Can Your Signature Be Anything? We Investigate in 2024

Helpful Summary

• Overview: We explore all the different forms your signature can take, along with the rules and regulations surrounding legally binding signatures.
• Why listen to us: SignWell’s expertise in simplifying online document signing is backed by success stories from clients like ConveYour. We’re experts at ensuring secure, legally binding e-signatures that are compliant with international standards.
• Why this is important: Understanding signature rules is crucial for legal and professional transactions. Signatures verify identity, consent, and commitment, enhancing trust and preventing fraud.
• Action points: Use SignWell to create and manage e-signatures easily and securely.
• Further research: Explore the SignWell blog for additional resources on e-signature laws and best practices for secure digital transactions.

Can a Signature Really Be Anything?

Our signatures are important identifiers that we carry throughout life. Most of us don’t sign things daily, but we still all know our own signatures like the backs of our hands.

But… did you actually ever design the signature you use? While some of us may have put thought into our signatures, others may have simply scribbled something quickly and stuck with it. But is there a rule for what a signature should look like? Can it really be anything?

In this SignWell guide, we’ll dive headfirst into this question to help you better understand the purpose and legality of a signature.

But first… 

Why Trust Us?

At SignWell, we specialize in helping businesses simplify their online document signing process. For example, ConveYour uses our API to embed document signing into their customers’ flows easily.

Signwell ensures legally binding e-signatures that are secure and compliant with standards like HIPAA, ESIGN, and eIDAS. This provides peace of mind and reduces document processing times, improving business efficiency and productivity.

Why Are Signatures Important?

Legally Binding

A signature is legally binding. It is a sign that you’re committing to a contract or agreement. When you put your signature on a document, you’re agreeing to the terms and conditions in it. Under the law, that document can be used for or against you.

Identity Verification

A signature authenticates the identity of the signatory. In other words, your signature is a symbol of your identity. It verifies you. Your signature on a document says you are who you say you are. This is necessary to prevent fraud and impersonation. 

Evidence of Consent

Signatures serve as evidence that you have read, understood, and agreed to the terms of a legal document. In the future, you can’t say you did not understand or agree to the content of the document. Once your signature is on the document, it is evidence of your consent. 

Formality and Professionalism

Many companies and organizations formalize agreements and contracts with signatures. This means the documents have been professionally reviewed and approved. A signed document in most formal and legal settings shows the weight and significance of such a document. 

Can Your Signature Really Be Anything?

Now, back to the original question, “Can your signature be anything?” The answer is yes. As long as it is a mark, you can make it your signature.

Here are ideas of what your signature can be.

Name 

A bit obvious? Maybe. Names are typically what people go for when signing a document. This is mostly because it is convenient and easy to remember. 

However, your signature does not have to be your full name. You can use just your first or last name. It also doesn’t need to be written in cursive despite how common this practice is. Print is perfectly fine for signing any kind of document.

Initials 

On a similar note, you can also sign documents by initialing them.

Nickname  

Moving on, your signature doesn’t even need to be your name—a nickname is also an option. This can be a fun and unique way to sign documents, and it also adds a personal touch.

Symbol  

Is there a symbol you love so much that you don’t mind being identified with? Why not use it as your signature?

Numbers   

Numbers are also an accepted form of signature. If there’s a number you’re fond of or is significant to you, you can use it as your signature.

Drawings 

If you have an artistic side, drawings and sketches are also a fun way to personalize your signature. You can draw a simple doodle or create a more intricate design to represent yourself.

Do Signatures Need to Follow Any Rules?

While your signature can take any form, there are rules guiding signatures. These rules vary depending on the type of document to be signed, the context, and legal jurisdiction. However, there are general ones. 

Let’s check them out.

Your Signature Needs to Be a “Mark”

While calligraphic signatures can be really cute, they’re not required to make a signature valid. All you need to do is mark it on the document. This mark can be a letter, a wavy twist, a scribble, or an image. As long as it represents you and shows you agree with the content of the document, it’s a signature.

You Don’t Need a Pen

It doesn’t really matter what you use to make this mark, either. You can use pen, pencil, Sharpie, marker… it’s up to you. 

And with regulations like ESIGN and eIDAS, the mark can be made digitally with an e-signing tool like SignWell. That way, you don’t need to worry about things like printing off the document, getting it to every signatory, and filing the returned documents.

Your Signature Should be a Unique Identifier

Your signature must identify and authenticate you. Whether it’s a simple mark, your initials, a handwritten name, or a digital signature, your signature represents you. Authentication of a signature means that the signee can be specifically identified and held accountable. 

Your Signature Should be Consistent

Consistency is essential for signatures. Your signature must be the same at all times. Yes, there might be minor variations, but a major difference will raise suspicions about the document’s authenticity.

However, when your signature is the same across many documents, it shows you’re the same person signing the documents. This builds trust and reliability. 

A consistent signature also helps prevent forgery and fraud. Significant inconsistency in your signature can raise red flags. This becomes really helpful if someone is trying to forge your signature.

How To Create Your Signature With Signwell

With the increase in freelancing and remote jobs, online signing is now common practice. E-commerce partnerships have also contributed to the popularity of electronic signing. That said, the tool you use to create an electronic signature will determine the experience you will have.

If you’re looking for a seamless online signing experience, SignWell is the go-to e-signature platform. It is safe, secure, straightforward, and reliable. You won’t need a tedious software setup. With a couple of clicks, you’re done with signing. 

Our API is compliant with US and international e-signature laws. This means your documents are as binding as a paper-and-pen document. Plus, you can rely on us for steady performance. Our systems run at multiple physical locations, ensuring we have 99.99% uptime.

Here’s how the process works:

1. Sign Up for a Free SignWell Account

It’s simple and quick. You can do this in two ways. One way is to create an account using an email and a password, another is to sign up with your existing Google account. 

To sign up with a password, go to the registration page. Fill in the required information and click “Continue.” 

To sign up using your Google account, click on “Sign up with Google to start.” 

A popup page will appear prompting you to choose the Google account you’d like to sign up with. 

Select the one you want, and your account will be automatically created. 

2. Upload Your Document

After signing up, you will be redirected to your new SignWell dashboard. Click the “Add your first document” button to upload the document you want to sign. 

Next, you’ll find two options: “Upload document” and “Use a saved template.” Let’s ignore the second option for now. 

Click on “Upload document” to select an existing document from your computer. 

Click on “Select a file” to choose the document you want to sign from your computer.

Note: SignWell stores signed documents in a templates folder. You can access these documents in the future by clicking “Use a saved template” instead of “Upload document.”

3. Sign your Document

Once you’ve successfully uploaded your document, you’ll see a list of elements on the left side of your screen. These elements allow you to add signatures, initials, dates, text, and checkboxes for yourself and any other person who will sign the document.

Select the Signature option from the list. All you need to do is click on the spot where you want to sign the document. 

You have three options here:

• Type: Simply type your name, and we’ll turn it into a signature by letting you select one of four font options.

• Draw: Get creative by drawing your signature using your mouse or touchscreen. We’ll make sure it’s sized correctly in the document.
• Upload: For a more professional-looking signature, you can photograph or scan your physical signature on a page and upload it.

Once you’ve signed the document, click Save. To send the document to another signer, click Send.

Type in the recipient’s email address, and a quick message into the spaces provided. Then click on Send.

To download your newly signed document as a PDF file, click on or hover your mouse icon over the Share button, and a drop-down list will appear. You’ll also find the option to copy or share your unique document link with other people.

And that’s it. You’ve just learned how to create an electronic signature for free in 2 minutes.

Experience Seamless Online Signing With SignWell

Why spend hours setting up complex software when you can sign your document with a few clicks? 

At SignWell, we understand your time is valuable and won’t burden you with complex processes. With a user-friendly interface, SignWell ensures a seamless and efficient way of signing documents online. 

What are you waiting for? Get started for free today.