ESIGN | ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE SERVICE | LEGAL COMPLIANCE

The way we handle documents is changing rapidly. Traditional paper-based signing is slow, costly, and prone to errors. Electronic Signature (eSign) solves these problems by allowing documents to be signed digitally, securely, and legally.

What is eSign?

eSign (short for Electronic Signature Service) is a government-approved digital signing process that allows individuals to sign documents online in a legally valid and secure manner. It eliminates the need for handwritten signatures or physical presence.
In India, eSign is regulated under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and is offered by licensed Certifying Authorities (CAs) like Capricorn CA. eSign is particularly notable for its Aadhaar eSign service, which integrates with Aadhaar for identity verification, making it widely accessible for individuals and businesses.

How eSign Works

eSign online process is simple and user-friendly. Here's a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Upload the Document

You begin by uploading the document that needs signing. Supported formats - PDF. Some platforms also allow drag and drop for convenience.

2. Select the Signing Method

eSign.Network supports multiple signing modes:
1. Aadhaar OTP: A one-time password sent to the mobile number linked with Aadhaar.
2. Aadhaar Biometric: Fingerprint verification using a certified biometric device.
3. Aadhaar Face Authentication: Verifies the signer's identity using a face scan linked with Aadhaar.
4. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): Uses a USB token or pre-installed certificate for secure signing.
5. Unlicensed DSC: Useful for internal or non-government documents.
6. IRIS Biometric Verification: Enterprise-level verification for high-security processes.

3. Authenticate Identity

Depending on the chosen method, the signer's identity is verified using OTP, fingerprint, face scan, or digital signature certificate. This ensures the signature is legally valid and cannot be forged.

4. Apply the Signature

Once authentication is complete, the platform embeds the digital signature into the document securely. This makes the document tamper-proof and ensures its integrity.

5. Download and Share

After signing, the document can be downloaded, saved, or shared electronically. All signed documents are logged with detailed audit trails for verification and record-keeping.

How eSign Ensures Security and Compliance

eSign uses advanced Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) technology to secure documents and signatures. Each signature is:
- Linked to the signer's verified identity.
- Timestamped and encrypted.
- Traceable through a secure audit trail.
This makes eSign legally valid, secure, and tamper-proof, giving businesses and individuals confidence in their digital transactions.

eSign Online- Legal Framework in India

1. IT Act, 2000: Provides legal validity to electronic signatures.
2. Aadhaar Act, 2016: Allows Aadhaar-based authentication for eSign.
3. Certifying Authorities (CA): Licensed entities issue Digital Signature Certificates for secure signing.
These laws ensure eSign is legally recognized for both private and government transactions.

Best Practices for Using eSign

-> Always verify the signer's identity through secure authentication.
-> Use eSign.Network for legal compliance.
-> Maintain audit trails and digital records for verification.
-> Choose the appropriate eSign method based on document sensitivity and legal requirements.
-> Keep DSCs or biometric devices secure and protected.

Benefits of Choosing an eSign Service

Electronic Signatures (eSign) offer a modern, secure, and legally valid way to sign documents digitally to individuals, businesses, and government organizations. By replacing traditional paper-based signatures, eSign offers a faster, secure, and legally valid way to execute documents.
Time Efficiency
eSign allows instant signing of documents without printing, scanning, or courier delays. It accelerates approvals, enables remote signing, and ensures that business workflows are completed faster, saving valuable time for both individuals and organizations.
Cost Savings
By eliminating paper, printing, ink, and courier costs, eSign reduces operational expenses. It also minimizes storage requirements and administrative overheads, making document management significantly more economical, especially for organizations handling large volumes of contracts or official paperwork.
Audit Trail and Transparency
Every eSigned document comes with a detailed audit trail, capturing signer identity, date, time, and authentication method. This ensures full transparency, simplifies verification, and supports compliance with legal and regulatory requirements for organizations and government entities.
Scalability for Organizations
eSign supports bulk signing, allowing enterprises and institutions to efficiently manage large volumes of documents. It integrates with existing workflow systems like ERP or CRM, enabling automated approvals, smooth onboarding, and streamlined contract management at scale.
Faster Turnaround and Productivity
Digital signatures reduce manual intervention, enabling employees, clients, and partners to sign documents quickly. This streamlines workflows, accelerates approvals, and improves overall productivity, helping organizations meet deadlines and respond to business needs efficiently.
No Crypto Token Required
Modern eSign services allow signing without a physical USB token. Users can securely eSign documents from any device, anywhere, without installing drivers, while maintaining full legal validity, encryption, and tamper-proof security for all transactions.

Applications of eSign

Government: GST filings, MCA submissions, e-procurement forms.
Banking & Finance: Loan applications, KYC verification, insurance forms.
Corporate Sector: NDAs, employment contracts, vendor agreements.
Real Estate: Sale deeds, rental agreements, lease documents.
Investments: Mutual funds, IPO applications, and demat account forms.
Education: Admission forms, certificates, consent forms.
Other Use Cases: Healthcare forms, e-commerce agreements, online subscriptions, and more.

Questions People Are Searching

How do I get an eSign?
You can get an eSign through licensed platforms like eSign.Network. Simply create an account, upload your document, choose your signing method (Aadhaar OTP, Biometric, Face Authentication, or DSC), and complete the process online.
How do you do an eSign?
To eSign a document, upload it to eSign.network, select your preferred authentication method, verify your identity, and apply the digital signature. Once signed, you can download, save, or share the document securely.
What is meant by eSign?
eSign stands for Electronic Signature Service. It is a digital and legally valid way to sign documents online. Unlike traditional signatures, eSign eliminates the need for printing, scanning, or sending documents physically.
Can I eSign on my phone?
Yes! Modern online eSign platforms support mobile devices and tablets, allowing you to sign documents anytime, anywhere. You don't need a USB token or additional software; just a verified mobile or Aadhaar-linked account is enough.
What is Aadhaar eSign?
Aadhaar eSign is an easy way to digitally sign documents using your Aadhaar number. Verification can be done through:
1. OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number
2. Fingerprint (Biometric)
3. Face authentication
4. IRIS (Eye)
It is fast, secure, and legally recognized under Indian law.
Is Aadhaar eSign safe?
Yes. Aadhaar eSign uses advanced security measures like encryption and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). Your signature is linked to your verified identity, cannot be forged, and each document is tamper-proof.
What is the cost of e-signing?
The cost depends on the platform and type of eSign service. Platforms like eSign.Network offers pay-per-use or bulk signing plans. Individual eSigns are usually affordable, while enterprise plans support large volumes.
How do I verify my eSign?
Every eSigned document comes with an audit trail showing signer identity, timestamp, and method used. You can verify it using the platform's verification tool or by checking the embedded digital signature certificate.

Conclusion

eSign makes signing faster, easier, and more secure. It saves time, reduces costs, and is fully legal. Platforms like eSign.Network makes signing fast, convenient, and compliant, allowing individuals and organizations to go fully digital, paperless, and legally secure.