allakirjutust

Allakirjutus is an Estonian term that refers to the act of signing a document, or less commonly, to the signature that results from signing. The word is formed from related concepts of writing and signing, and is commonly used in legal and administrative contexts to describe the formal act by which a person indicates consent, agreement, or authorization on a document.

In practice, allakirjutus is often required for the validity of contracts, application forms, authorizations, and other official instruments. The signatories may be individuals or legal entities, and the validity of the allakirjutus can depend on factors such as the signer’s authority, capacity, and, in some cases, the presence of witnesses or a notary. Phrases such as “alla kirjutama” denote the act of signing, while “allakirjutus” can be used to refer to the act itself or to the signed instrument, depending on context.

Electronic contexts have expanded the use and meaning of allakirjutus. In Estonia and many jurisdictions, electronic or digital signatures provide a modern alternative to traditional handwritten signing. Terms such as digitaalne allkiri or digiallkiri refer to a digital signature created with a secure certificate and user authentication methods (for example, ID card or mobile ID). Legally, digital signatures may have the same effect as handwritten signatures when properly issued and verified, offering authentication, integrity, and non-repudiation.

See also: allkiri, allkirjastus, allkirjastamine, digitaalne allkiri.