What is the difference between digital signature and e-signature in DocuSign?
Asked by: Jaycee Ziemann | Last update: September 3, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (5 votes)
What's the difference between a digital signature and an electronic signature? A digital signature is a type of electronic signature that requires a more rigorous level of identity assurance through digital certificates.
What is the difference between digital signature and eSignature?
Digital signatures come with encryption standards. Electronic signatures do not come with encryption standards. A digital signature consists of various security features and is less prone to tampering. An electronic signature is less secure and is more vulnerable to tampering.
What are the different types of signatures in DocuSign?
This article explains more about the different types of digital signatures: Simple (SES), Advanced (AES), and Qualified (QES)Electronic Signature, and when they might be used.
What are the two types of digital signatures?
Digital Signatures are of three types - Simple Digital Signature, Basic Digital Signature, and Advanced and Qualified Digital Signature. Advanced and Qualified Digital Signatures are the most widely used type of digital signature which protects the personal information from unauthorized handling.
What qualifies as a digital signature?
A digital signature—a type of electronic signature—is a mathematical algorithm routinely used to validate the authenticity and integrity of a message (e.g., an email, a credit card transaction, or a digital document).
Docusign eSignature: How to Sign with an Advanced or Qualified eSignature in the EU and UK
What is an example of a digital signature?
The most common example is a wet signature scanned by an electronic device and then inserted into a document. Another example of a simple digital signature is the email signature that we often add at the end of the email, and check the terms and conditions box in the software installation process.
Is a PDF signature an electronic signature?
A PDF signature can be an electronic signature or a digital signature. Creating an electronic signature in a PDF file is easy and fast and can usually be implemented with a simple click. Digital signatures can also be used to sign a PDF, but they require a digital certificate, also called digital ID.
Is DocuSign a qualified electronic signature?
One million customers from over 180 countries. In the EU, Docusign delivers all of the signature types defined under the eIDAS regulation, including EU Advanced and EU Qualified electronic signatures.
What are examples of digital and electronic signatures?
Examples of digital devices and electronics include PCs, smartphones, cameras and laptops. Digital signal. A digital signal is used to convey discrete values, usually expressed as binary numbers 0 and 1. In contrast to analog signals, digital signals can only take on a limited number of values and vary constantly.
What are the disadvantages of digital signature?
- Trust Issues: Some folks just don't trust technology. You might still need to offer wet signatures.
- Resistance to Change: People love their routines. ...
- Tech Requirements: Not everyone has access to the necessary tech.
Is Docusign a digital or electronic signature?
Docusign supports all levels of signature
Combine the power of eSignature and Identify to easily and quickly complete digital signatures.
Can Docusign have 2 signatures?
With DocuSign, you can easily send documents for signature to two people who are sharing an email address. You add both parties as recipients, using the same email address and their own names. You assign recipient fields for signing, dating, etc., for each person.
What makes a Docusign signature valid?
Each electronic signature is unique, documentable, encrypted, and tamper-evident. DocuSign guarantees the confidentiality of all transactions and provides multi-faceted verification of signing events.
Are esign and DocuSign the same?
DocuSign and eSignly offer different user experiences. Both platforms are designed to be user-friendly and offer a range of features that make it easy for users to sign and manage documents. However, there are some differences in the user interface and navigation that users should consider.
Are electronic and digital the same?
An electronic document refers to a pure data representation that can be read by a computer but has no vocation of being editable, it is structured for automated processing. On the other hand, a digital document includes data that is human readable, but not structured and easily processed by computers.
Does a digital signature need to be handwritten?
No, an electronic signature does not have to be identical to an handwritten signature.
Is there a difference between a digital signature and an electronic 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 is an example of a digital signature and an electronic signature?
What is an example of an electronic signature? An example of an electronic signature is when you digitally sign a document by typing your name in a designated signature field. Another example of an electronic signature is a scanned image of your handwritten signature that you insert into a document.
What are the three types of digital signatures?
- Simple electronic signatures (SES) ...
- Advanced electronic signatures (AES) ...
- Qualified electronic signatures (QES)
Does DocuSign use your actual signature?
Docusign features a set of predefined signature styles to choose from. You can also draw your signature with a mouse to use in all of your signing sessions. When you sign for the first time in Docusign, you're asked to adopt a signature, but this can be changed at any time.
What Cannot be electronically signed?
ESIGN narrowly applies to documents that are subject to federal law, and the applicability of UETA (and ESRA) varies from state to state. However, as a general rule, the following types of documents typically cannot be signed using an e-signature: Marriage, birth, and death certificates.
How to create a digital signature in DocuSign?
- Click the link. Your document should open in an electronic signature tool such as Docusign.
- Agree to electronic signing. You may be asked to agree to sign. ...
- Click each tag and follow the instructions to add your digital signature.
- Verify your identity.
How do I know if a PDF signature is digitally signed?
The Signatures panel provides access to all digital signatures and their corresponding versions. To view previous versions, open the Signature panel and then select Options > View Signed Version. The previous version opens as a new PDF, with the version information and the name of the signer in the title bar.
Which documents cannot be signed electronically?
- Sales Agreements for land or buildings.
- Wills.
- Any document where another type of signature (i.e. non-electronic) has been agreed to.
- Any document where the law requires another type of signature.
- Long term lease agreements of 20 years and longer.
Is typing your name considered a digital signature?
While there are other ways to do it, the key takeaway here is that while typing your name on a document can count as a signature solution, it is only possible when your identity can be verified through other electronic means. This is also true for PDFs.