Can I sign legal documents with a smiley face?
The signature on my driver's license is a unique and identifiable smiley face :-)
I use this signature to sign all legally binding documents. A lot of the time, people reject it, and request an "actual signature". I then show them that it is the same signature as my driver's license, and they usually, (but not always,) accept it.
Is my signature legal? Or must it be my name? If it is legal, is it a bad idea?
united-states contract-law contract signature
asked Mar 23 at 12:36
EvorlorEvorlor
32337
add a comment |
The signature on my driver's license is a unique and identifiable smiley face :-)
I use this signature to sign all legally binding documents. A lot of the time, people reject it, and request an "actual signature". I then show them that it is the same signature as my driver's license, and they usually, (but not always,) accept it.
Is my signature legal? Or must it be my name? If it is legal, is it a bad idea?
united-states contract-law contract signature
asked Mar 23 at 12:36
EvorlorEvorlor
32337
5
I recall an anecdote about a judge who included a smiley face as part of his regular signature. This caused an appeal of a death sentence because when he signed the relevant documents he included the smiley face on that as well.
– EvilSnack
Mar 24 at 0:17
This reminds me of a video I watched at some point: youtube.com/watch?v=maT-vb458eg
– Solomon Ucko
Mar 24 at 2:13
5
Note that the root of the word "signature" is "sign", i.e. a mark used to identify. Any mark will do, the illiterate traditionally used a simple X to sign.
– dotancohen
Mar 24 at 7:40
Is your name Ron Toye perhaps? :)
– noClue
Mar 25 at 10:49
add a comment |
The signature on my driver's license is a unique and identifiable smiley face :-)
I use this signature to sign all legally binding documents. A lot of the time, people reject it, and request an "actual signature". I then show them that it is the same signature as my driver's license, and they usually, (but not always,) accept it.
Is my signature legal? Or must it be my name? If it is legal, is it a bad idea?
united-states contract-law contract signature
asked Mar 23 at 12:36
EvorlorEvorlor
32337
The signature on my driver's license is a unique and identifiable smiley face :-)
I use this signature to sign all legally binding documents. A lot of the time, people reject it, and request an "actual signature". I then show them that it is the same signature as my driver's license, and they usually, (but not always,) accept it.
Is my signature legal? Or must it be my name? If it is legal, is it a bad idea?
united-states contract-law contract signature
united-states contract-law contract signature
asked Mar 23 at 12:36
EvorlorEvorlor
32337
asked Mar 23 at 12:36
EvorlorEvorlor
32337
edited Mar 23 at 13:16
Evorlor
asked Mar 23 at 12:36
EvorlorEvorlor
32337
asked Mar 23 at 12:36
EvorlorEvorlor
32337
asked Mar 23 at 12:36
EvorlorEvorlor
32337
32337
5
I recall an anecdote about a judge who included a smiley face as part of his regular signature. This caused an appeal of a death sentence because when he signed the relevant documents he included the smiley face on that as well.
– EvilSnack
Mar 24 at 0:17
This reminds me of a video I watched at some point: youtube.com/watch?v=maT-vb458eg
– Solomon Ucko
Mar 24 at 2:13
5
Note that the root of the word "signature" is "sign", i.e. a mark used to identify. Any mark will do, the illiterate traditionally used a simple X to sign.
– dotancohen
Mar 24 at 7:40
Is your name Ron Toye perhaps? :)
– noClue
Mar 25 at 10:49
add a comment |
5
I recall an anecdote about a judge who included a smiley face as part of his regular signature. This caused an appeal of a death sentence because when he signed the relevant documents he included the smiley face on that as well.
– EvilSnack
Mar 24 at 0:17
This reminds me of a video I watched at some point: youtube.com/watch?v=maT-vb458eg
– Solomon Ucko
Mar 24 at 2:13
5
Note that the root of the word "signature" is "sign", i.e. a mark used to identify. Any mark will do, the illiterate traditionally used a simple X to sign.
– dotancohen
Mar 24 at 7:40
Is your name Ron Toye perhaps? :)
– noClue
Mar 25 at 10:49
5
5
I recall an anecdote about a judge who included a smiley face as part of his regular signature. This caused an appeal of a death sentence because when he signed the relevant documents he included the smiley face on that as well.
– EvilSnack
Mar 24 at 0:17
I recall an anecdote about a judge who included a smiley face as part of his regular signature. This caused an appeal of a death sentence because when he signed the relevant documents he included the smiley face on that as well.
– EvilSnack
Mar 24 at 0:17
This reminds me of a video I watched at some point: youtube.com/watch?v=maT-vb458eg
– Solomon Ucko
Mar 24 at 2:13
This reminds me of a video I watched at some point: youtube.com/watch?v=maT-vb458eg
– Solomon Ucko
Mar 24 at 2:13
5
5
Note that the root of the word "signature" is "sign", i.e. a mark used to identify. Any mark will do, the illiterate traditionally used a simple X to sign.
– dotancohen
Mar 24 at 7:40
Note that the root of the word "signature" is "sign", i.e. a mark used to identify. Any mark will do, the illiterate traditionally used a simple X to sign.
– dotancohen
Mar 24 at 7:40
Is your name Ron Toye perhaps? :)
– noClue
Mar 25 at 10:49
Is your name Ron Toye perhaps? :)
– noClue
Mar 25 at 10:49
add a comment |
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
Can I sign legal documents with a smiley face?
Yes, that is lawful. A person's signature does not necessarily have to include the person's name or initials. What matters is that the signature reliably and unequivocally identifies the person who produces it, which apparently you have been able to prove by showing your driver's license.
The Black's Law Dictionary (4th Edition) states in its entry for signature that "whatever mark, symbol, or device one may choose to employ as representative of himself is sufficient". It directs to the entry for sign, which likewise speaks in terms of "any mark, as upon a document, in token of knowledge, approval, acceptance or obligation". Accordingly, your signature qualifies as mark or symbol that fits these purposes.
Your history of signing other legally binding documents that way further reinforces the authenticity of your signature.
If it is legal, is it a bad idea?
It is a bad idea to the extent (if any) that (1) others can easily forge your signature (notwithstanding that forgery or identity theft might be proved circumstantially); and (2) verifying your identity may cause hassle or annoyance to you and/or third parties. But this paragraph obviously is applicable to any and all signatures, not just those which at first glance may seem to be a joke.
answered Mar 23 at 13:00
Iñaki ViggersIñaki Viggers
10.3k21530
3
As far as I know, when you sign, that is legally binding, no matter how you sign - whether you sign with an Emoji or as "Mickey Mouse", it is binding for you. And it is legal unless you do at as part of fraud. So if you sign with an Emoji and later claim you didn't sign this, that may be fraud.
– gnasher729
Mar 23 at 15:26
6
What's different with this particular set of characters is that, being punctuation, they're probably much easier to forge than a normal signature, which will usually contain more unique or unusual features. Although doctors basically get away with scribbles for signatures. =)
– jpmc26
Mar 23 at 15:56
2
@jpmc26 well, try to get the scribble right when you don't even know what it's supposed to say ;)
– Frank Hopkins
Mar 24 at 0:49
3
Must the signature be fixed? Wouldn't it be better to have a unique signature per document so that it becomes impossible to forge it? It would be easy to mix a cryptographic secret, with the name of the parties, the name of the document and date to generate an alphanumeric signature to be written in a document...
– Bakuriu
Mar 24 at 16:15
@Bakuriu That would be a digital signature, which has a different purpose to a traditional signature. Traditional signatures are as much about solemnization as authentication.
– bdsl
Mar 25 at 14:09
|
show 2 more comments
In contrast to the US, where I live in Europe only the written surname (first name optional) is considered a valid signature (in most cases). Some documents, like a Last Will, even need to be signed with your full name, including middle name(s).
It is possible though to use any sign as your legal signature if the sign is registered and affirmed by a notary. This exception was intended for people who aren't able to write.
edited Mar 25 at 9:07
Martin Bonner
2,670417
answered Mar 23 at 18:47
JulianJulian
411
5
In the US you can sign with an "X" if so inclined or unable to sign otherwise. It's quite liberal
– A. K.
Mar 23 at 18:49
3
In the U.S., a scribble that only theoretically contains your name is perfectly legal as a signature (source: I live in the U.S.), so I'm inclined to doubt that a smileyface or emoji or whatnot would be prohibited.
– Sean
Mar 23 at 21:02
1
Welcome to the site! Thanks for trying to help but we're looking for answers that are reasonably authoritative. We already have a detailed answer that explains that, yes, this is legal, so it's not really useful to add an answer of "I'm not sure", acknowledging that the US is different from Europe, and ending with "I bet [the US is similar to Europe]".
– David Richerby
Mar 23 at 21:31
3
For your interest: The answer is correct for Germany.
– K-HB
Mar 23 at 22:18
4
This is not true for the Netherlands. It would be wise not to make claims over the whole of Europe, as the laws are vastly different between even neighboring countries.
– Sebastiaan van den Broek
Mar 24 at 8:05
|
show 5 more comments
A contract is a meeting of the minds. If your conduct before and immediately after the signing resembles the way people act when they have a meeting of the minds, that is proof of agreement.
To invalidate a contract over a defective signature, a party would have to object timely to the signature; immediately or the first time they reasonably should have seen it.
And then, since a contract is a meeting of the minds, you must reach a meeting of the minds about what an acceptable signature is. Both of you can draw vulgar graffiti tier art of a rooster and balls for all it matters, as long as you both signed it.
answered Mar 24 at 1:03
HarperHarper
2,9071215
add a comment |
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3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
Can I sign legal documents with a smiley face?
Yes, that is lawful. A person's signature does not necessarily have to include the person's name or initials. What matters is that the signature reliably and unequivocally identifies the person who produces it, which apparently you have been able to prove by showing your driver's license.
The Black's Law Dictionary (4th Edition) states in its entry for signature that "whatever mark, symbol, or device one may choose to employ as representative of himself is sufficient". It directs to the entry for sign, which likewise speaks in terms of "any mark, as upon a document, in token of knowledge, approval, acceptance or obligation". Accordingly, your signature qualifies as mark or symbol that fits these purposes.
Your history of signing other legally binding documents that way further reinforces the authenticity of your signature.
If it is legal, is it a bad idea?
It is a bad idea to the extent (if any) that (1) others can easily forge your signature (notwithstanding that forgery or identity theft might be proved circumstantially); and (2) verifying your identity may cause hassle or annoyance to you and/or third parties. But this paragraph obviously is applicable to any and all signatures, not just those which at first glance may seem to be a joke.
answered Mar 23 at 13:00
Iñaki ViggersIñaki Viggers
10.3k21530
3
As far as I know, when you sign, that is legally binding, no matter how you sign - whether you sign with an Emoji or as "Mickey Mouse", it is binding for you. And it is legal unless you do at as part of fraud. So if you sign with an Emoji and later claim you didn't sign this, that may be fraud.
– gnasher729
Mar 23 at 15:26
6
What's different with this particular set of characters is that, being punctuation, they're probably much easier to forge than a normal signature, which will usually contain more unique or unusual features. Although doctors basically get away with scribbles for signatures. =)
– jpmc26
Mar 23 at 15:56
2
@jpmc26 well, try to get the scribble right when you don't even know what it's supposed to say ;)
– Frank Hopkins
Mar 24 at 0:49
3
Must the signature be fixed? Wouldn't it be better to have a unique signature per document so that it becomes impossible to forge it? It would be easy to mix a cryptographic secret, with the name of the parties, the name of the document and date to generate an alphanumeric signature to be written in a document...
– Bakuriu
Mar 24 at 16:15
@Bakuriu That would be a digital signature, which has a different purpose to a traditional signature. Traditional signatures are as much about solemnization as authentication.
– bdsl
Mar 25 at 14:09
|
show 2 more comments
Can I sign legal documents with a smiley face?
Yes, that is lawful. A person's signature does not necessarily have to include the person's name or initials. What matters is that the signature reliably and unequivocally identifies the person who produces it, which apparently you have been able to prove by showing your driver's license.
The Black's Law Dictionary (4th Edition) states in its entry for signature that "whatever mark, symbol, or device one may choose to employ as representative of himself is sufficient". It directs to the entry for sign, which likewise speaks in terms of "any mark, as upon a document, in token of knowledge, approval, acceptance or obligation". Accordingly, your signature qualifies as mark or symbol that fits these purposes.
Your history of signing other legally binding documents that way further reinforces the authenticity of your signature.
If it is legal, is it a bad idea?
It is a bad idea to the extent (if any) that (1) others can easily forge your signature (notwithstanding that forgery or identity theft might be proved circumstantially); and (2) verifying your identity may cause hassle or annoyance to you and/or third parties. But this paragraph obviously is applicable to any and all signatures, not just those which at first glance may seem to be a joke.
answered Mar 23 at 13:00
Iñaki ViggersIñaki Viggers
10.3k21530
3
As far as I know, when you sign, that is legally binding, no matter how you sign - whether you sign with an Emoji or as "Mickey Mouse", it is binding for you. And it is legal unless you do at as part of fraud. So if you sign with an Emoji and later claim you didn't sign this, that may be fraud.
– gnasher729
Mar 23 at 15:26
6
What's different with this particular set of characters is that, being punctuation, they're probably much easier to forge than a normal signature, which will usually contain more unique or unusual features. Although doctors basically get away with scribbles for signatures. =)
– jpmc26
Mar 23 at 15:56
2
@jpmc26 well, try to get the scribble right when you don't even know what it's supposed to say ;)
– Frank Hopkins
Mar 24 at 0:49
3
Must the signature be fixed? Wouldn't it be better to have a unique signature per document so that it becomes impossible to forge it? It would be easy to mix a cryptographic secret, with the name of the parties, the name of the document and date to generate an alphanumeric signature to be written in a document...
– Bakuriu
Mar 24 at 16:15
@Bakuriu That would be a digital signature, which has a different purpose to a traditional signature. Traditional signatures are as much about solemnization as authentication.
– bdsl
Mar 25 at 14:09
|
show 2 more comments
Can I sign legal documents with a smiley face?
Yes, that is lawful. A person's signature does not necessarily have to include the person's name or initials. What matters is that the signature reliably and unequivocally identifies the person who produces it, which apparently you have been able to prove by showing your driver's license.
The Black's Law Dictionary (4th Edition) states in its entry for signature that "whatever mark, symbol, or device one may choose to employ as representative of himself is sufficient". It directs to the entry for sign, which likewise speaks in terms of "any mark, as upon a document, in token of knowledge, approval, acceptance or obligation". Accordingly, your signature qualifies as mark or symbol that fits these purposes.
Your history of signing other legally binding documents that way further reinforces the authenticity of your signature.
If it is legal, is it a bad idea?
It is a bad idea to the extent (if any) that (1) others can easily forge your signature (notwithstanding that forgery or identity theft might be proved circumstantially); and (2) verifying your identity may cause hassle or annoyance to you and/or third parties. But this paragraph obviously is applicable to any and all signatures, not just those which at first glance may seem to be a joke.
answered Mar 23 at 13:00
Iñaki ViggersIñaki Viggers
10.3k21530
Can I sign legal documents with a smiley face?
Yes, that is lawful. A person's signature does not necessarily have to include the person's name or initials. What matters is that the signature reliably and unequivocally identifies the person who produces it, which apparently you have been able to prove by showing your driver's license.
The Black's Law Dictionary (4th Edition) states in its entry for signature that "whatever mark, symbol, or device one may choose to employ as representative of himself is sufficient". It directs to the entry for sign, which likewise speaks in terms of "any mark, as upon a document, in token of knowledge, approval, acceptance or obligation". Accordingly, your signature qualifies as mark or symbol that fits these purposes.
Your history of signing other legally binding documents that way further reinforces the authenticity of your signature.
If it is legal, is it a bad idea?
It is a bad idea to the extent (if any) that (1) others can easily forge your signature (notwithstanding that forgery or identity theft might be proved circumstantially); and (2) verifying your identity may cause hassle or annoyance to you and/or third parties. But this paragraph obviously is applicable to any and all signatures, not just those which at first glance may seem to be a joke.
answered Mar 23 at 13:00
Iñaki ViggersIñaki Viggers
10.3k21530
edited Mar 23 at 21:57
answered Mar 23 at 13:00
Iñaki ViggersIñaki Viggers
10.3k21530
answered Mar 23 at 13:00
Iñaki ViggersIñaki Viggers
10.3k21530
answered Mar 23 at 13:00
Iñaki ViggersIñaki Viggers
10.3k21530
10.3k21530
3
As far as I know, when you sign, that is legally binding, no matter how you sign - whether you sign with an Emoji or as "Mickey Mouse", it is binding for you. And it is legal unless you do at as part of fraud. So if you sign with an Emoji and later claim you didn't sign this, that may be fraud.
– gnasher729
Mar 23 at 15:26
6
What's different with this particular set of characters is that, being punctuation, they're probably much easier to forge than a normal signature, which will usually contain more unique or unusual features. Although doctors basically get away with scribbles for signatures. =)
– jpmc26
Mar 23 at 15:56
2
@jpmc26 well, try to get the scribble right when you don't even know what it's supposed to say ;)
– Frank Hopkins
Mar 24 at 0:49
3
Must the signature be fixed? Wouldn't it be better to have a unique signature per document so that it becomes impossible to forge it? It would be easy to mix a cryptographic secret, with the name of the parties, the name of the document and date to generate an alphanumeric signature to be written in a document...
– Bakuriu
Mar 24 at 16:15
@Bakuriu That would be a digital signature, which has a different purpose to a traditional signature. Traditional signatures are as much about solemnization as authentication.
– bdsl
Mar 25 at 14:09
|
show 2 more comments
3
As far as I know, when you sign, that is legally binding, no matter how you sign - whether you sign with an Emoji or as "Mickey Mouse", it is binding for you. And it is legal unless you do at as part of fraud. So if you sign with an Emoji and later claim you didn't sign this, that may be fraud.
– gnasher729
Mar 23 at 15:26
6
What's different with this particular set of characters is that, being punctuation, they're probably much easier to forge than a normal signature, which will usually contain more unique or unusual features. Although doctors basically get away with scribbles for signatures. =)
– jpmc26
Mar 23 at 15:56
2
@jpmc26 well, try to get the scribble right when you don't even know what it's supposed to say ;)
– Frank Hopkins
Mar 24 at 0:49
3
Must the signature be fixed? Wouldn't it be better to have a unique signature per document so that it becomes impossible to forge it? It would be easy to mix a cryptographic secret, with the name of the parties, the name of the document and date to generate an alphanumeric signature to be written in a document...
– Bakuriu
Mar 24 at 16:15
@Bakuriu That would be a digital signature, which has a different purpose to a traditional signature. Traditional signatures are as much about solemnization as authentication.
– bdsl
Mar 25 at 14:09
3
3
As far as I know, when you sign, that is legally binding, no matter how you sign - whether you sign with an Emoji or as "Mickey Mouse", it is binding for you. And it is legal unless you do at as part of fraud. So if you sign with an Emoji and later claim you didn't sign this, that may be fraud.
– gnasher729
Mar 23 at 15:26
As far as I know, when you sign, that is legally binding, no matter how you sign - whether you sign with an Emoji or as "Mickey Mouse", it is binding for you. And it is legal unless you do at as part of fraud. So if you sign with an Emoji and later claim you didn't sign this, that may be fraud.
– gnasher729
Mar 23 at 15:26
6
6
What's different with this particular set of characters is that, being punctuation, they're probably much easier to forge than a normal signature, which will usually contain more unique or unusual features. Although doctors basically get away with scribbles for signatures. =)
– jpmc26
Mar 23 at 15:56
What's different with this particular set of characters is that, being punctuation, they're probably much easier to forge than a normal signature, which will usually contain more unique or unusual features. Although doctors basically get away with scribbles for signatures. =)
– jpmc26
Mar 23 at 15:56
2
2
@jpmc26 well, try to get the scribble right when you don't even know what it's supposed to say ;)
– Frank Hopkins
Mar 24 at 0:49
@jpmc26 well, try to get the scribble right when you don't even know what it's supposed to say ;)
– Frank Hopkins
Mar 24 at 0:49
3
3
Must the signature be fixed? Wouldn't it be better to have a unique signature per document so that it becomes impossible to forge it? It would be easy to mix a cryptographic secret, with the name of the parties, the name of the document and date to generate an alphanumeric signature to be written in a document...
– Bakuriu
Mar 24 at 16:15
Must the signature be fixed? Wouldn't it be better to have a unique signature per document so that it becomes impossible to forge it? It would be easy to mix a cryptographic secret, with the name of the parties, the name of the document and date to generate an alphanumeric signature to be written in a document...
– Bakuriu
Mar 24 at 16:15
@Bakuriu That would be a digital signature, which has a different purpose to a traditional signature. Traditional signatures are as much about solemnization as authentication.
– bdsl
Mar 25 at 14:09
@Bakuriu That would be a digital signature, which has a different purpose to a traditional signature. Traditional signatures are as much about solemnization as authentication.
– bdsl
Mar 25 at 14:09
|
show 2 more comments
In contrast to the US, where I live in Europe only the written surname (first name optional) is considered a valid signature (in most cases). Some documents, like a Last Will, even need to be signed with your full name, including middle name(s).
It is possible though to use any sign as your legal signature if the sign is registered and affirmed by a notary. This exception was intended for people who aren't able to write.
edited Mar 25 at 9:07
Martin Bonner
2,670417
answered Mar 23 at 18:47
JulianJulian
411
5
In the US you can sign with an "X" if so inclined or unable to sign otherwise. It's quite liberal
– A. K.
Mar 23 at 18:49
3
In the U.S., a scribble that only theoretically contains your name is perfectly legal as a signature (source: I live in the U.S.), so I'm inclined to doubt that a smileyface or emoji or whatnot would be prohibited.
– Sean
Mar 23 at 21:02
1
Welcome to the site! Thanks for trying to help but we're looking for answers that are reasonably authoritative. We already have a detailed answer that explains that, yes, this is legal, so it's not really useful to add an answer of "I'm not sure", acknowledging that the US is different from Europe, and ending with "I bet [the US is similar to Europe]".
– David Richerby
Mar 23 at 21:31
3
For your interest: The answer is correct for Germany.
– K-HB
Mar 23 at 22:18
4
This is not true for the Netherlands. It would be wise not to make claims over the whole of Europe, as the laws are vastly different between even neighboring countries.
– Sebastiaan van den Broek
Mar 24 at 8:05
|
show 5 more comments
In contrast to the US, where I live in Europe only the written surname (first name optional) is considered a valid signature (in most cases). Some documents, like a Last Will, even need to be signed with your full name, including middle name(s).
It is possible though to use any sign as your legal signature if the sign is registered and affirmed by a notary. This exception was intended for people who aren't able to write.
edited Mar 25 at 9:07
Martin Bonner
2,670417
answered Mar 23 at 18:47
JulianJulian
411
5
In the US you can sign with an "X" if so inclined or unable to sign otherwise. It's quite liberal
– A. K.
Mar 23 at 18:49
3
In the U.S., a scribble that only theoretically contains your name is perfectly legal as a signature (source: I live in the U.S.), so I'm inclined to doubt that a smileyface or emoji or whatnot would be prohibited.
– Sean
Mar 23 at 21:02
1
Welcome to the site! Thanks for trying to help but we're looking for answers that are reasonably authoritative. We already have a detailed answer that explains that, yes, this is legal, so it's not really useful to add an answer of "I'm not sure", acknowledging that the US is different from Europe, and ending with "I bet [the US is similar to Europe]".
– David Richerby
Mar 23 at 21:31
3
For your interest: The answer is correct for Germany.
– K-HB
Mar 23 at 22:18
4
This is not true for the Netherlands. It would be wise not to make claims over the whole of Europe, as the laws are vastly different between even neighboring countries.
– Sebastiaan van den Broek
Mar 24 at 8:05
|
show 5 more comments
In contrast to the US, where I live in Europe only the written surname (first name optional) is considered a valid signature (in most cases). Some documents, like a Last Will, even need to be signed with your full name, including middle name(s).
It is possible though to use any sign as your legal signature if the sign is registered and affirmed by a notary. This exception was intended for people who aren't able to write.
edited Mar 25 at 9:07
Martin Bonner
2,670417
answered Mar 23 at 18:47
JulianJulian
411
In contrast to the US, where I live in Europe only the written surname (first name optional) is considered a valid signature (in most cases). Some documents, like a Last Will, even need to be signed with your full name, including middle name(s).
It is possible though to use any sign as your legal signature if the sign is registered and affirmed by a notary. This exception was intended for people who aren't able to write.
edited Mar 25 at 9:07
Martin Bonner
2,670417
answered Mar 23 at 18:47
JulianJulian
411
edited Mar 25 at 9:07
Martin Bonner
2,670417
edited Mar 25 at 9:07
Martin Bonner
2,670417
edited Mar 25 at 9:07
Martin Bonner
2,670417
2,670417
answered Mar 23 at 18:47
JulianJulian
411
answered Mar 23 at 18:47
JulianJulian
411
answered Mar 23 at 18:47
JulianJulian
411
411
5
In the US you can sign with an "X" if so inclined or unable to sign otherwise. It's quite liberal
– A. K.
Mar 23 at 18:49
3
In the U.S., a scribble that only theoretically contains your name is perfectly legal as a signature (source: I live in the U.S.), so I'm inclined to doubt that a smileyface or emoji or whatnot would be prohibited.
– Sean
Mar 23 at 21:02
1
Welcome to the site! Thanks for trying to help but we're looking for answers that are reasonably authoritative. We already have a detailed answer that explains that, yes, this is legal, so it's not really useful to add an answer of "I'm not sure", acknowledging that the US is different from Europe, and ending with "I bet [the US is similar to Europe]".
– David Richerby
Mar 23 at 21:31
3
For your interest: The answer is correct for Germany.
– K-HB
Mar 23 at 22:18
4
This is not true for the Netherlands. It would be wise not to make claims over the whole of Europe, as the laws are vastly different between even neighboring countries.
– Sebastiaan van den Broek
Mar 24 at 8:05
|
show 5 more comments
5
In the US you can sign with an "X" if so inclined or unable to sign otherwise. It's quite liberal
– A. K.
Mar 23 at 18:49
3
In the U.S., a scribble that only theoretically contains your name is perfectly legal as a signature (source: I live in the U.S.), so I'm inclined to doubt that a smileyface or emoji or whatnot would be prohibited.
– Sean
Mar 23 at 21:02
1
Welcome to the site! Thanks for trying to help but we're looking for answers that are reasonably authoritative. We already have a detailed answer that explains that, yes, this is legal, so it's not really useful to add an answer of "I'm not sure", acknowledging that the US is different from Europe, and ending with "I bet [the US is similar to Europe]".
– David Richerby
Mar 23 at 21:31
3
For your interest: The answer is correct for Germany.
– K-HB
Mar 23 at 22:18
4
This is not true for the Netherlands. It would be wise not to make claims over the whole of Europe, as the laws are vastly different between even neighboring countries.
– Sebastiaan van den Broek
Mar 24 at 8:05
5
5
In the US you can sign with an "X" if so inclined or unable to sign otherwise. It's quite liberal
– A. K.
Mar 23 at 18:49
In the US you can sign with an "X" if so inclined or unable to sign otherwise. It's quite liberal
– A. K.
Mar 23 at 18:49
3
3
In the U.S., a scribble that only theoretically contains your name is perfectly legal as a signature (source: I live in the U.S.), so I'm inclined to doubt that a smileyface or emoji or whatnot would be prohibited.
– Sean
Mar 23 at 21:02
In the U.S., a scribble that only theoretically contains your name is perfectly legal as a signature (source: I live in the U.S.), so I'm inclined to doubt that a smileyface or emoji or whatnot would be prohibited.
– Sean
Mar 23 at 21:02
1
1
Welcome to the site! Thanks for trying to help but we're looking for answers that are reasonably authoritative. We already have a detailed answer that explains that, yes, this is legal, so it's not really useful to add an answer of "I'm not sure", acknowledging that the US is different from Europe, and ending with "I bet [the US is similar to Europe]".
– David Richerby
Mar 23 at 21:31
Welcome to the site! Thanks for trying to help but we're looking for answers that are reasonably authoritative. We already have a detailed answer that explains that, yes, this is legal, so it's not really useful to add an answer of "I'm not sure", acknowledging that the US is different from Europe, and ending with "I bet [the US is similar to Europe]".
– David Richerby
Mar 23 at 21:31
3
3
For your interest: The answer is correct for Germany.
– K-HB
Mar 23 at 22:18
For your interest: The answer is correct for Germany.
– K-HB
Mar 23 at 22:18
4
4
This is not true for the Netherlands. It would be wise not to make claims over the whole of Europe, as the laws are vastly different between even neighboring countries.
– Sebastiaan van den Broek
Mar 24 at 8:05
This is not true for the Netherlands. It would be wise not to make claims over the whole of Europe, as the laws are vastly different between even neighboring countries.
– Sebastiaan van den Broek
Mar 24 at 8:05
|
show 5 more comments
A contract is a meeting of the minds. If your conduct before and immediately after the signing resembles the way people act when they have a meeting of the minds, that is proof of agreement.
To invalidate a contract over a defective signature, a party would have to object timely to the signature; immediately or the first time they reasonably should have seen it.
And then, since a contract is a meeting of the minds, you must reach a meeting of the minds about what an acceptable signature is. Both of you can draw vulgar graffiti tier art of a rooster and balls for all it matters, as long as you both signed it.
answered Mar 24 at 1:03
HarperHarper
2,9071215
add a comment |
A contract is a meeting of the minds. If your conduct before and immediately after the signing resembles the way people act when they have a meeting of the minds, that is proof of agreement.
To invalidate a contract over a defective signature, a party would have to object timely to the signature; immediately or the first time they reasonably should have seen it.
And then, since a contract is a meeting of the minds, you must reach a meeting of the minds about what an acceptable signature is. Both of you can draw vulgar graffiti tier art of a rooster and balls for all it matters, as long as you both signed it.
answered Mar 24 at 1:03
HarperHarper
2,9071215
add a comment |
A contract is a meeting of the minds. If your conduct before and immediately after the signing resembles the way people act when they have a meeting of the minds, that is proof of agreement.
To invalidate a contract over a defective signature, a party would have to object timely to the signature; immediately or the first time they reasonably should have seen it.
And then, since a contract is a meeting of the minds, you must reach a meeting of the minds about what an acceptable signature is. Both of you can draw vulgar graffiti tier art of a rooster and balls for all it matters, as long as you both signed it.
answered Mar 24 at 1:03
HarperHarper
2,9071215
A contract is a meeting of the minds. If your conduct before and immediately after the signing resembles the way people act when they have a meeting of the minds, that is proof of agreement.
To invalidate a contract over a defective signature, a party would have to object timely to the signature; immediately or the first time they reasonably should have seen it.
And then, since a contract is a meeting of the minds, you must reach a meeting of the minds about what an acceptable signature is. Both of you can draw vulgar graffiti tier art of a rooster and balls for all it matters, as long as you both signed it.
answered Mar 24 at 1:03
HarperHarper
2,9071215
answered Mar 24 at 1:03
HarperHarper
2,9071215
answered Mar 24 at 1:03
HarperHarper
2,9071215
answered Mar 24 at 1:03
HarperHarper
2,9071215
2,9071215
add a comment |
add a comment |
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5
I recall an anecdote about a judge who included a smiley face as part of his regular signature. This caused an appeal of a death sentence because when he signed the relevant documents he included the smiley face on that as well.
– EvilSnack
Mar 24 at 0:17
This reminds me of a video I watched at some point: youtube.com/watch?v=maT-vb458eg
– Solomon Ucko
Mar 24 at 2:13
5
Note that the root of the word "signature" is "sign", i.e. a mark used to identify. Any mark will do, the illiterate traditionally used a simple X to sign.
– dotancohen
Mar 24 at 7:40
Is your name Ron Toye perhaps? :)
– noClue
Mar 25 at 10:49