{"id":4375,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:30","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/business-contracts-forms\/what-are-the-rules-regarding-signatures-in-contracts.html"},"modified":"2024-06-06T01:05:55","modified_gmt":"2024-06-06T06:05:55","slug":"what-are-the-rules-regarding-signatures-in-contracts","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-contracts-forms\/what-are-the-rules-regarding-signatures-in-contracts.html","title":{"rendered":"What Are the Rules Regarding Signatures in Contracts?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Are the Rules Regarding Signatures in Contracts?<\/h1>\n
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\n By Lisa Burden, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aviana Cooper, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

The signature is the most common way to show that you have read and agreed to a contract. This longstanding practice streamlines approval workflows. It’s crucial for business owners across various sectors. Even if one’s signature is so unique and stylized as to be virtually illegible, it still carries legal weight.<\/p>\r\n

There is a shift from traditional handwritten signatures toward digital signatures. Today, companies offer e-signature solutions that automate the process of getting documents signed. These tools have integrations with various customer relationship management systems (CRM). They improve the customer experience. They allow you to sign documents on mobile devices, reducing the hassle of manual paperwork.<\/p>\r\n

As contracts continue to move into electronic formats, the criteria for a signature has broadened.<\/p>\r\n

Whichever form it takes, the key importance of the signature is proof that an offer is accepted. But are there any rules to help determine whether a signature is valid<\/a> or even if a signature is necessary? There are a few, and this article will review some rules. These rules are crucial, especially for business contracts, sales contracts, and legal agreements like partnerships and warranties.<\/p>\r\n

For more information on contract law, see FindLaw’s Drafting Contracts<\/a> and Contract Law<\/a> sections.<\/p>\r\n

Make Your Mark<\/h2>\r\n

Usually, a signature is someone’s name written and stylized. However, that is optional. All that needs to be is some mark that represents you. It can be a series of squiggles, a picture, or even the traditional "X" for people who can’t read and write. As long as it records the intent of the parties involved in a contractual agreement, it’s a valid signature.<\/p>\r\n

Usually, this mark is made by a pen, but not necessarily. Anything that marks the paper can be a signature. Pencil is not favored because it can smudge and be erased. But a signature made with a pencil is as valid as a signature in pen. Signatures can also be made with stamps or electronic means. This is because they are different forms of writing implements as long as authentication and security standards are met.<\/p>\r\n

Signatures on digital documents are becoming increasingly relevant for<\/p>\r\n