Digital signature: how to create it and is it valid?

Digital signatures are an essential tool. They offer an easy and secure way to sign documents online and to carry out various administrative and commercial transactions.

A digital signature has the same utility and value as a handwritten signature.

In this article, discover how to create an electronic signature.

How does an e-signature work and why use it?

An e-signature is the digital version of a handwritten signature. However, they do not have the same format. A digital signature is not a scan of the handwritten signature. It takes the form of a string of numbers assigned to the signatory and the document being signed.

The digital signature is non-reusable and cannot be moved to another document. Once created, it cannot be modified.

Digital signatures are used to sign various documents such as employment contracts, invoices, purchase orders, mandates and sales agreements, quotes, accounting documents, legal documents or notarial acts, using a computer or other electronic tools such as your mobile phone or tablet.

Thanks to digital signatures, you can minimize human contact and travel, resulting in significant time savings.

In terms of organization, digital signatures facilitate document tracking and exchange. You can easily distinguish signed documents from those that are not yet signed. Furthermore, your data is more secure.

E-signatures also offer a significant advantage in reducing environmental impact. Less travel, paper, and ink mean greater savings.

How to create an e-signature?

Creating an e-signature is done using software or online platforms such as Adobe Sign. Regardless of the medium used, the process is almost identical.

• Step 1: You receive an email notifying you of the need for a signature
• Step 2: Click to open the “check and sign” link in the email
• Step 3: Click on the document and then click on the area to sign
• Step 4: Create the digital signature. To do this, you can choose between entering your name, drawing your signature using your mouse, uploading your handwritten signature, or signing with your finger on the touchscreen of your smartphone or tablet.
• Step 5: Click apply to add your signature
• Step 6: Confirm the signature
• Step 7: Send the signed document to the sender

The digital signature is usually affixed to a PDF document. If necessary, convert it to a Word document .

Are digital signatures legally binding and secure?

In France and in several other countries, a digital signature has the same legal value as a handwritten signature.

Just like with a handwritten signature, you can use a digital signature to guarantee the integrity of your electronic document. This signature will allow you to be identified if you are the signatory.  

It also signifies your consent to the document's content. Furthermore, it's a quick, secure, and legally binding solution.

A legally valid digital signature must include a proper authentication code, an email address, and an IP address. It may also be accompanied by a webcam photo of the signatory. These elements are necessary for verifying the electronic signature.

This article might interest you: How to create an electronic signature on Outlook?

Conclusion

Digital signatures offer numerous advantages. Not only do they allow you to limit your travel, but they also save paper and ink, and above all, protect the environment while maintaining the security and authenticity of your document.

The creation of the digital signature is done using certain software or on web platforms.

Today, e-signature is binding and secure.