Wet Signatures: Frequently Asked Questions
Wet Signatures: Frequently Asked Questions
Published date: June 26, 2025
🕒 Reading time: 5 minutes
❓What is a wet signature?
A wet signature is the traditional way of signing documents by hand using ink on paper. When you sign your name at the bottom of a contract, a form, or any other official document with a pen, you’re creating a wet signature. The term “wet” refers to the fact that the ink is physically wet when first applied.
You might still encounter situations where a wet signature is required. For example, government forms, notarized documents, or specific contracts with legal requirements often ask for physical signatures. In these cases, you’ll usually need to print the document, sign it by hand, and either scan it, mail it, or deliver it in person.
❓What are the challenges of using wet signatures?
While wet signatures are a time-tested method, they can come with challenges. Handling paper documents can slow down your process, especially if multiple parties are involved or located in different places. There’s also the risk of losing paperwork, dealing with unclear signatures, or encountering delays caused by mailing or courier services.
If you’re used to working digitally, moving back to a paper process for even one document can disrupt your workflow. That’s why many organizations look for ways to minimize wet signature use by adopting electronic signature solutions where legally acceptable.
❓When is a wet signature still required?
Even with the rise of electronic signature technology, there are still situations where a wet signature is legally required. Understanding these scenarios can help you plan ahead and avoid project delays.
You may need to provide a wet signature in the following cases:
Notarized documents: Many jurisdictions require wet signatures for documents that need notarization, such as property deeds, wills, or certain legal affidavits.
Government forms: Some agencies still request ink signatures on forms related to immigration, taxes, or licensing.
Banking and finance documents: Loan agreements, mortgage paperwork, and other high-stakes financial documents may require a physical signature depending on the lender’s policy.
International agreements: Some countries do not yet recognize electronic signatures as legally binding for specific document types.
Court filings: Certain legal filings, especially in court systems that haven’t adopted e-filing, may still require paper submissions with wet signatures.
Before finalizing any contract or form, check the specific signature requirements that apply. If your team manages contracts using a platform like ROGER, you can track which documents require wet signatures versus which ones can be signed electronically. This helps you stay compliant and reduces the risk of using the wrong signature method.
❓How can you manage wet signatures efficiently?
Managing wet signatures doesn’t have to slow down your entire workflow. By setting up clear internal processes and using the right tools, you can handle wet signature requirements with minimal disruption.
Here are a few ways to make the process more efficient:
Clearly identify signature requirements upfront: When creating or reviewing contracts, mark which documents need a wet signature versus those that can be signed electronically. This avoids confusion later.
Prepare documents for easy printing and signing: Use templates and formatting that make it simple for signers to print, sign, and return documents.
Streamline delivery and return: Provide clear instructions on how recipients should return signed documents. If possible, offer prepaid return envelopes or digital scanning options to speed up the process.
Digitize signed documents quickly: Once you receive a wet-signed document, scan and store it in your contract management system. This ensures that all your records stay centralized and accessible.
Use a tracking system: Platforms like ROGER can help you track pending signatures, store digital copies of wet-signed documents, and set reminders for follow-ups.
By proactively managing your wet signature processes, you can reduce delays, maintain document integrity, and keep your contract timelines on track—even when paper signatures are unavoidable.
❓What is a wet signature?
A wet signature is the traditional way of signing documents by hand using ink on paper. When you sign your name at the bottom of a contract, a form, or any other official document with a pen, you’re creating a wet signature. The term “wet” refers to the fact that the ink is physically wet when first applied.
You might still encounter situations where a wet signature is required. For example, government forms, notarized documents, or specific contracts with legal requirements often ask for physical signatures. In these cases, you’ll usually need to print the document, sign it by hand, and either scan it, mail it, or deliver it in person.
❓What are the challenges of using wet signatures?
While wet signatures are a time-tested method, they can come with challenges. Handling paper documents can slow down your process, especially if multiple parties are involved or located in different places. There’s also the risk of losing paperwork, dealing with unclear signatures, or encountering delays caused by mailing or courier services.
If you’re used to working digitally, moving back to a paper process for even one document can disrupt your workflow. That’s why many organizations look for ways to minimize wet signature use by adopting electronic signature solutions where legally acceptable.
❓When is a wet signature still required?
Even with the rise of electronic signature technology, there are still situations where a wet signature is legally required. Understanding these scenarios can help you plan ahead and avoid project delays.
You may need to provide a wet signature in the following cases:
Notarized documents: Many jurisdictions require wet signatures for documents that need notarization, such as property deeds, wills, or certain legal affidavits.
Government forms: Some agencies still request ink signatures on forms related to immigration, taxes, or licensing.
Banking and finance documents: Loan agreements, mortgage paperwork, and other high-stakes financial documents may require a physical signature depending on the lender’s policy.
International agreements: Some countries do not yet recognize electronic signatures as legally binding for specific document types.
Court filings: Certain legal filings, especially in court systems that haven’t adopted e-filing, may still require paper submissions with wet signatures.
Before finalizing any contract or form, check the specific signature requirements that apply. If your team manages contracts using a platform like ROGER, you can track which documents require wet signatures versus which ones can be signed electronically. This helps you stay compliant and reduces the risk of using the wrong signature method.
❓What’s the difference between a wet signature and an electronic signature?
Understanding the difference between wet signatures and electronic signatures can help you choose the right method for each document you handle.
A wet signature is a physical signature created by hand using ink on paper. It’s the traditional method and is often required for documents that have specific legal or regulatory mandates.
An electronic signature, on the other hand, is a digital mark or representation of your intent to sign a document. This can include typing your name, drawing your signature with a mouse or stylus, or clicking a “sign” button in an electronic signature platform. Electronic signatures are widely accepted for many business contracts, sales agreements, and internal forms, provided they comply with laws like the ESIGN Act or eIDAS regulations.
Here are some key differences to keep in mind:
Speed and convenience: Electronic signatures allow you to sign documents from anywhere, on any device. Wet signatures require physical presence or mailing.
Document tracking: Electronic signature platforms typically offer audit trails, time stamps, and status tracking. Wet signatures require manual tracking and filing.
Legal acceptance: Both types can be legally binding, but some documents still legally require a wet signature.
Storage and retrieval: Electronic signatures are easy to store and retrieve digitally. Wet-signed documents need to be scanned or stored as physical copies.
If your organization uses ROGER for contract management, you can set rules to flag documents that require wet signatures versus those that can move through your e-signature workflow. This way, you stay compliant while keeping your operations as paperless as possible.
❓What is a wet signature?
A wet signature is the traditional way of signing documents by hand using ink on paper. When you sign your name at the bottom of a contract, a form, or any other official document with a pen, you’re creating a wet signature. The term “wet” refers to the fact that the ink is physically wet when first applied.
You might still encounter situations where a wet signature is required. For example, government forms, notarized documents, or specific contracts with legal requirements often ask for physical signatures. In these cases, you’ll usually need to print the document, sign it by hand, and either scan it, mail it, or deliver it in person.
❓What are the challenges of using wet signatures?
While wet signatures are a time-tested method, they can come with challenges. Handling paper documents can slow down your process, especially if multiple parties are involved or located in different places. There’s also the risk of losing paperwork, dealing with unclear signatures, or encountering delays caused by mailing or courier services.
If you’re used to working digitally, moving back to a paper process for even one document can disrupt your workflow. That’s why many organizations look for ways to minimize wet signature use by adopting electronic signature solutions where legally acceptable.
❓When is a wet signature still required?
Even with the rise of electronic signature technology, there are still situations where a wet signature is legally required. Understanding these scenarios can help you plan ahead and avoid project delays.
You may need to provide a wet signature in the following cases:
Notarized documents: Many jurisdictions require wet signatures for documents that need notarization, such as property deeds, wills, or certain legal affidavits.
Government forms: Some agencies still request ink signatures on forms related to immigration, taxes, or licensing.
Banking and finance documents: Loan agreements, mortgage paperwork, and other high-stakes financial documents may require a physical signature depending on the lender’s policy.
International agreements: Some countries do not yet recognize electronic signatures as legally binding for specific document types.
Court filings: Certain legal filings, especially in court systems that haven’t adopted e-filing, may still require paper submissions with wet signatures.
Before finalizing any contract or form, check the specific signature requirements that apply. If your team manages contracts using a platform like ROGER, you can track which documents require wet signatures versus which ones can be signed electronically. This helps you stay compliant and reduces the risk of using the wrong signature method.
❓What’s the difference between a wet signature and an electronic signature?
Understanding the difference between wet signatures and electronic signatures can help you choose the right method for each document you handle.
A wet signature is a physical signature created by hand using ink on paper. It’s the traditional method and is often required for documents that have specific legal or regulatory mandates.
An electronic signature, on the other hand, is a digital mark or representation of your intent to sign a document. This can include typing your name, drawing your signature with a mouse or stylus, or clicking a “sign” button in an electronic signature platform. Electronic signatures are widely accepted for many business contracts, sales agreements, and internal forms, provided they comply with laws like the ESIGN Act or eIDAS regulations.
Here are some key differences to keep in mind:
Speed and convenience: Electronic signatures allow you to sign documents from anywhere, on any device. Wet signatures require physical presence or mailing.
Document tracking: Electronic signature platforms typically offer audit trails, time stamps, and status tracking. Wet signatures require manual tracking and filing.
Legal acceptance: Both types can be legally binding, but some documents still legally require a wet signature.
Storage and retrieval: Electronic signatures are easy to store and retrieve digitally. Wet-signed documents need to be scanned or stored as physical copies.
If your organization uses ROGER for contract management, you can set rules to flag documents that require wet signatures versus those that can move through your e-signature workflow. This way, you stay compliant while keeping your operations as paperless as possible.
❓What’s the difference between a wet signature and an electronic signature?
Understanding the difference between wet signatures and electronic signatures can help you choose the right method for each document you handle.
A wet signature is a physical signature created by hand using ink on paper. It’s the traditional method and is often required for documents that have specific legal or regulatory mandates.
An electronic signature, on the other hand, is a digital mark or representation of your intent to sign a document. This can include typing your name, drawing your signature with a mouse or stylus, or clicking a “sign” button in an electronic signature platform. Electronic signatures are widely accepted for many business contracts, sales agreements, and internal forms, provided they comply with laws like the ESIGN Act or eIDAS regulations.
Here are some key differences to keep in mind:
Speed and convenience: Electronic signatures allow you to sign documents from anywhere, on any device. Wet signatures require physical presence or mailing.
Document tracking: Electronic signature platforms typically offer audit trails, time stamps, and status tracking. Wet signatures require manual tracking and filing.
Legal acceptance: Both types can be legally binding, but some documents still legally require a wet signature.
Storage and retrieval: Electronic signatures are easy to store and retrieve digitally. Wet-signed documents need to be scanned or stored as physical copies.
If your organization uses ROGER for contract management, you can set rules to flag documents that require wet signatures versus those that can move through your e-signature workflow. This way, you stay compliant while keeping your operations as paperless as possible.