signering

Signering refers to the act of placing a signature on a document to indicate agreement, authenticity, or consent. The term arises from the Latin signum, meaning mark or sign. Signering can be performed in writing or electronically, and the legal implications vary by jurisdiction and context.

Handwritten signatures are the most traditional form. They may consist of a signature line, printed name, date, and sometimes a witness or seal. The key elements are intent to authorize the content and attribution to the signer. Forgery or lack of authority can undermine validity, leading to disputes or the need for witnesses, notarization, or re-signing.

Digital signatures use cryptographic methods to verify identity and protect document integrity. A digital signature is created with the signer's private key and can be verified by others using the corresponding public key and a certificate from a trusted authority. In the EU and some other regions, qualified electronic signatures have the same legal effect as handwritten signatures under eIDAS; other electronic signatures may have varying legal weight.

Electronic signing encompasses methods beyond cryptographic signatures, including uploading scanned signatures, click-to-sign, or biometrics. Modern workflows often combine identity verification, audit trails, and secure storage. Common standards and formats include PKI-based signatures, XML and PDF signatures, and data integrity checks.

Usage and best practices include clearly identifying the signer, ensuring consent, maintaining an auditable record, and retaining signed documents. Signering is essential in contracts, banking, administration, and official filings, with legal frameworks designed to deter forgery and enable enforceability across borders.