underskrifter

Underskrifter (signatures) are marks that indicate a person’s consent, approval, or acknowledgement on a document. They may be handwritten with ink or created electronically. The primary function is to identify the signer and to demonstrate that the signer agrees to the terms or authorizes an action, such as entering into a contract or granting authority.

Handwritten signatures are the traditional form. They involve the signer writing their name or making a mark on a document. Verification can involve comparing handwriting, and in certain transactions, witnesses or notarization may be required. Some documents, such as real estate deeds or certain wills, may be subject to formal requirements that influence how signatures must be executed or witnessed.

Electronic or digital signatures encompass a range of methods from simple electronic marks to cryptographically secure signatures. Legal frameworks such as the eIDAS regulation in the European Union distinguish between electronic signatures, advanced electronic signatures, and qualified electronic signatures, with qualified signatures often receiving the strongest legal status. In many jurisdictions, electronic signatures have the same legal effect as handwritten ones when properly implemented. Benefits include speed, ease of verification, and auditable trails. Essential requirements typically include reliable identity verification and secure handling of signing keys or credentials.

Security and authenticity are central to underskrifter. Signatures should be tied to the signer’s identity and the integrity of the document, often supported by certificates, timestamps, and tamper-evident mechanisms in digital formats. Retention and accessibility of signed documents are important for evidentiary purposes.

Uses for underskrifter range from contracts and consent forms to corporate approvals and official filings, with applicability and formal requirements varying by jurisdiction and document type.