What does “Wet Signature” mean?

A wet signature, in legal terms, refers to a person’s name written by hand on a physical document, typically using ink.

The wet in the sentence refers to the ink requiring some time to dry. This traditional form of signing has been the standard method of authenticating documents for centuries.

Historically, signatures have been used since ancient times. In medieval Europe, people often used wax seals or symbols to authenticate documents. The handwritten signature as we know it today became widespread during the 17th and 18th centuries, coinciding with increased literacy rates and the rise of contract law.

It has become a popular term in more recent times to distinguish between paper signatures and electronic or digital signatures.

Understanding Wet Signatures and Digital Alternatives

1. True Wet Signatures

These are handwritten signatures made with ink on physical paper.

When required:

• Legal documents requiring original signatures
• Some government forms
• Certain financial or real estate transactions

Process: Sign the physical document and mail or hand deliver it back.

2. Digitally Captured Wet Signatures

A digital image or representation of a handwritten signature

When acceptable:

• Many business transactions
• Situations where the recipient explicitly accepts scanned copies

Process: Print the document, Sign it with a pen, Scan the document or take a picture with your phone and Email the scanned copy back.

3. Electronic Signatures

A digital method of indicating agreement or consent

When used:

• Most routine business transactions
• Many legal documents (where allowed by law)

Process: Use e-signature platforms like Docusign or Adobe E-Sign. Type, draw or upload your signature electronically

4. Digital Signatures

A highly secure form of electronic signature using encryption

When used:

• High-security documents
• Some government and financial sector transactions

Process: Use specialized digital signature software and apply your encrypted digital signature

What Does it Mean When a Document Requires a Wet Signature?

• The signer must physically write their signature on the document
• A digital or electronic signature is not acceptable
• The document likely has legal or formal importance

Important Considerations

• Always check the specific requirements for each document
• Some documents may require a true wet signature on the original paper
• Others may accept a scanned copy of a wet signature
• Many transactions now accept or prefer purely electronic signatures

When in doubt ask the recipient what form of signature they require. Clarify if they need the original document mailed or if a scanned copy is acceptable. For important legal or financial documents, it is worth consulting with a legal professional about signature requirements.

Where have digital signatures replaced wet signatures?

Document Type	Most common form of signature	Additional Notes
Business Contracts	Electronic Signatures	High-value deals can sometimes still require wet signatures or digital signatures
Banking	Electronic Signatures	Account openings can still use digitally captured wet signatures. Major loans may still require true wet signatures on documents
Sales & Purchase Orders	Electronic Signatures	High value orders may require digitally captured wet signatures
HR & Employment Contracts	Electronic Signatures	Some sensitive documents may require digitally captured wet signatures
Insurance	Electronic Signatures	Some claims might require digitally captured wet signatures
Education (can vary)	Often accept Electronic Signatures	Official transcripts may still use wet signatures or secure digital signatures
Software Licensing	Electronic Signatures	These almost exclusively use electronic signatures
NDA’s & Contractor Agreements	Electronic Signatures	Some legal or high-stakes agreements may require wet signatures
Real Estate Transactions	Electronic & Wet Signatures	The initial agreements frequently use electronic signatures but final closing documents frequently still require wet signatures
Government Forms	Electronically or Digitally Captured Wet Signatures	Some critical documents like Wills & Trusts, Power of Attorney Forms, Adoption Papers still require wet signatures

The Role of Notaries

Many document types require notarisation. A Notary Public is someone who can witness and verify the signature process.

They are responsible for confirming the identity of the signers using official documents, witnessing the signature, ensuring parties are signing voluntarily, maintaining records and to administer oaths and affidavits when required.

Notarisation is frequently required in Real Estate Transactions, Power of Attorney, Affidavits, Adoption Papers, Passport Applications and Divorce Documents.

Notorisation helps add more legal weight to the signing process, making it more difficult for the signature to be challenged. It provides increased assurances that the signature was made by the intended person, voluntarily and in the presence of an impartial witness.

Frequently asked questions about Wet Signatures

Can I use a stamp instead of a Wet Signature?
Generally, no. Most official documents require an actual handwritten signature.

Is a photographed wet signature legally valid?
It depends on the jurisdiction. Many places accept scanned or photographed signatures for certain documents but others may require the original. It is always best to check.

How long does a wet signature remain valid?
There’s no expiration date on the signature itself. The document may have a validity period.

Can I change my signature?
Yes, but it’s advisable to update your signature with banks and other important institutions to avoid verificiation issues.

Are wet signatures more secure than electronic signatures?
Not necessarily. Wet signatures can be verified by experts. Electronic signatures often have built-in security features that can make them more secure in many situations.