Aláírás

Aláírás is a signature, the signer's mark used to authenticate a document or express consent. In Hungarian, the term literally combines alá (under) and írás (writing), reflecting the act of signing beneath a document. Traditionally, an aláírás is handwritten with a pen, forming a unique, repeatable pattern.

With modern technology, electronic signatures are used as well. They can range from simple electronic signatures to more secure forms, such as advanced electronic signatures and qualified electronic signatures. Under European Union law, the eIDAS Regulation defines these levels and assigns legal effects accordingly. A qualified electronic signature, created with a certified qualified certificate and secure processes, has the same legal effect as a handwritten signature in many contexts. Simpler electronic signatures may carry less evidentiary weight in disputes.

In Hungary, electronic signatures are recognized in line with eIDAS. The use of an aláírás can be required for contracts, official forms, and administrative procedures, and the validity of a signature may depend on the document type and the governing law. For verification, handwritten signatures may be compared for consistency, while electronic signatures rely on certificates, secure signing environments, and verification tools.

Practical considerations include avoiding forgery, ensuring the signer's intent, and preserving the integrity of the document. For significant transactions, parties may seek notarial affirmation or other formal safeguards. While aláírás serves to identify and bind a person to a document, the precise evidentiary weight of a signature depends on context, jurisdiction, and the signature form used.