10 Most Common Myths About Electronic Signatures

Electronic signatures are becoming an essential part of business, administration, and personal affairs. They help you sign documents quickly, securely, and without paper worries – whether you’re an entrepreneur, a public servant, or simply managing your personal matters more conveniently. Although this technology is widely used across Europe, many myths still persist. Let’s explore the 10 most frequent misconceptions and clarify the truth.

1. Does an electronic signature have legal validity?

Myth: Electronic signatures are not legally binding.

Truth: Quite the opposite! A qualified electronic signature in Lithuania and throughout the EU carries the same legal weight as a handwritten signature. This is ensured by the eIDAS Regulation (EU No. 910/2014). You can confidently use e-signatures for contracts, declarations, or any documents.

2. Do you need a computer to use an e-signature?

Myth: You need a computer – you can’t sign documents on a phone.

Truth: Today, you can comfortably use e-signatures on mobile devices – authenticate with Smart-ID or sign documents via platforms like ZebraSign. These mobile platforms let you:

• Upload and sign documents directly on your phone;
• Track the signing process in real time;
• Share documents with colleagues or partners;
  all through an intuitive, mobile-friendly interface. Even if it’s your first time, it’s easy to understand. You can sign documents while standing in line, traveling, or sitting in a park – mobility and convenience are everyday realities!

3. Are e-signatures only for tech-savvy people?

Myth: Only technologically advanced users can use e-signatures.

Truth: Electronic signatures are universal tools for all age groups. Modern platforms are designed to be easy to use, even if you have little tech experience. For example, ZebraSign provides a clear interface that requires no prior IT knowledge. You just need a few taps to upload and sign a document – even without tech expertise. You don’t need to go to an office or wait in line – just sign from home, a cafe, or anywhere in the world using your phone with internet access. ZebraSign is successfully used by older generations and those new to digital tools.

4. Can someone else sign documents in your name?

Myth: Someone can sign documents pretending to be me.

Truth: Using trusted signature tools like Smart-ID or Mobile-ID ensures a high level of security. Every signature requires multiple safeguards:

• PIN codes,
• Biometric data,
• Device authentication.

Only the user who controls their identity tool and knows the authentication details can sign documents. All activity is time-stamped, making document tampering impossible without invalidating the signature. This process protects against unauthorized signing and allows you to trace every signatory action. The only risk arises if a user carelessly shares their login details. That’s why it’s essential not only to choose a secure platform but also to follow personal security best practices.

5. Can only PDF documents be signed electronically?

Myth: Only certain documents can be signed with an e-signature.

Truth: You can sign not just PDFs, but Word (.doc/.docx), Excel, and other formats too. With tools like ZebraSign Printer, Word files are automatically converted into PDF for safe signing. This allows you to work naturally – edit in Word and sign the final version. It’s especially useful for businesses handling various document types.

6. Is an electronic signature expensive?

Myth: E-signatures are too costly for small businesses.

Truth: Modern solutions like ZebraSign offer affordable signature packages tailored to your needs – personal or business. You can easily purchase more signatures through the platform whenever needed. This pricing structure lets you plan expenses efficiently and enjoy all the benefits of e-signatures without hefty investments.

7. Are e-signature tools only for large companies?

Myth: Only corporations can use e-signatures.

Truth: E-signatures are flexible tools suited for both small businesses and large corporations. ZebraSign offers plans that match the needs of different-sized operations:

• Solo entrepreneurs – simple features with no extras.
• Growing businesses – with scalable functionality.
• Team workflows – control who signs what and when.

Features like document management, multi-recipient signing, and integrations with business systems can adapt to your activity scale. Pricing remains fair – small businesses don’t overpay, and larger firms can optimise processes through centralised document workflows. E-signatures help everyone save time, avoid face-to-face meetings, and ensure smooth document handling – no matter the business size or sector.

8. Are e-signatures accepted everywhere?

Myth: Electronic signatures are invalid in some countries.

Truth: While legal regulations vary, e-signatures are widely accepted in many countries. In the Baltic states – Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia – qualified electronic signatures are commonly used in both public and private sectors. Many local services and systems already require digital signatures, seeing them as reliable and fast.

In the USA, Canada, or other non-EU countries, simpler digital signatures in PDF files are often accepted. This method is widely recognised and considered sufficient when the act of signing – rather than signature level – is most important. It’s clear, fast, and valid in many cases, especially where countries lack unified digital signature infrastructure. The right choice depends on your business needs, operational region, and document importance. Some documents may only require simple PDF signatures, while others need secure digital identity verification. International practices show businesses increasingly rely on digital tools when rapid processes and traceability matter.

9. Are electronic signatures secure?

Myth: Electronic signatures are unsafe.

Truth: Signature platforms like ZebraSign rely on strong cryptography, digital certificates, and multi-factor authentication. Every signed document is automatically time-stamped with the exact moment of signing. If someone later edits a signed document, the signature becomes invalid automatically, alerting you that the content has changed. This feature ensures document authenticity, integrity, and provides legal proof of document status at a specific time.

10. Are signing platforms only for adding signatures?

Myth: Signature tools only allow signing documents, and nothing more.

Truth: Platforms like ZebraSign are much more than signing tools – they are full document lifecycle management systems. They offer:

• Document templates,
• Automated signing sequences,
• Electronic journals with comments and attachments,
• Integration with business systems,
• AI assistance for document creation.

If a document is in another format (e.g., Word, Excel, JPEG), the printer feature converts it to PDF and sends it for signing – simple and practical. This enables businesses to sign and fully manage documents from creation to archiving.

Electronic signatures are a legal, secure, and efficient way to sign documents.

Electronic signatures are a legal, secure, and efficient way to sign documents. Many myths stem from misunderstandings or outdated information. Each myth we’ve addressed shows that modern tools make e-signature use fast, simple, and reliable – regardless of company size or field. Not using e-signatures yet? Now might be the perfect time to start! Try ZebraSign yourself or contact us to find the best solution for your organisation!