![]() ![]() Advanced e-signatures, for example, are uniquely linked to a specific signer, typically through a digital certificate. In the same way, legally binding e-signatures use multiple identity verification factors to ensure that the person signing is really who they claim to be - not just the first time, but every time they sign. When signing into our bank's website, for example, we have to provide not only a username/password combo, but also a one-time code we receive by text message - a second verification method, or "factor," that reduces the risk of unauthorized account access. Today, on the other hand, most of us recognize the importance of using multi-factor verification to prevent identity theft. ![]() ![]() As a result, these admins of yesteryear left themselves wide open to fakery. The problem, of course, was that school administrators often "verified" signatures by visually comparing them against parents' handwriting samples. School administrative staff could then compare signatures on future documents against that initial verified signature, to make sure each form was actually signed by the same individual.īut as some students figured out, forging a parent's signature was often as easy as learning to imitate it - a fact that enabled kids to bring back "signed" absence slips and grade cards that their parents never actually saw. Identity assurance is what makes an electronic signature legally bindingīack in the pre-digital age, the only way to be certain of a signer's identity was to have them sign a form in person - typically after showing a legal ID such as a driver's license. Here's how to make sure you are collecting valid digital signatures on your school's electronic documents. The good news is that most jurisdictions recognize a QES as legally equivalent to a handwritten signature - which means your institution can save significant time and money by adopting electronic signature contracts. For example, your school may be fine using simple e-signatures (SES) on permission slips - but you'll want to use advanced e-signatures (AdES) or qualified e-signatures (QES) on all legally binding documents like tuition agreements and vendor contracts. Not all digital signatures are equal - and different kinds of electronic signatures benefit from different levels of legal validity. The question is, though, do e-signatures hold up in court? Digitally signed documents are easier to keep track of, cheaper to store, and much less likely to get misplaced or damaged - plus they can be processed far more quickly - often in a matter of hours rather than weeks. Are digital signatures legally binding in schools?Įlectronic signatures provide a number of advantages over "wet" paper ones. ![]()
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