Is DocuSign considered a wet signature?

Asked by: Ms. Audra Hessel DDS  |  Last update: April 10, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (66 votes)

Today, an electronic signature can carry the same weight and legal effect as traditional wet signatures on paper documents in most cases.

What is considered a wet signature?

A wet signature means you've physically “signed” a document with a pen, seal, or other identifying mark on a physical piece of paper. Although e-signatures have become more common, certain circumstances require wet signatures, such as when signing for wills, trusts, adoptions, and divorce proceedings.

Is DocuSign considered an original signature?

Judge Robert Bardwil of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in California ruled that while DocuSign is appropriate in many business settings, overall it does not constitute a replacement for original signatures on legal documents and the like.

What type of signature is DocuSign?

Docusign issues AES PKI digital signatures that satisfy legal requirements and provide flexible options to verify the identity of signers using Docusign ID Verification or another established identity verification process.

Is Docusign as good as a wet signature?

E-signatures are more secure than traditional wet signatures and thus less susceptible to forgery. Contracts signed with Docusign eSignature come with a secure electronic record.

Docusign eSignature: How to Sign a Document with a Wet Signature

39 related questions found

How do I make my signature look like a wet signature?

How to create a wet signature. A wet signature requires some type of pen, usually filled with black ink, or a stamp with your initials, signature, or other approved seal. To create a wet ink signature simply sign a printed or photocopied document in cursive, initial, or stamp the document in the designated spaces.

Is DocuSign a qualified digital signature?

Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES)

As a result, these types of signatures are often encouraged or required for high-value or highly sensitive transactions. As a qualified TSP on the EU Trust List, Docusign offers multiple options for QES.

What are the three types of signatures?

Types of Signatures
  • Wet Signature. A wet signature refers to the traditional way of signing a document with pen and ink. ...
  • Electronic Signature. ...
  • Digital Signature. ...
  • Initials, Symbols, & Marks.

Can I use my real signature in DocuSign?

To upload a handwritten version of your signature, you will need to access the Adopt Signature page. Then, use one of the following two methods, starting on your homepage. Click on Edit to the right of MY DOCUSIGN ID, scroll down to Signatures and then select Edit.

What is the difference between DocuSign and electronic signature?

eSignly offers more advanced features than DocuSign, such as advanced authentication, audit trail, and integration with Salesforce and other applications. Also, eSignly offers features such as API access and team management, which are not available in DocuSign's Standard plan.

What counts as an original signature?

Original Signature means a manually signed document by a natural person, as opposed to an electronic signature, and "Facsimile Signature" means the signature of a natural person produced by mechanical means, printer or stamp.

How do I know a DocuSign signature is valid?

When a DocuSigned document is viewed in the Adobe Acrobat Reader, Adobe displays a seal that indicates the signatures are valid. Refer to image and image key below. This validation seal is lost when the document is imaged or printed but that does not invalidate the signatures.

Is DocuSign legally binding?

Are DocuSign's electronic signatures legally binding? DocuSign eSignatures are valid and legally binding across the globe and in use in 188 countries around the world.

What is the alternative to a wet signature?

Electronic signatures: a modern approach

These include digital signatures, click-to-sign, and other secure forms of authentication. Crucially, they have gained widespread legal recognition globally, making them a viable and often superior option to wet signatures.

How to get a wet signature on a PDF?

To add a wet signature to a PDF file, follow these steps:
  1. Print the PDF file.
  2. Sign the printed document using a pen.
  3. Scan the signed document to create a digital copy.
  4. Save the digital copy in a compatible format (such as PDF)
  5. Attach the digital copy to the original PDF file.

What are the three types of electronic signatures?

The three types of electronic signatures are simple e-signatures (SESs), advanced e-signatures (AdESs), and qualified e-signatures (QESs). Each is best suited for different scenarios and requirements, so it's critical to understand their various use cases.

What is the two signature rule?

Reserves - Two Signatures. Even though banks no longer monitor signatures, the Davis-Stirling Act requires that at least two directors authorize all reserve transfers by associations. For reserve accounts, at least two directors must approve the transfer of funds from reserve accounts.

What are acceptable signatures?

Usually, a signature is someone's name written and stylized. However, that is optional. All that needs to be is some mark that represents you. It can be a series of squiggles, a picture, or even the traditional "X" for people who can't read and write.

What is the difference between DocuSign and wet signature?

Digital signatures have fewer security concerns and can't be copied like wet ink, but they don't last long either. Digital signatures expire after a certain amount of time (usually 30 days). Electronic signatures are hard to forge and have a high level of security.

What is DocuSign considered?

Docusign eSignature is document signing software that you can use to legally—and securely—collect approvals online in minutes. Used to replace lengthy manual signing processes, e-signatures speed the agreement process and maximize productivity. Docusign eSignature is the #1 way to send and sign documents online.

Are DocuSign signatures digitally verifiable?

Yes, electronic signatures are indeed safe, and Docusign maintains a security-first approach to ensuring the validity of e-signatures through enhanced signer identity verification, multiple layers of physical and platform security, and a robust compliance certification program.

What counts as a wet 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.

Is DocuSign free?

Yes, you can download the mobile app and create a free Docusign account directly within the app to get started. Signing is always free and you can send three free signature requests with your free account. Download the app today! On what devices does the Docusign mobile eSignature app work?

How to docusign a PDF?

How to sign a PDF
  1. Log in to your free Docusign eSignature account. If you don't have one yet, you can create one with a Docusign free trial; this is where you'll add your signature.
  2. Upload the PDF you'd like to sign.
  3. Click “Sign”
  4. Drag and drop your signature from the left-hand navigation panel.
  5. Click “Finish”