Electronic Signature vs Digital Signature: Key Differences

Electronic Signature vs Digital Signature is a topic that often causes confusion, especially as more organizations adopt digital workflows and remote documentation processes. At first glance, the two may seem interchangeable—they both enable users to sign documents without pen and paper. However, the technologies behind them, the level of security they offer, and their legal implications are significantly different.

An electronic signature is a broad term that refers to any electronic method indicating agreement or approval, such as a typed name or a scanned signature. In contrast, a digital signature is a specific type of electronic signature that uses advanced cryptographic techniques to verify the signer’s identity and protect the integrity of the signed document.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key differences between the two, discuss where each is best applied, and help you determine which is the right fit for your business or personal use—especially in regulated industries like finance, legal, healthcare, and government.

What is an Electronic Signature?

An electronic signature, often abbreviated as e-signature, is a digital representation of a person’s intent to sign a document electronically, eliminating the need for physical paperwork. Commonly used in emails, online forms, or agreements, it can be as simple as typing a name, checking a box, or uploading a scanned image of a handwritten signature.

E-signatures help streamline processes by enabling faster approvals, reducing turnaround times, and promoting remote collaboration. They rely on basic digital technologies to confirm the signer’s intent and ensure that the document hasn’t been tampered with.

However electronic signatures typically do not use encryption or certification from a trusted authority. As a result, they may lack the legal robustness or formal verification required in sensitive or high-risk transactions. Their validity often depends on contextual factors, such as consent and audit trails, rather than advanced cryptographic methods.

What is a Digital Signature?

A digital signature is a highly secure and advanced type of electronic signature that uses cryptographic algorithms to ensure the authenticity, integrity, and non-repudiation of digital documents. Unlike basic e-signatures, digital signatures are backed by digital certificates issued by trusted Certificate Authorities (CAs, DSC), which help verify the signer’s identity and bind it to the signed content.

Digital signatures not only provide a higher level of trust and accountability but also support long-term document validation and audit trails, essential for regulated environments and official communications.