An electronic signature is an important attribute for any modern person. For business, it is the most convenient tool for interaction between organizations and government agencies.
An electronic signature is an important attribute for any modern person. For business, it is the most convenient tool for interaction between organizations and government agencies. An electronic signature is a digital attribute of a file that protects an electronic document from alteration, forgery, or counterfeiting.
Do you still think that electronic signatures can only be useful to high-ranking officials, heads of global international companies, and those who submit reports to government agencies in electronic form? Then, you will be surprised at the benefits and positive effects of digital signatures on your workflow. In the digital age, this personality identification attribute can make life much easier for everyone.
This article will reveal the secrets of why an electronic signature for individuals is needed by everyone, in which areas of life it can be applied, and how e-signature solutions facilitate the daily life of any person.
A digital signature is a complex combination of passwords or signs that have undergone cryptographic transformation using a private key, which allows you to identify the owner of the signature and provides many advantages. After all, it allows you to deliver documents to the addressee in a matter of minutes and recognize them as legally significant and authentic. With the help of an electronic signature by SignNow, you can conclude contracts, participate in tenders, submit reports to all regulatory authorities, and file claims in court.
How Does It Work?
Don’t confuse an electronic digital signature with a signature that you leave with a digital pen on your tablet. A digital signature is not like a signature on a passport, since it is not a graphic element but a set of digital data.
To use a digital signature, you first need to obtain two access keys to it: one is private and the other one is public. This can be done at an accredited key certification authority. A private key is a file with a code that is stored on an external medium (disk or flash drive). Each private key corresponds to a public key, which can be used to verify that the digital signature matches its owner.
To receive a digital electronic signature, it is enough to use the SignNow online service. First, you need to upload the file that you want to sign. Then select the name of the key certification authority in which you received the digital signature. After that, you need to upload your private key (an encrypted file that is stored on a separate medium). Next, you need to enter the password for the key. After that, a message about the successful signing of an electronic document will appear.
Speed Up the Process of Electronic Inquiries and Reports
Any adult citizen can issue an electronic signature. There are two types of electronic signatures — separately for individuals and legal entities. It is compulsory for civil servants because they submit electronic declarations. Also, a digital signature is needed for heads of organizations and enterprises and individual entrepreneurs to submit tax reports via the Internet. In particular, you can send online reports to the Internal Revenue Service.
Benefits of a Digital Signature for Business
- Reliability. The user is protected from falsification. A regular signature on a standard document is easier to forge.
- Convenience and fast implementation of solutions. You have a convenient opportunity to conclude agreements with counterparties, and submit packages of papers to government agencies and authorities, optimizing the internal document flow of your company.
- Ample opportunities. Open access to official purchases, and trading platforms.
- Increased privacy.
- Reduced cost of office work.
Additional advantages of using electronic signatures
The user precisely determines the moment of creation and sending of documents. After signing, the document cannot be corrected. Any changes to the e-document will be reflected in the decryption. Documents that are sent via electronic channels without transferring to the information carrier save you resources and time.
Operations That Can Be Carried out With an Electronic Signature
You don’t have to be a legal entity to use a digital signature. Electronic signatures are also important for individuals. With such a signature, you can streamline your workflow, reduce paper costs, save time, as well as easily submit online applications to government organizations and track how the application is being considered.
What else can you do remotely with an e-signature for individuals?
- Apply for a new or replace an old passport
- Apply for an international passport
- Get a driver’s license
- Issue an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
- Submit an income statement to the Internal Revenue Service and receive a certificate of debt
- Make real estate transactions
- Exchange documents in the electronic document flow
- Apply for admission to a university without personal presence Get a patent for an invention
- Apply to the registry office
- Apply for credit
- Open a company to participate in a tender for work and services
- Remotely sign an employment contract
- Register vehicles
Despite the many positive aspects that an electronic signature provides, there are also several restrictions and limitations. An electronic signature cannot be used in trust deeds, powers of attorney, promissory notes, real estate leases, and agreements of sale. These documents still require an original signature.
If you are looking for the best e-sign software, there are great options available.
Electronic signature providers that represent different services, for example, SignNow, are used for various purposes. It is convenient to use e-signatures for online submission of a package of papers, registration of online cash registers, and work with government auctions, purchases, signing labor contracts, personnel documents, reports, inventories, invoices, and other administrative procedures.