FAQ's

How do I apply for a SmartSignature?
You can apply for a SignOnline SmartSignature from one of SignOnline's affiliate client's sites. For a listing of our clients please refer to our client section of the website.

What information is checked to verify my identity?
We check name, address, social security number and email address. If these verify, then we ask out of wallet questions to further confirm your identity (e.g. questions that could not be answered in the event your wallet was lost or stolen). These are multiple-choice questions that are composed from information contained in your credit profile that only you or your spouse would know.

Once I have my SmartSignature how do I ensure its security?
Our signing software requires you to password protect your digital certificate the first time you sign a document. Once you have selected a password to safeguard the security of your certificate; you should never share your password with anyone.

Who should I call if I forget my password for my SmartSignature?
You should call the SignOnline solution center at 877-974-4666 or 877-9SIGNON. Our customer care representatives will direct you to the correct site to apply for a new SmartSignature and report your previous SmartSignature as invalid.

Is SignOnline a free service to the end-user?
Yes. Your SmartSignature is good for one year and the client site pays the certificate fee. Upon renewal there will be a price attached. Once you have your SmartSignature you can sign documents from any of SignOnline's affiliate clients.

Can an individual use the SignOnline solution by simply applying for a SmartSignature and downloading the signing software?
No. Although SignOnline's solution is a business to consumer application, for the SignOnline solution to work you must participate from one of our affiliate client's sites.

How can I learn more about SignOnline?
You can learn more about the SignOnline solution by emailing us at signonline@wavesys.com for Technical Information; sales@signonline.com for Sales Information.

The content of the document I want to sign is incorrect?
Please contact the affiliate client that prepared the documents so they can make the necessary correction. SignOnline is not permitted to make any content changes to ensure your documents privacy and security.

Why PDF XML Format?

SignOnline’s Service is based on a hybrid PDF-XML format.  The following outlines why SignOnline feels this format is superior to other potential formats.

I.         PDF is the best universal format for “document presentation”.

a.   Maintains document formatting (e.g., font, margins) requirements of certain signed writings

b.   Does not require documents to be re-formatted. Any document that can be printed can be converted to a PDF.

c.   Offers ability to do a one-way lock down on PDF so that no party can alter the image or XML, including the author.   SignOnline’s applications have this lock-down option built in so Clients don’t have to do any customized programming to prevent tampering.

d.   Can do document comparison in Acrobat with original as further protection from unauthorized changes. 

II.          Other formats are difficult to control display and tampering

a.   HTML-XML or XML formats display differently depending on browser.  Very difficult to maintain formatting and ensure compliance with format requirements.  Many legal documents can only be presented in one rigidly defined format and are not enforceable if presented otherwise.

b.   HTML-XML or XML only formats would require re-formatting of documents by Clients or document companies.  Expensive and time-consuming undertaking for national or large regional players. (Legal dept. may need to recertify all documents instead of just new electronic procedures)

c.   Text-based formats (e.g., HTML-XML or XML only formats) difficult to secure from tampering without extreme measures while PDF documents allow for a complete lock-down of image and data.

d.   PDF is a self-contained format that does not need links to display graphical items (e.g. HTML), and further restricts tampering after the fact as graphical items are part of the document and not called by the document.

III.         Combining XML into a PDF document enables intelligent signing, quality control and data exchange.

a.   One subset of XML would cover signing and storage parameters.  Includes: Client info, Document info, and Signing info.

                                        i.      Controls who document belongs to and how they want logically stored.

                                       ii.      Sets parameters for document such as who can sign as well as certificate and document expiration dates.

                                      iii.      Places burden of quality control on signing interface instead of human resource.

b.   Second subset of XML would contain additional XML data relevant to transaction based on industry or client defined data set. 

c.   Allows for logical storage and retrieval of both digitally signed document and relevant XML blob