Digital Signature
Based on the Government Paperwork Elimination Act (GPEA) you are encouraged to submit your application electronically, which requires a digital signature. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) provides procedures and guidance to implement the GPEA. GPEA requires Federal agencies, by October 21, 2003, to allow individuals or entities that deal with the agencies the option to submit information or transact with the agency electronically, when practicable, and to maintain records electronically, when practicable. The Act specifically states that electronic records and their related electronic signatures are not to be denied legal effect, validity, or enforceability merely because they are in electronic form, and encourages Federal government use of a range of electronic signature alternatives.For further and complete information regarding this Act you can visit the OMB website.
There are several companies that offer electronic signature service, or you may already have that capability.
Please see the following links that offer this service:
- Digital Signature Trust An identrus company.
- Verisign Inc., Verisign© Digital Trust Services.
- Entrust, Entrust©, Securing the Internet.