The Difference Between Digital and Electronic Signatures

In our daily lives, we’ve grown accustomed to doing almost everything electronically. Even the process of signing contracts and other types of documents has transitioned from pen and paper to stylus and trackpad, or mouse and desktop.

The two most relevant and popular types are digital signatures and electronic signatures.

A digital signature is a mechanism that allows a person to securely and reliably identify themselves when signing an electronic document. It involves signing a digital document as opposed to the traditional method of physically signing a printed document or contract.

A digital signature with a qualified certificate issued by a certification authority from an EU Member State is legally recognized in any country within the European Union.

An electronic signature or e-signature is a reproduction of your handwritten signature in electronic form on a digital document. There are various types of electronic signatures, with differences typically related to security requirements and the type of data they contain.

Both add authenticity to documents.

• Digital signatures enable the identification of specific documents.
• Electronic signatures demonstrate a signatory’s intent to be legally bound to the terms of a specific document.

While both digital and electronic signatures are legal, digital signatures are more secure. The type of signature required depends on the type of document being signed and the country where the contract applies, as different countries have varying criteria for the security levels required for different types of documents and legal contracts.