ACROBAT FOR BUSINESS | 10-MINUTE READ
What is a wet signature?
Learn how digital technology can help you obtain physical signatures.
Although they may seem old school with electronic signatures (e-signatures) becoming more commonly accepted on contracts and other documents, any signature affixed to a hard copy with a pen or other writing device is a “wet signature.”
Some governments and private businesses may still require parties to imprint a physical mark on a signed document. Some signers (also known as “signatories”) prefer to use handwritten signatures. In addition, some wet signatures may require a notary to be present at the signing.
How to obtain a wet signature quickly and efficiently.
Wet signatures are usually more challenging than electronic signatures, but e-sign software like Adobe Acrobat can speed up the process. Acrobat supports written and electronic signature options and has them built into the workflow.
Follow five easy steps to get a wet ink signature into a primarily digital document flow:
- Send the signing party a downloadable PDF or Word document with the field requiring their wet signature.
- The signer downloads and prints the document.
- The signer physically signs the document.
- The signer scans the document and wet signature back into digital form, which can be completed with a free scanner app on a smartphone device.
- The signer uploads the file and sends it back to the requester.
Difference between wet signature vs digital or electronic signatures.
The United States has legally recognized electronic signatures since 2000, when the United States Congress passed the US Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN). Citizens can use electronic signatures to sign documents in every US state and territory where federal law applies.
Since the passage of the ESIGN Act, electronic signatures have become more common internationally. Many countries recognize them as a way for businesses or individuals to sign binding legal documents using electronic forms.
Even though many people and businesses use the terms electronic and digital signatures interchangeably, the two types of online signatures and a wet signature include significant differences:
- A wet signature is a physical signature where a person uses wet ink to sign a document.
- An electronic signature is a broad term that covers any electronic process that indicates acceptance of an agreement or a record.
- A digital signature is a more secure electronic signature that uses a digital certificate cryptographically bound to the document using public key infrastructure (PKI).
When do you need a wet signature?
The US and numerous other countries recognize electronic, digital, and traditional wet signatures. Electronic signature legislation continues to make e-signatures binding, including the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) in the US, the Electronic Identification and Trust Services Regulation (eIDAS) in the European Union, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act in Canada, the Electronic Transactions Act in Australia, and the Electronic Communications Act in the United Kingdom.
However, many jurisdictions still require a wet signature. For instance, in the US and Canada, notarized documents require signatures in wet ink. Similarly, documents in areas such as family law, wills, trusts, or banking also require physical signatures. In the UK, tax authorities require a wet signature for any tax documents filed by a British resident.
Do business documents require a wet ink signature?
For business documents, e-signatures are widely accepted. Many businesses have made electronic signatures their standard with Acrobat, which complies with many electronic signature laws and syncs seamlessly with industry-standard business software. Acrobat for business allows you to create fillable PDFs and collect electronic signatures to save time and cut costs by removing paper from your document management workflow.
What industries have wet ink signature requirements?
Many industries that previously completed all transactions with wet signatures have been transitioning to electronic signatures to save time and resources. For example, healthcare institutions have been adopting newer technology that protects patient privacy while allowing them to verify and submit medical forms online. Additionally, some banks and other financial institutions allow customers to open accounts via e-signatures.
However, wet signatures are still legally required for situations in certain industries, such as real estate and government, that may require identity verification or physical acknowledgment of a document.
Case studies: How companies moved from wet signatures to digital signatures.
Using wet signatures can take time, effort, and money. Learn how two international organizations sped up their workflow with digital signatures, saving valuable time for all parties involved.
Police ICT16
Police in the United Kingdom used to meet with witnesses in person to have them sign a hard copy of their statements. Then, Adobe ICT partnered with Police ICT, a company that supports UK law enforcement, to streamline and digitize the process. Police could communicate with witnesses via phone and obtain electronic signatures verifying their statements using electronic documents, reserving in-person meetings for severe crimes. Shifting toward a greater use of electronic signatures saved approximately 25,000 work hours per year.
CXC
CXC is an Australian workforce management company. Several years ago, the company expanded rapidly and needed to onboard over 2,000 contractors as quickly as possible. By adding electronic signatures to their workflow, CXC saved 28 hours per month in contract management time, improved business processes, and oversaw what could have been a painful expansion into a smooth transition.
Wet signature FAQs.
What is an original signature?
An “originally signed” or “original signature” describes a signature that isn’t mechanically or electronically reproduced. It’s a signature written by someone’s hand.
What is a signature release?
A signature release form — either online or on paper — lets a shipment recipient choose to receive it without a signature. This form allows the mail carrier or courier to leave the letter or parcel at the delivery address without anyone having to sign for it physically.
Does a wet signature have to be in cursive?
Traditionally, most people sign their names in cursive, but no legal requirement exists to mandate that a signature be in that style.
What does “wet signature” mean?
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. In the US, a notary public generally requires a wet signature to verify a signer’s identity.
Can a wet signature be scanned?
After a document is signed by hand, it can be scanned to create a digital version. Scan a document on your mobile device to simplify the process. Scanning a wet signature is a great way to make a digital signature to sign documents electronically.
Can a wet signature be electronic?
Since a wet signature is defined as making a physical mark, it can only be electronic if it is scanned and converted to digital format. Acrobat supports importing digital files as a signature for signing PDF files electronically.
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