Since we can’t rubber stamp a digital document, various methods of digital ‘signatures’ are now being used.

Certificate authorities issue varying levels of signatures. In general, the more secure the signature, the more complicated the process...and the more expensive.

A ‘Business Certificate’ can verify not only that you are who you claim to be but also that you are employed by a particular company. This can cost up to several hundred dollars a year.

If you are submitting plans to a government organization, check with them first about what they will or will not accept as a digital signature. Slowly, slowly they are coming around to the digital facts of life.

Check out http://www.verisign.com or http://www.identrus.com for details.