Differences Between Initials and Signatures That You Need to Know

Do you know the differences between initials and signatures? Maybe you or some people out there still think that initials and signatures are the same thing. Although both can be used to provide validity to a document, the two have significant differences.

Knowing the difference between the two is important. The reason is, if you use it wrong in a document, it could be that the document is considered invalid. So, what exactly is the difference between the two?

If you are curious and interested in understanding it further, please refer to the explanation in this article. Through this article, AdIns will provide complete information regarding the difference between initials and signatures. In addition, you will also get important information regarding the benefits of digital signatures. For that purpose, let’s read the information to the end!

5 Differences Between Initials and Signatures

At first glance, the initials and signatures look the same. However, if you look more closely, the two have differences. The difference between the two can be seen from various aspects. For more details, let’s see what are the differences between the two below!

1. Definitions

First, you can tell the difference between an initial and a signature by looking at their definition or meaning. The signature itself is an identity used to ratify a document.

Meanwhile, according to the KBBI, initials are a short form of signature. If described in more detail, initials are a shortened form of signature or self-identity which are generally made in a simpler way.

Read Also: 4 Cara Membuat Tanda Tangan Digital untuk Kemudahan Bisnis

2. Shape

Signatures usually have a longer shape and tend to be more complicated. The goal is to make it difficult for irresponsible people to imitate so that it can minimize the crime of forging signatures that can harm you.

Meanwhile, initials have a shorter and simpler form when compared to signatures. However, sometimes there are also people who write their signatures simply. So, you have to be more observant in seeing the shape of the two.

3. Function

Furthermore, you can distinguish initials and signatures from their functions. Signatures have a more crucial function than initials. Signature serves to provide legality to an official document.

Meanwhile, initials are usually used as a marker of a document that has been checked or verified by the person concerned. In a company, usually superiors will not want to sign a document if it does not have initials in it.

4. Emplacement

In an official document, the initials are usually written on the side of the signature column provided. In addition, the size is also usually smaller than the signature. This is so that the signature on an official document can be written well and not confuse the reader.

The use of the two becomes different if they are used in an unofficial document. Initials will be written in normal size and have their own column.

5. Types of Writing

In general, either initials or signatures are usually written using a pen on a piece of paper. However, with today’s technological advances, signatures can be written digitally.

Writing a digital signature will provide very significant advantages and benefits. One of them is that you no longer have to bother submitting physical documents and asking your boss for a signature to ratify a document.

Read Also: Identitas Digital: Pengertian dan Kegunaannya dalam Bisnis

Are We Allowed to Change Our Signatures?

Can we change our signature or not? This question is one that often confuses many people. The reason is because this is very closely related to the administration of an important document. Everyone has their own reasons for changing their signature, one of which is related to security issues. So, is changing the signature allowed?

According to Article 1875 of the Civil Code, it is permissible to change signatures and still be considered valid as long as the validity of the signature is recognized by the person concerned.

However, what you need to know is that when you change your signature, it will have implications because of the different signatures used in previous documents. Therefore, as a consequence you also need to renew signatures on important documents such as ID cards, family cards, savings books, and insurance so that all signatures are the same and can still be recognized as valid.

So, you should only change the signature if it is really necessary. Remember, the process will take a lot of time, money, and also your energy.

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What Are the Benefits of Digital Signatures?

In the digital era like today, there are many activities or jobs whose processes have become much easier, one of which is making signatures. Now, creating a signature can be done easily using a digital signature. The benefits and convenience offered by digital signatures make many people start using them to certify a document.

Some of the benefits that you can feel when using a digital signature include:

• More cost and time efficient, and thanks to digital signatures, you no longer need to manually print, scan, and send documents to be signed;
• Environmentally friendly and paperless nature which makes digital signatures safe for the environment;
• Easy to trace, the digital form becomes easier for us to find and record ourselves;
• More secure, because digital signatures can minimize forgery thanks to being equipped with various security systems; and
• Legally recognized, as digital signatures are regulated in Indonesian law, so they are legal to use.

Now, we expect that you already know the differences between initials and signatures. If you are interested in trying a reliable Digital Signature service, consider using Digital Signature from AdIns. The AdIns Digital Signature service is equipped with various security systems, so that it can prevent the act of forging signatures. In addition, for those of you who are still in doubt, you can submit a demo first. Contact AdIns right now for further information!