Your signature uniquely represents your identity in anything from signing contracts to authorizing payments. But can you change your signature if you feel it’s time for a new look or if life circumstances call for it?
Whether you need to update your signature for personal, security or legal reasons, the process may feel overwhelming. In this article, we’ll dive into whether you can change your signature, what steps are involved, and the key things to keep in mind to ensure that your new signature is legally accepted and recognized.
Why signatures are important?
Signatures play a crucial role in various aspects of our lives. From legal documents to email signatures to traditional mail, they are an authentication tool that verifies your identity and signifies your consent or agreement. A signature holds legal weight and represents a binding commitment.
The legal perspective of signatures
Signatures validate legal documents, such as contracts or wills. Signing shows that you understand and agree to the terms and conditions of the document and serves as evidence of your consent.
Signatures also serve as evidence in court, helping to establish the authenticity of documents and the intentions of the parties involved in the case of legal disputes.
Read also: Are electronic signatures legally binding? Key facts and regulations
The personal aspect of signatures
Your signature is a reflection of your personality, style and identity. It’s a unique mark that sets you apart and makes your presence known.
Your hand-signed name can evoke emotions and memories. When you receive a handwritten letter from a loved one, seeing their signature at the bottom brings a sense of warmth and familiarity. It’s a personal touch that adds a special meaning to the message.
Read also: History of the signature
Common reasons for changing a signature
People change their signatures for various reasons. Here are some common scenarios when you may need to do this.
Marriage and divorce
Marriage is often linked to a change in surnames for one or both partners. To honor this new chapter in their lives, some revise their signatures to reflect their updated names. Similarly, people going through a divorce may choose to reclaim their maiden names or adopt a new signature as part of their fresh start.
Professional reasons
Another scenario for altering signatures is to better represent professional identity. An example is a doctor adding their profession’s abbreviation or an artist incorporating a unique artistic touch. A distinctive signature can help leave a lasting impression and enhance brand recognition.
Read also: 16 reasons to start electronic signature and e-contracts
How can you change your signature? Important things to keep in mind
Whatever the reason for needing to change your signature, here’s how to approach the process with care and consideration.
Altering your signature on legal documents
When it comes to legal documents, you can’t simply start signing with a new signature without proper authorization. Depending on your jurisdiction, you may need to inform relevant authorities, such as banks, government agencies or legal representatives and verify your identity in person. Ensure you comply with all necessary procedures to avoid any legal complications in the future.
Practical advice to changing your existing signature
Changing signatures outside of legal contexts can be more flexible. It involves personal preferences and creativity. Consider factors such as legibility, fluidity and uniqueness. Experiment with different styles, such as cursive, block letters or a combination of both. Decide which parts of your name to include. You might use initials for your first or middle name or spell them out in full (but note that having only one signature per full name is possible).
Read also: How to convert a signature to an e-signature?
Tips for creating a new signature
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create and implement a new signature:
- Decide on your new signature: Think about how you want your new signature to look – should it be simple or elaborate? Practice different styles, experimenting with cursive, initials or embellishments. For example, you might take Picasso as an inspiration and go for a bold, simple and elegant signature:
Or, if you want a more elaborate signature, you can create something in John Hancock’s style:
To see some more inspiring examples, read this article: Top 10 amazing signatures throughout history.
- Practice your new signature: Write it multiple times on paper until it feels natural. Try signing on different surfaces (checks, documents, digital pads) to ensure consistency.
- Update your official documents: Check legal requirements in your country or organization regarding signature changes. Edit identification documents (passport, driver’s license) if necessary.
- Notify relevant institutions: Inform your employer, bank and other institutions that require signature for verification. Some organizations may demand a formal request or a signature update form.
- Be consistent: Start using your new signature on all official and informal documents. Avoid switching between old and new signatures to prevent confusion.
- Consider using tools and apps to design your signature: Oneflow is a contract management software that is also a great option, as it lets you create and save a personalized electronic signature and use it for emails or signing contracts online. It even includes an AI signature generator option that can create unique designs based on your writing.
Did you know that even signing with an emoji could be possible? Although this isn’t standard practice, there has been a Canadian case where the court ruled an emoji to be legally binding.
Read also: Is it legal to sign on behalf of someone else?
Ready-to-use contract templates in Oneflow
How to create a signature with Oneflow
As we mentioned, Oneflow offers a handwritten signature feature that lets you add a personal touch to your digital contracts. Create a unique signature by typing your name and selecting from various fonts – such as Modern, Classic or Antique – or by drawing your signature on a virtual canvas with your mouse or touchpad. These handwritten signatures hold the same validity as simple electronic signatures.
Other options for creating signatures in Oneflow include standard e-signatures, letting you sign documents with a simple click through a secure, encrypted link or SMS verification confirming the signer’s identity with a 6-digit SMS code. To ensure an even higher level of security, you can use digital signatures that use advanced encryption technology to verify the signer’s authenticity.
But that’s not all. With Oneflow, you can also:
- Convert JPEG or PNG images to an e-signature
- Create a signature in Outlook
- Add a signature in Google Docs
- Integrate electronic signatures for HubSpot
- Sign a PDF online for free
If you’re thinking now that Oneflow is a great tool for creating various types of signatures, you’re right. But it’s actually much more – it also takes care of your contract lifecycle from creation through negotiation to signing. It uses AI to simplify contract management and automation workflows, minimizing time and effort across pre-sign to post-sign processes. You can try it for yourself, no strings attached. Simply create an account and start your free trial.
For a detailed guide on creating your signature in Oneflow, read our article: Handwritten signature generator.
The tool for changing signatures and automating contracts
While a signature change may require some effort, the process is definitely possible as long as you follow the right steps. Take time to design a new signature that speaks to you. Ensure consistency by updating it on official documents, bank records and financial documents to avoid complications. Verify your identity in legal institutions to be sure your new signature carries the same weight as it did before.
Modern times require modern solutions, so apart from designing your manual mark, remember to convert your signature to an e-signature that will let you sign digital documents and emails. With Oneflow’s digital signature tools, you can seamlessly update and use your new signature across contracts and agreements without the hassle of paperwork.
Try Oneflow and see how it can simplify signing documents online and facilitate contract automation across the whole contract lifecycle.
FAQs
Is it OK to change your signature?
You can change your handwritten signature at any time, but it’s advisable to maintain consistency, especially for legal documents. Notify your bank and update your credit cards, loan agreements and financial records.
How do I permanently change my signature?
Changing your signature is your right, but it’s important to keep it consistent and properly updated. Here are a few things to remember:
- Legal documents: Update your new signature on passports, ID cards and financial records.
- Banking and contracts: Notify banks and organizations where your signature is used for verification.
- Consistency: Once changed, stick to it to avoid confusion or document rejections.
- Digital signatures: Update your e-signatures on platforms like DocuSign, Adobe Sign and Oneflow.
Can a person’s signature change?
Yes, a person’s signature can change over time. This may happen naturally as handwriting evolves (e.g., as people age or their writing habits shift) or as someone decides to create a new, more refined signature. If a person feels their old signature could be easily forged, they might choose to change it for security reasons.
Can you change your signature on your ID?
You can change your signature on your ID, but the process depends on your country’s or state’s regulations. The general advice is to visit the relevant government agency that issued your ID and bring your current ID, any required supporting documents (e.g., proof of name change, passport) and a new signature sample. Some places might ask you to sign on a digital pad to capture your new signature.
