Learn why proof of evidence is such an important e-signature solution feature for proving authenticity, and what it means if you don’t have it.

Back before computers, paper documents were signed with pen and ink. To prove that the signers were who they said they were, we developed safeguards, like having a witness present to sign the same document or relying on a licensed notary public to verify signers’ identities and log the document type, signature date, and other key information in their notary journal. Along with the signed paper documents, these records and witnesses were available to serve as evidence in court if needed.

Today, things are a little different.

Establishing an e-signature audit trail

Our computers don’t have little gnomes inside them to help us notarize our digital documents. Some platforms do allow notaries to intervene in signing sessions and notarize digital signatures, but this isn’t always needed and usually doesn’t involve all the parties in the signing session.

Even when a notary is involved, the digital audit trail is just as important. To satisfy this requirement, e-signature platforms create proof of evidence files, which are the digital summaries of the platforms’ detailed audit trails. When proofs of evidence meet certain standards, they are sufficient to ensure signatures hold up in court. With a detailed proof of evidence log and a streamlined e-signature solution, you’ll have everything you need for legally binding signatures and a better user experience—no notary required.