Handwritten vs electronic esignatures: Everything you need to know
Why are both handwritten and electronic signatures still relevant today?
For hundreds of years, signatures have been a way to show trust. Whether it’s a name scribbled on paper or a tap on a phone screen, the point is the same: to prove who you are, agree to something, and take responsibility.
The way we sign, though, has changed a lot. Handwritten signatures still feel special and meaningful, like when you sign a marriage certificate, a will, or even give someone your autograph. But electronic signatures have become the go-to in today’s digital world because they’re faster, safer, and work anywhere.
It’s not really about choosing one over the other. It’s about knowing when to use each, and how they can work together in a world that’s both traditional and digital.
How did handwritten signatures originate and evolve over time?
Before we go back in time, let’s clear up what a signature actually is. The word comes from the Latin signare, which means “to sign.” In short, a signature is just a mark, your name, a nickname, or even just an “X”, that shows who you are and that you agree to something.
But people didn’t always sign their names like we do now. Way back, civilisations had other tricks. In Mesopotamia, they pressed carved cylinder seals into clay to prove ownership. Egyptians used hieroglyphs as their mark, and in ancient China, rulers and families stamped personal seals dipped in red ink.
When did handwritten signatures become common?
Handwritten signatures started becoming popular in the Middle Ages, mostly used by kings, queens, and other nobles to sign laws and treaties. By the Renaissance, more people could read and write, so signatures spread beyond royalty. They weren’t just legal marks anymore, they became a personal way to show who you were.
Why do handwritten signatures still matter today?
Even with all our tech, handwritten signatures haven’t lost their value. Writing your name by hand feels more personal, serious, and official. That’s why they’re still needed for things like notarized papers, some wills, and international agreements. A handwritten signature gives a sense of authenticity that’s hard to copy with just a digital tap.
How did electronic signatures start?
Electronic signatures go back to the 1980s, when people began using cryptography (a fancy word for secure coding) to check digital messages. Businesses soon saw the benefits—contracts could be signed and verified without anyone needing to be in the same room.
The ESIGN Act and Its global Impact
In 2000, the U.S. passed the ESIGN Act, which made electronic signatures just as legally valid as handwritten ones. Soon after, the EU (with the eIDAS Regulation), Canada, and other countries created similar rules. This opened the door for e-signatures to be accepted almost everywhere in the world.
How e-Signatures became the norm for companies
In the 2010s, cloud tools like DocuSign, Adobe Sign, and SimpleSign made e-signatures super popular. Companies quickly saw the perks, they could save huge amounts on printing, shipping, and storage, while speeding up how fast contracts got signed.
The pandemic’s role in driving E-Signature adoption
When the pandemic hit and everything went online, paper signatures just didn’t work anymore. Businesses had no choice but to switch to digital for contracts, HR documents, medical forms, and even real estate deals. This pushed e-signatures forward by years.
Which industries went fully digital during COVID?
- Banking & Finance
People signed loan papers and account forms online. - Healthcare
Patients gave consent with digital forms. - Education
Schools and universities used e-signatures for enrollment and permission slips. - Real Estate
Buying and selling property moved to online signing platforms.
Did people trust e-signatures more after COVID?
Yes. Before 2020, lots of people weren’t sure if e-signatures were safe. But once they started signing contracts from home, in just minutes, and without issues, trust shot up. Surveys now show that most businesses and individuals see e-signatures as not only more convenient, but often safer than pen-and-paper ones - as the industry usually mention, wet signatures.
What makes a signature legally valid and secure?
Whether wet signature or electronic, a signature must meet three criteria:
- Identity check - Who signed it?
- On paper: proven by handwriting, sometimes with a notary watching.
- Online: confirmed with things like email, text codes, biometrics, or digital certificates.
- Intent - Did they actually mean to sign?
- On paper: you sign in person.
- Online: you click “I agree,” type a PIN, or use multi-factor login.
- Document integrity - Can the file be changed afterward?
- On paper: easier to fake or mess with.
- Online: usually protected with encryption, timestamps, or even blockchain.
As long as these three conditions are met, courts around the world accept both handwritten and electronic signatures.
