Maybe, if you don’t know them personally, you ask to see their ID — but the feeling of trust is still there.
But what happens when you send a document off for remote signing? How can you be certain that the person on the other end is really who they claim to be? And what happens to that feeling of security, then?
The answer: Modern e-signature services are designed to give you more trust, not less. They’re built with identity verification in mind, and your document is protected every step of the way.
With e-signatures, nothing is left to chance. You can choose from multiple identity verification methods — depending on how sensitive your document is and how much risk is involved:
These tools ensure that only the intended recipient can open and sign your document.
Not all e-signatures are the same. Under the EU’s eIDAS Regulation , there are three types:
1. Simple Electronic Signature (SES)
Any data in electronic form that is attached to or logically associated with other data in electronic form and is used by the signer to sign, as defined under eIDAS Article 3(10). SES offers basic legal assurance without any strict identity verification.
2. Advanced Electronic Signature (AES)
An e-signature that is uniquely linked to and capable of identifying the signer, created using electronic signature creation data that the signer can use with a high level of confidence under their sole control. It must also ensure the integrity of the signed data, as defined in Article 26 of the eIDAS Regulation.
3. Qualified Electronic Signature (QES)
An e-signature created using a qualified electronic signature creation device (QSCD) is based on a qualified certificate for electronic signatures issued by a qualified trust service provider as defined under Articles 3(12), 28, and 29 of eIDAS. As stated in Article 25(2), it has the equivalent legal effect of a handwritten signature (on paper).
Some industries or document types require a QES due to high compliance and security standards — but in most cases, an SES or AES offers the ideal balance of convenience and trust, as well as a better user experience.
Unlike physical documents, which often depend on the process or people involved for trust, digital documents come with a detailed audit trail. That means you can see exactly who opened a document, when, on what device, and how and when it was signed.
Audit trails build transparency and accountability — and can even be used in court if needed.
Still wondering who’s on the other side? With BetrSign, you define exactly who your signers are and how they can access the document. You send the document to a specific email, choose the verification method, and assign the signature type. You can even set up automated reminders until every signature is complete.
Even if the document somehow lands in the wrong inbox, it’s useless without passing all the security checks.
Paper documents can be forged, misplaced, or lost. But with e-signatures, the signer’s identity is clear, and their intent to sign is documented and verifiable.
You choose the level of identity verification and signature type based on risk level, legal requirements, and your company’s policies.
That’s why e-signing doesn’t mean less but more security. And if you’re still hesitating because you’re unsure who’s on the other end, it’s time to see how e-signatures can give you even more confidence.
The real question isn’t whether you can trust e-signatures — it’s why you’re still relying on paper.
Take your first step into a paperless business today. Start your free 30-day trial of BetrSign or book a demo with our specialist.
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