testamentary trusts, and codicils (including estate planning documents obtained through LegalZoom)
- Adoption, divorce, and other family law papers (including such documents obtained through LegalZoom)
Can a trust deed be signed electronically?
Deeds may be in electronic form and electronically signed and attested. If witnessing remotely, the witness must: observe the person signing the document in real time, attest or otherwise confirm the signature was witnessed by signing the document or a copy of the document, and.
Can divorce papers be signed electronically?
If you are e-filing, an electronic, or e-signature, can be used.
Can Word documents be digitally signed?
Add a Digital Signature Using a Signature Line. To add a digital signature, open your Microsoft Word document and click where you'd like to add your signature line. From the Word ribbon, select the Insert tab and then click Signature Line in the Text group. A Signature Setup pop-up box appears.
What is a dry signature?
What Is a Dry Signature? A “dry signature” describes one that is non-ink-based. One of the most common types of dry signature is the electronic signature or e-signature. This is a legally binding way to get approval on electronic documents or forms, using software to electronically generate and apply a signature.
What legal documents can be signed electronically?
Digital signatures can be used for many transactions that currently require a hand written signature. Potential uses include on-line college applications and submitting applications for business permits at the local level.
Can financial statements be signed electronically?
If the accountable authority and/or CFO of a non-corporate Commonwealth entity (NCE) cannot meet to physically certify the financial statements, the certification may be signed using an electronic signature(s).
Can tax forms be signed electronically?
Overview. We accept electronic signatures for Individual e-filed returns and stand-alone electronic funds withdrawal (EFW) payment requests.
What is the federal rule of evidence for electronic signature?
(i) When signing an electronic document using an identification and authentication credential, the signature page for the electronic document should contain a typed signature block that includes the phrase “Signed (electronically) by” typed onto the signature line; the name and the capacity of the person signing; the ...
What are the exceptions to the signature rule?
Exceptions to this rule apply in instances where the signature has been obtained unfairly through misrepresentation, duress or undue influence (when one party unfairly influences another to enter into a contract).
Where are electronic signatures not accepted?
However, as a general rule, the following types of documents typically cannot be signed using an e-signature: Marriage, birth, and death certificates. Wills, codicils, and testamentary trusts.
Which of the following does a digital signature not provide?
Digital signatures provide authenticity protection, integrity protection, and non-repudiation, but not confidentiality protection. The result of a cryptographic transformation of data that, when properly implemented, provides origin authentication, assurance of data integrity and signatory non-repudiation.
What is proof as to digital signature?
( ACT NO. I OF 1872 )
[67A. Except in the case of a secure digital signature, if the digital signature of any subscriber is alleged to have been affixed to a digital record the fact that such digital signature is the digital signature of the subscriber must be proved.]
What is not an electronic signature?
To "wet-sign" a document, you use a pen on an actual piece of paper. The term "wet" refers to ink on paper needing time to dry. Throughout history, people have also used various methods such as stamps, personal seals, or thumbprints to create the equivalent of a wet signature.
How can I tell if a PDF is digitally signed?
If you are using Adobe Reader (PDF reader) you will get in addition to the signature on the front, and the watermark, a signature panel. There you can choose to view certificate information about the certificate used to sign PAdES document (the signed PDF document).
What is the difference between an electronic signature and a digital signature?
A digital signature is always electronic, but an electronic signature is not always digital. A digital signature works with encryption technology using a cryptographic mechanism that provides additional security for the document and guarantees its integrity.
What are the four requirements for an electronic signature to be valid?
- Intent to sign. ...
- Implied or express consent to sign electronically. ...
- Signature attribution. ...
- Protection of signature. ...
- Copies sent to the signer. ...
- Record retention. ...
- Opt-out clause.