Resources providing guidance about the options for applying an electronic signature to a PDF document.
Instructions
Methods for Electronically Signing Documents
- Print the PDF or document, sign it, then take a picture of the signed document with your mobile device and email it
- Doesn't require extra software or technical skills
- Requires Printer, Wastes paper, Requires mobile device, scanner or digital camera
- Results in an "image" where the text of the document is no longer searchable or accessible to persons with some disabilities
- Sign with Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Adobe Acrobat Reader is free and available for Windows and Mac computers
- May not work on a mobile device
- Requires writing your signature with the mouse, trackpad, drawing tablet, or photographing and importing it
- Sign a Microsoft Word Document
- Requires mobile device, scanner or digital camera
Environment
Adobe and Word Software Applications
Risk
WARNING! Please keep in mind that an "electronic signature" is not the same as a "digital signature". Electronic signatures, or e-signatures, are a broad category of methods for signing a document. Electronic signatures, abbreviated as eSignatures, are any electronic form to verify a document and validate a person's intent, replacing handwritten “wet ink” signatures. When everyone involved in the signing process agrees to use eSignatures, they can be considered legally binding. A digital signature is a type of electronic signature that offers additional verification of the identities of the parties involved in a transaction.
An eSignature verifies a document, including its source, authors, and signers. A digital signature verifies the document and prevents unauthorized people from tampering with it.