In this issue, we will explore common questions about eSignatures, including their legality, applicable document types, security, and usage with BoldSign. These topics are covered in detail in the blog, ‘Electronic Signature FAQs: All Your Questions Answered,’ by Caroline Dolly.
1. Are electronic signatures legal?
E-signatures are legal across all US states and territories under the E-Sign Act. With BoldSign, your e-signatures remain fully compliant and legally binding.
If these questions are part of a larger platform evaluation, our free ebook, Guide for Choosing the Right Electronic Signature Platform, can help you compare solutions based on legality, compliance, security, usability, and workflow needs.
2. What types of documents can be signed electronically?
Electronic signatures can be used for many documents, including contracts, agreements, forms, financial documents, HR documents, real estate documents, government forms, and compliance documents.
3. What types of documents does BoldSign accept?
BoldSign supports various document formats, including PDF, JPG, PNG, and DOCX. The preferred format is PDF. Each document can have up to 1,000 pages and must not exceed 25MB in size.
4. Are “wet ink” signatures still considered superior for legal purposes?
In many instances, electronic signatures hold the same legal weight as traditional “wet ink” signatures. Validating a wet ink signature often necessitates forensic analysis by an expert to confirm its authenticity. Meanwhile, electronic signatures can incorporate robust digital authentication and tamper-proofing measures, simplifying the process of verifying their legitimacy.
5. How do I know who sent me a document?
To determine the sender of a document notification email, simply review the information provided within the email itself. Typically, the sender’s name and email address will be clearly displayed. If you need to contact the sender regarding the document, you can use the email address included in the notification.
6. How is BoldSign different from eSignature software like Docusign?
BoldSign differentiates itself from eSignature software like Docusign with its intuitive interface and included customer support, provided without extra monthly fees. This robust support structure ensures that users promptly and efficiently receive the assistance they need. Additionally, BoldSign offers flexible pricing plans, including a free tier, catering to the needs of individuals and businesses of all sizes.
7. Is it free to sign a document?
Yes, signing documents in BoldSign is free.
8. How do I know when my document has been signed in BoldSign?
In BoldSign, you’ll receive instant notifications via email or SMS and in the BoldSign dashboard when your document is signed.
9. Can I set a signing order while requesting signatures from a group of people?
Yes, you can enable the signing order feature and then arrange your signers in the desired sequence by dragging and dropping signer boxes. Once the document is sent for signature, BoldSign will guide each signer through the process in the specified order.
10. Who is this service for?
BoldSign is designed for individuals and organizations of all sizes who require an efficient and user-friendly solution for electronic document signing. Whether you’re a freelancer, small business owner, or part of a larger enterprise, BoldSign provides the tools and features necessary to streamline the document signing process.
11. Can I sign a PDF with BoldSign?
Yes, you can sign PDF documents using BoldSign. BoldSign allows you to upload PDF files and add electronic signatures to them.
12. Should I keep a paper record when I sign with BoldSign?
No, it’s not necessary to keep a paper record when signing with BoldSign. The platform generates a digital audit trail, which is often considered legally binding and can serve as sufficient documentation.
13. Is it secure to use BoldSign to sign documents?
Yes, it’s secure to use BoldSign to sign documents. BoldSign prioritizes the security of your documents and data by employing industry-standard encryption protocols, implementing access controls, complying with relevant data protection regulations, maintaining a detailed audit trail, and operating on secure infrastructure. These measures ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your documents throughout the signing process.
14. Can I sign documents electronically on a mobile device?
Yes, you can sign documents on a mobile device using BoldSign. BoldSign offers a user-friendly mobile app compatible with both iOS and Android devices, allowing you to upload, sign, and manage documents on the go. Whether you’re using a smartphone or tablet, you can easily access BoldSign’s features and sign documents anytime, anywhere.
15. Can I cancel my subscription to BoldSign?
Yes, you can cancel your subscription to BoldSign at any time. BoldSign offers flexible subscription plans that allow you to cancel or downgrade your plan easily through the platform’s settings or by contacting customer support. Be sure to review the cancellation policy and any applicable terms and conditions associated with your subscription before proceeding with cancellation.
16. How do I select a color for my signature?
To choose a color for signatures in BoldSign, simply open the document and click or tap on the signature field. There is a color option in the toolbar, where you can select from the available colors to customize your signature appearance.
17. Can I sign multiple places on a document?
Yes, you can sign multiple places on a document in BoldSign. If a document requires signatures from multiple parties or if you need to sign in different sections, BoldSign allows you to add multiple signature fields to accommodate this. Simply place additional signature fields where needed within the document, and each signer can sign their fields accordingly.
18. Can I customize the form fields in BoldSign?
Yes, you can customize form fields in BoldSign to suit your specific document requirements. BoldSign offers features that allow you to add, edit, and configure various types of form fields, including text fields, checkboxes, dropdown menus, and more.
19. Where is BoldSign available?
BoldSign is available worldwide, allowing users from various countries and regions to access its features and benefits. Anyone can utilize BoldSign’s electronic signature platform to streamline document signing processes and manage documents efficiently.
20. What happens if a dispute arises over an eSigned document?
If a dispute arises over an eSigned document, the resolution will depend on several factors, including local regulations and the document’s integrity. Generally, eSigned documents are legally binding, but specifics can vary. BoldSign provides comprehensive audit trails and adheres to legal standards, aiding in dispute resolution.
21. Can eSignatures be used in regulated industries, such as healthcare or finance?
Yes, eSignatures can be used in regulated industries like healthcare and finance. Specific regulations and compliance standards may apply, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in healthcare. BoldSign offers features designed to ensure compliance with these regulations, such as encryption and audit trails.
22. How do I choose the right eSignature solution?
To choose the right eSignature solution, consider factors like features, compliance, scalability, cost, support, and the user experience. Evaluate each solution based on these criteria to find the one that best fits your business requirements.
23. Can I change my plan in BoldSign later?
Yes, you can easily change your plan in BoldSign at any time. BoldSign lets you adjust your subscription to upgrade for additional features or downgrade to a more basic plan.
24. How do I make my signature legal?
When it comes to signing legal PDFs, BoldSign is a secure and reliable choice. It offers features like encryption, detailed audit trails, and full compliance with global eSignature laws to ensure your documents are protected and legally valid.
25. Is there a free document signing app?
Yes, BoldSign offers a free document signing app with a free Essential plan that includes 25 signature requests per month, 2 templates, and key features like audit trails, signer authentication, and automated reminders.
26. How can I create my signature digitally?
If you’re looking to create a digital signature for non-legally binding purposes, you can BoldSign online signature generator. Simply draw your signature with a mouse or touchscreen, and download it as a PNG image. This image can be used in documents, but it won’t carry legal weight. For legally binding digital signatures, use BoldSign—it ensures your signatures are secure, compliant, and legally valid.
27. What is a legally valid signature?
A legally valid signature—handwritten or electronic—must show intent, be authentic, and follow the law. BoldSign ensures this with audit trails, signer authentication, and compliance with the ESIGN Act, UETA, and eIDAS.
28. Best software for legal document signing PDF?
When signing legal PDFs, use secure software like BoldSign, which offers encryption, audit trails, and legal compliance to protect your documents.
29. Can you eSign in Microsoft Word?
You can add a signature in Word, but it won’t have the same legal validity and security as an eSignature provided by a dedicated eSignature platform.
30. How do I digitize a signature for a document?
The BoldSign online signature generator lets you draw your signature with a mouse or touchscreen and download it as a PNG image. You can use this image in a document, but it won’t be legally valid.
31. Which is better: eSignature or digital signature?
eSignatures are quick and convenient for everyday use, but digital signatures provide higher security through encryption, making them better for sensitive or regulated documents.
32. What is the most secure type of electronic signature?
QES offers the highest trust level by requiring identity verification, often face-to-face or via video—before issuing a digital certificate. Signers verify their ID during the signing process.
33. What are the risks of e-signatures?
Some of the risks include fraud, tampering, and unauthorized access. However, BoldSign prevents these with encryption, signer authentication, audit trails, and legal compliance.
34. How do I verify an e-signature?
Verify an e-signature by checking the audit trail, confirming the signer’s identity, and reviewing
consent. Choose a trusted platform like BoldSign for secure validation.
35. How do I keep my signature safe?
You can keep your signature safe with BoldSign, which provides encryption, access controls, 2FA, and audit trails, ensuring only authorized users can sign and access documents.
36. What makes a valid e-signature?
A valid e-signature must meet three key criteria: signer intent, authentication, and document integrity. BoldSign ensures validity by providing audit trails, encryption, two-factor authentication, and compliance with e-signature laws like the E-Sign Act, UETA, and eIDAS.
37. Is there an app available for e-signatures?
BoldSign offers a user-friendly mobile app where you can sign documents with secure, legally binding digital signatures for both iOS and Android. Easily sign, send, and manage documents anytime, anywhere with a simple interface and robust security.
38. How to sign a contract online for free?
To sign a contract online for free, use a platform like BoldSign—just upload your document, add signer details, and send it for electronic signature.
39. What does “bulk send” mean?
Bulk Send lets users send the same document to many recipients at once—ideal for onboarding, consent forms, and other high-volume eSignature tasks.
40. Can digital signatures be trusted?
Yes, digital signatures are trustworthy and legally recognized across the US, EU, and many other regions. BoldSign adheres to international standards such as eIDAS and ESIGN, ensuring full legal validity and compliance.
41.How to sign a W9 form online for free?
You can sign a W-9 form online for free with BoldSign. Upload the form, fill in details, add your eSignature, and download the signed document instantly. No software needed. Secure and IRS-compliant.
42.How to make a document self-signed?
Self-sign a document in BoldSign is easy , just upload your file, add yourself as the signer, drag signature fields, and click “Finish Signing.”
43.How to insert watermark in pdf on MacBook?
On your MacBook, open Safari and go to BoldSign’s watermark tool. Drag and drop your PDF, choose watermark style, tweak transparency or rotation, and download the updated file instantly—no software install required.
44.Do electronic signatures need to be notarized?
No, electronic signatures don’t need to be notarized. However, if a document requires notarization under local law, whether signed traditionally or electronically, it must still be notarized. Documents can also be notarized through electronic notarization methods.
45.Where can I get an electronic signature notarized?
You can notarize an electronic signature from your place using remote online notarization, where a licensed notary verifies your identity via secure video call and applies an electronic notarial seal.
46.What is the full form of eDMS?
eDMS stands for Electronic Document Management System. It’s a software that helps organizations digitally store, manage, and retrieve documents in a centralized system—boosting efficiency, security, and compliance.
47.Can I do an esignature on an iPhone?
Yes, BoldSign supports eSignature on iOS. Sign via browser or iOS app—fast, secure, and easy to use.
48.Can I type an electronic signature?
Yes, BoldSign lets you type your signature, and it’s legally binding under laws like ESIGN and UETA.
