Types of Electronic Signatures: Frequently Asked Questions
Types of Electronic Signatures: Frequently Asked Questions
Published date: June 18, 2025
🕒 Reading time: 5 minutes
❓What is an electronic signature?
An electronic signature, or e-signature, is a digital method of signing documents. It represents your intent to agree to the terms within a file, and it can be as simple as typing your name or clicking a button. Unlike handwritten signatures, electronic signatures are created and verified online, often through secure platforms that track when and how the document was signed.
Using an electronic signature makes the signing process faster and more efficient. You no longer need to print, scan, or mail physical paperwork. E-signatures are legally recognized in many countries, provided certain criteria are met—, uch as proving the signer’s intent and ensuring the integrity of the signed document. Whether you’re signing a vendor agreement, employment contract, or sales form, electronic signatures help you finalize deals quickly while maintaining a clear audit trail for future reference.
❓What is a simple electronic signature?
A simple electronic signature (often abbreviated as SES) is the most basic form of digital agreement. It includes actions like typing your name at the bottom of a form, clicking an “I accept” checkbox, or inserting an image of your handwritten signature into a PDF.
This type of signature is widely used because it’s easy to implement and requires minimal technical setup. It’s perfectly acceptable for many low-risk documents such as internal approvals, onboarding forms, or informal agreements. While simple signatures are legally valid in most cases, they offer limited protection if the agreement is disputed. That’s because it’s harder to verify who signed and whether the document was altered afterward. If you’re handling sensitive data or financial terms, you may want to explore a more advanced option.
❓What is an advanced electronic signature?
An advanced electronic signature (AES) builds on the simple signature by adding identity verification and security controls. This means the signature is linked to you specifically, typically through a digital certificate or authentication step, and is cryptographically tied to the document. If the file is modified after signing, the signature becomes invalid.
AES is ideal for situations where you need a higher level of trust and legal assurance. For example, signing a commercial contract, a service-level agreement, or a large purchase order may call for this added protection. Since AES includes proof of who signed and when it can be used as strong evidence in legal contexts. It offers a balanced mix of ease-of-use and security, making it a popular choice in business and legal settings.
❓What is an electronic signature?
An electronic signature, or e-signature, is a digital method of signing documents. It represents your intent to agree to the terms within a file, and it can be as simple as typing your name or clicking a button. Unlike handwritten signatures, electronic signatures are created and verified online, often through secure platforms that track when and how the document was signed.
Using an electronic signature makes the signing process faster and more efficient. You no longer need to print, scan, or mail physical paperwork. E-signatures are legally recognized in many countries, provided certain criteria are met—, uch as proving the signer’s intent and ensuring the integrity of the signed document. Whether you’re signing a vendor agreement, employment contract, or sales form, electronic signatures help you finalize deals quickly while maintaining a clear audit trail for future reference.
❓What is a simple electronic signature?
A simple electronic signature (often abbreviated as SES) is the most basic form of digital agreement. It includes actions like typing your name at the bottom of a form, clicking an “I accept” checkbox, or inserting an image of your handwritten signature into a PDF.
This type of signature is widely used because it’s easy to implement and requires minimal technical setup. It’s perfectly acceptable for many low-risk documents such as internal approvals, onboarding forms, or informal agreements. While simple signatures are legally valid in most cases, they offer limited protection if the agreement is disputed. That’s because it’s harder to verify who signed and whether the document was altered afterward. If you’re handling sensitive data or financial terms, you may want to explore a more advanced option.
❓What is an advanced electronic signature?
An advanced electronic signature (AES) builds on the simple signature by adding identity verification and security controls. This means the signature is linked to you specifically, typically through a digital certificate or authentication step, and is cryptographically tied to the document. If the file is modified after signing, the signature becomes invalid.
AES is ideal for situations where you need a higher level of trust and legal assurance. For example, signing a commercial contract, a service-level agreement, or a large purchase order may call for this added protection. Since AES includes proof of who signed and when it can be used as strong evidence in legal contexts. It offers a balanced mix of ease-of-use and security, making it a popular choice in business and legal settings.
❓What is a qualified electronic signature?
A qualified electronic signature (QES) is the highest standard of e-signature. It includes all the features of an advanced signature but with an additional layer of security: the signer’s identity must be verified in advance through an accredited service provider. These signatures are created using secure devices and must comply with strict legal and technical requirements.
Qualified signatures are often required for high-value or high-risk agreements, such as government filings, international contracts, or regulated industry documents. They’re treated as equivalent to handwritten signatures under many legal systems and are often non-repudiable, meaning they’re very difficult to challenge in court. If your work involves critical compliance or multi-national agreements, QES can provide the strongest level of assurance.
❓How do you decide which type of electronic signature to use?
Choosing the right type of electronic signature depends on the nature and risk level of your document. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Simple electronic signatures work well for low-risk tasks like routine approvals or HR forms.
Advanced electronic signatures are better for business contracts, financial agreements, or anything where verifying the signer’s identity is important.
Qualified electronic signatures are best for high-risk, legally sensitive, or regulated documents that require the highest level of security and legal recognition.
By matching the signature type to the context, you protect your business while keeping your processes efficient.
❓Are electronic signatures legally valid?
Yes. In most legal systems, electronic signatures are legally recognized, provided they meet specific conditions. These usually include clear intent to sign, reliable methods of identifying the signer, and measures to maintain the integrity of the document.
While simple e-signatures are legally binding for many use cases, more secure options like AES and QES are preferred when the stakes are higher or when disputes could arise. Ultimately, the legal strength of an e-signature depends on how well you can prove who signed when they signed, and that the document wasn’t tampered with after signing.
❓How does ROGER help you manage electronic signatures?
ROGER gives you the flexibility to manage all types of electronic signatures, whether you're sending a quick approval form or handling a high-value contract. With ROGER, you can:
Add signature fields directly to your templates and contracts
Automate signature routing, reminders, and approval workflows
Track who signed and when with a built-in audit trail
Store signed documents securely in one centralized platform
ROGER helps you streamline your end-to-end document process so you can move from drafting to signing faster, with full visibility and peace of mind.
Need a faster way to go from contract to cash? Try ROGER and simplify how you manage agreements, invoices, and payments, all in one place.
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❓What is an electronic signature?
An electronic signature, or e-signature, is a digital method of signing documents. It represents your intent to agree to the terms within a file, and it can be as simple as typing your name or clicking a button. Unlike handwritten signatures, electronic signatures are created and verified online, often through secure platforms that track when and how the document was signed.
Using an electronic signature makes the signing process faster and more efficient. You no longer need to print, scan, or mail physical paperwork. E-signatures are legally recognized in many countries, provided certain criteria are met—, uch as proving the signer’s intent and ensuring the integrity of the signed document. Whether you’re signing a vendor agreement, employment contract, or sales form, electronic signatures help you finalize deals quickly while maintaining a clear audit trail for future reference.
❓What is a simple electronic signature?
A simple electronic signature (often abbreviated as SES) is the most basic form of digital agreement. It includes actions like typing your name at the bottom of a form, clicking an “I accept” checkbox, or inserting an image of your handwritten signature into a PDF.
This type of signature is widely used because it’s easy to implement and requires minimal technical setup. It’s perfectly acceptable for many low-risk documents such as internal approvals, onboarding forms, or informal agreements. While simple signatures are legally valid in most cases, they offer limited protection if the agreement is disputed. That’s because it’s harder to verify who signed and whether the document was altered afterward. If you’re handling sensitive data or financial terms, you may want to explore a more advanced option.
❓What is an advanced electronic signature?
An advanced electronic signature (AES) builds on the simple signature by adding identity verification and security controls. This means the signature is linked to you specifically, typically through a digital certificate or authentication step, and is cryptographically tied to the document. If the file is modified after signing, the signature becomes invalid.
AES is ideal for situations where you need a higher level of trust and legal assurance. For example, signing a commercial contract, a service-level agreement, or a large purchase order may call for this added protection. Since AES includes proof of who signed and when it can be used as strong evidence in legal contexts. It offers a balanced mix of ease-of-use and security, making it a popular choice in business and legal settings.
❓What is a qualified electronic signature?
A qualified electronic signature (QES) is the highest standard of e-signature. It includes all the features of an advanced signature but with an additional layer of security: the signer’s identity must be verified in advance through an accredited service provider. These signatures are created using secure devices and must comply with strict legal and technical requirements.
Qualified signatures are often required for high-value or high-risk agreements, such as government filings, international contracts, or regulated industry documents. They’re treated as equivalent to handwritten signatures under many legal systems and are often non-repudiable, meaning they’re very difficult to challenge in court. If your work involves critical compliance or multi-national agreements, QES can provide the strongest level of assurance.
❓How do you decide which type of electronic signature to use?
Choosing the right type of electronic signature depends on the nature and risk level of your document. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Simple electronic signatures work well for low-risk tasks like routine approvals or HR forms.
Advanced electronic signatures are better for business contracts, financial agreements, or anything where verifying the signer’s identity is important.
Qualified electronic signatures are best for high-risk, legally sensitive, or regulated documents that require the highest level of security and legal recognition.
By matching the signature type to the context, you protect your business while keeping your processes efficient.
❓Are electronic signatures legally valid?
Yes. In most legal systems, electronic signatures are legally recognized, provided they meet specific conditions. These usually include clear intent to sign, reliable methods of identifying the signer, and measures to maintain the integrity of the document.
While simple e-signatures are legally binding for many use cases, more secure options like AES and QES are preferred when the stakes are higher or when disputes could arise. Ultimately, the legal strength of an e-signature depends on how well you can prove who signed when they signed, and that the document wasn’t tampered with after signing.
❓How does ROGER help you manage electronic signatures?
ROGER gives you the flexibility to manage all types of electronic signatures, whether you're sending a quick approval form or handling a high-value contract. With ROGER, you can:
Add signature fields directly to your templates and contracts
Automate signature routing, reminders, and approval workflows
Track who signed and when with a built-in audit trail
Store signed documents securely in one centralized platform
ROGER helps you streamline your end-to-end document process so you can move from drafting to signing faster, with full visibility and peace of mind.
Need a faster way to go from contract to cash? Try ROGER and simplify how you manage agreements, invoices, and payments, all in one place.
❓What is a qualified electronic signature?
A qualified electronic signature (QES) is the highest standard of e-signature. It includes all the features of an advanced signature but with an additional layer of security: the signer’s identity must be verified in advance through an accredited service provider. These signatures are created using secure devices and must comply with strict legal and technical requirements.
Qualified signatures are often required for high-value or high-risk agreements, such as government filings, international contracts, or regulated industry documents. They’re treated as equivalent to handwritten signatures under many legal systems and are often non-repudiable, meaning they’re very difficult to challenge in court. If your work involves critical compliance or multi-national agreements, QES can provide the strongest level of assurance.
❓How do you decide which type of electronic signature to use?
Choosing the right type of electronic signature depends on the nature and risk level of your document. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Simple electronic signatures work well for low-risk tasks like routine approvals or HR forms.
Advanced electronic signatures are better for business contracts, financial agreements, or anything where verifying the signer’s identity is important.
Qualified electronic signatures are best for high-risk, legally sensitive, or regulated documents that require the highest level of security and legal recognition.
By matching the signature type to the context, you protect your business while keeping your processes efficient.
❓Are electronic signatures legally valid?
Yes. In most legal systems, electronic signatures are legally recognized, provided they meet specific conditions. These usually include clear intent to sign, reliable methods of identifying the signer, and measures to maintain the integrity of the document.
While simple e-signatures are legally binding for many use cases, more secure options like AES and QES are preferred when the stakes are higher or when disputes could arise. Ultimately, the legal strength of an e-signature depends on how well you can prove who signed when they signed, and that the document wasn’t tampered with after signing.
❓How does ROGER help you manage electronic signatures?
ROGER gives you the flexibility to manage all types of electronic signatures, whether you're sending a quick approval form or handling a high-value contract. With ROGER, you can:
Add signature fields directly to your templates and contracts
Automate signature routing, reminders, and approval workflows
Track who signed and when with a built-in audit trail
Store signed documents securely in one centralized platform
ROGER helps you streamline your end-to-end document process so you can move from drafting to signing faster, with full visibility and peace of mind.
Need a faster way to go from contract to cash? Try ROGER and simplify how you manage agreements, invoices, and payments, all in one place.