How to Sign a Contract Online: Free Digital Tools to Do It

Digitalization has transformed the way we handle daily tasks, and contract signing is no exception. Gone are the days of printing, signing by hand, and scanning documents. Today, there are digital solutions that allow you to sign contracts online quickly, securely, and legally.

If you’ve ever wondered how to sign a contract online without spending money, this article explains the best free tools available and the importance of identity verification in the process.

Is It Legal to Sign a Contract Online?

Yes, signing contracts online is completely legal in most countries. However, it is crucial to understand the different types of electronic signatures and the regulations that govern them.

Types of Electronic Signatures

✒️ Simple electronic signature: A typed name in a digital document or an image of a handwritten signature.

✒️ Advanced electronic signature: Uniquely linked to the signer, using biometric authentication or encrypted keys.

✒️ Qualified electronic signature: Meets the highest security and authentication standards, equivalent to a handwritten signature.

Regulations Supporting Digital Signatures

🖋️ eIDAS (EU): Regulates electronic signatures in Europe, ensuring their legal validity.

🖋️ ESIGN Act (USA): Grants electronic signatures the same legal validity as handwritten signatures in commercial contracts.

Free Tools to Sign Contracts Online

Several platforms allow you to sign digital documents for free. Here are some of the best options:

Adobe Acrobat 

​✔️ Offers a free version with limited features.

​✔️ Allows easy signing of PDF documents.

​✔️ Ideal for quick signatures without complex integrations.

DocuSign 

​✔️ Available as a free trial for 30 days.

​✔️ Enables document sending and signing from any device.

​✔️ Compatible with integrations like Google Drive and Microsoft.

HelloSign 

​✔️ Free plan allows signing up to three documents per month.

​✔️ Simple and user-friendly interface.

​✔️ Compatible with Dropbox for document storage.

Silt – Secure Identity Verification and Electronic Signing

✅ Specialized platform for identity verification and digital signing.

✅ Ideal for businesses needing KYB (Know Your Business) and KYC (Know Your Customer) processes.

✅ Automates identity validation to ensure security and compliance.

How to Sign a Contract Online Step by Step

If you want to sign a contract online, follow these steps:

1. Select a suitable platform: Choose one of the mentioned tools based on your needs.
2. Upload the document: Most platforms allow uploading files in PDF or Word format.
3. Verify identity (optional but recommended): Some tools, like Silt, offer biometric verification for added security.
4. Apply the digital signature: Depending on the platform, you can type, draw, or upload an image of your signature.
5. Download and share the signed contract: Save a copy and send the document to the involved parties.

KYB, KYC, and the Importance of Identity Verification in Digital Signatures

Businesses not only need to sign documents securely but also ensure that the people and companies they work with are who they claim to be. This is where KYB (Know Your Business) and KYC (Know Your Customer) processes come into play.

What Are KYB and KYC?

• KYC: Customer identity verification to prevent fraud and comply with regulations.
• KYB: Business and company validation before establishing commercial relationships.

Why Is This Important for Digital Contract Signing?

• Prevents fraud and identity theft.
• Ensures compliance with legal and data protection regulations.
• Guarantees that all parties involved are authentic.

Silt: The Complete Solution for Identity Verification and Contract Signing

Silt is a platform that ensures contracts are signed by verified individuals and companies. Applied to your business, this reduces risks and enhances trust in digital transactions.

Security and efficiency in your digital signature

Signing contracts online is no longer an option, but a necessity in a digital world. Through identity verification (KYB, KYC), you can guarantee security and regulatory compliance in your contracts.

With us, you’ll lose the fear of signing 😎! We protect you, but remember, reading before signing is still your responsibility 😂.