If you’re like most people, you have a love-hate relationship with paper. On one hand, it’s nice to be able to hold physical keepsakes like your child’s school artwork or your wedding invitations. On the other hand, paper clutter is a constant source of stress in many people’s lives. Searching for a document that you know is somewhere in your house but can’t seem to find is an all-too-familiar feeling.

But what if there was a way to get rid of the majority of the paper in your life without having to give up your cherished memories? Enter electronic signatures, or “eSignatures.” eSignatures are a legal and secure way to sign documents electronically. In this blog post, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about eSignatures, from how they work to the benefits they offer. Keep reading to learn more!

How do eSignatures Work?

The first question on most people’s minds when they hear about esignature is “Are they legal?” The answer is yes! In 2000, the US Congress passed the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN Act) which recognized electronic signatures and records as legally binding. So rest assured, when you sign a document electronically, you are just as committed as if you had signed it with a pen and paper. 

Now that we’ve answered the question of legality, let’s move on to how electronic signatures actually work. When you sign a document electronically, you’re using what’s called a “digital signature.” A digital signature is a mathematical algorithm that is used to verify the authenticity of digital information. In other words, it’s a way of proving that the document you’re signing is really from who it says it’s from and that the contents of the document haven’t been altered in any way. 

When you sign a document electronically, your digital signature is attached to the document. This signature contains your name, date/time stamp, and other information that uniquely identifies you. Once the signature is attached, it cannot be removed without invalidating the document. This ensures that the document can’t be tampered with after you’ve signed it. 

The Benefits of Using eSignatures 

There are many benefits associated with using eSignatures, both for individuals and businesses alike. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that they save trees! By eliminating the need for paper documents, eSignatures help reduce our reliance on natural resources. They also save time and money by eliminating the need to print and mail documents back and forth. And let’s be honest—how often have you misplaces an important piece of mail only to have it turn up weeks later? With eSignatures, there’s no need to worry about losing important documents; they’re all stored safely and securely online. 

Another great benefit of using eSignatures is that they provide greater flexibility than traditional signatures. With eSignatures, there’s no need to be in the same room (or even the same country!) as the person you’re signing a document with. As long as both parties have an internet connection, they can sign documents from anywhere in the world at any time of day or night. This is especially beneficial for businesses with employees who work remotely or travel frequently. 

Conclusion: As we’ve seen in this blog post, there are many reasons why electronic signatures are becoming increasingly popular—both for individuals and businesses alike. If you’re looking for a way to reduce paper clutter and make your life more convenient (not to mention save some trees!), then look no further than eSignatures!