Is it Legally Possible to Print Your Name as a Signature

Most often than not, signatures contain fancy letters or sloppy handwriting. But not everyone wants their signature in that manner and would rather simply put their name in basic letters while signing a document.

When it comes to creating a signature, most people prioritize security and ease. It is why online signature solutions are becoming increasingly popular.

The eSignature software enables you to utilize your printed name as a digital signature while also assuring that your document is enforceable and legally binding.

This article seeks to find out whether you can print your name as a signature or not.

Different types of legal signatures

Different types of legal signatures

The following are some examples of signatures:

a) Print

Cursive signatures are more common than printed signatures. They are made in a simple handwriting style with no fancy lettering. Printed signatures are easy to read, but they may also be easier to falsify than other sorts of signatures.

b) Cursive

Cursive is a popular method of signing documents. Some signatures use typical cursive lettering, while some are styled variants of their name.

The cursive style of signature dates back to a time when individuals utilized cursive handwriting on a regular basis. Although cursive handwriting is no longer fashionable, and it is not required by law, cursive signatures with huge capital letters and stylistic flourishes are nevertheless popular today.

In fact, some people prefer to utilize their cursive signature as their electronic signature by digitizing it.

c) Electronic/ Digital Signatures

The digital equivalent of a wet signature is an electronic signature.

In contrast to physical signatures, electronic signatures allow users to sign legally binding documents online without the need for witnesses or cumbersome physical documents.

Importantly, electronic signatures and digital signatures are close but not identical as there are a few important distinctions between electronic and digital signatures.

Digital signatures are based on Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), which uses complex mathematical methods to validate the signer’s identity. PKI is more secure than traditional electronic signature methods, which may be easily falsified.

Additionally, digital signatures can be used to validate the integrity of the document being signed, which means that any changes made to the document after it has been signed will be immediately visible.

Electronic signatures, on the other hand, may not be used to verify document integrity.

Finally, because they give a higher level of security and validity, digital signatures are generally considered to be more legally binding than electronic signatures.

What purpose does a Signature serve?

What purpose does a Signature serve

A signature indicates that the signer agrees to the terms of a document. The aesthetic characteristics of the signature, such as whether it is printed or cursive, have no bearing on its legitimacy as long as a relationship between the document and the signer can be established.

Some platforms may also help you confirm the authenticity of signatures and allow you and your signees to sign documents electronically—anywhere, at any time.

Read: Electronic Signature Examples: An Overview

So, can you print your name as a Signature?

There are no legal restrictions specifying whether a signer must use a cursive or printed signature. In fact, a valid signature can be created with characters that do not appear in the English language alphabet.

However, as previously stated, a signature can only be legally enforceable if a relationship between the signature and the signee can be established. That is why most people sign with their legal name as it appears on their government-issued ID, making their signature easy to see and identify.

What you must know if you need to print your name as a signature?

Any mark, including your printed name, can be used as a signature.

If you want to utilize a printed name as your signature, the most secure method is to use online signatures. Digital papers with signature lines allow you and your signers to access and sign your document from anywhere while protecting against forgery.

Book a free demo for WorkHub eSignature today and send your first signature request for free.

Relevant FAQs

1) Can you print your name as a signature?

Yes, your typed name can serve as a legitimate signature. Any mark can serve as a legal signature as long as the owners are in agreement with the contract. And this is true for typed signatures, wet signatures, and e-signatures.
Furthermore, with the help of online signatures, you can produce a digital signature with your written name, a drawing of your signature, or a scan of your wet signature.

2) Is it necessary to sign your whole name?

No, you do not have to use your full name when utilizing a wet or electronic signature. You can use a middle initial, shorten your name to just a few letters, or style your signature in an unconventional way. You may not even have to utilize the English alphabet.
Although practically any mark can be used as a signature, most people prefer to have their signature resemble their legal name for easy legibility.

3) Are typed signatures legal?

Yes, typed signatures can be legally binding if the signer’s purpose can be demonstrated. Although a typed signature with any symbol is legal, typed names are usually more practical when identifying the signer.
Electronic signatures allow you to sign papers online. To confirm ownership, online signature software provides a signature line that captures a timestamp in addition to the typed signature.

4) Is a print name the same as a signature?

Technically, anything that marks a document can be considered a person’s signature. The crucial factor is the purpose: Did the person understand the contract and agree to its terms?
Unlike wet signatures, signing contracts using electronic signatures can be safer and easier to enforce because they can be easily tracked back to the signee regardless of whether the signature is typed or drawn.