Frequently Asked Question

This process walks you through how to obtain a digital signature in a document in Microsoft Word (In short - how to have someone input their signature into a digital file)

When in Word

Go to the Insert Tab and look on the right side for Signature Line.  

Click the down arrow to the right of the word "Signature Line"

This will bring up a small menu, one of the options being "Microsoft Office Signature Line..."

Microsoft Office Digital Signatures combine the familiarity of a paper signing experience with the convenience of a digital format.  While this feature provides users with the ability to verify a document's integrity, evidentiary laws may vary by jurisdiction.  Microsoft thus cannot warrant a digital signature's legal enforceability.  The third-party digital signature service providers available from the Office Marketplace may offer other levels of digital signature assurance. 

IN SHORT -> Their digital signature on the document may not make this a "legal document" for use in a legal setting.  You must first check with an attorney or other legal official in your area to ensure that this process is proper.

After you press OK to the above message this box will now come up:


Complete all information in all the fields.  

Once you have completed all the fields - you will now double click on the signature box and you will either be given the option to:



Currently the only option is to "Create your own digital ID."  Getting a digital ID from a Microsoft Partner requires a purchase of some kind.



Complete the Information in the screen above and hit "Create".



Sign the box next to the "X".  You can sign using a mouse or a stylus.  



NOTE THAT IF YOU ALTER THE DOCUMENT IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM THE SIGNATURE BECOMES INVALID.  

The document will be marked as final.