What is a signature?
Q: What is a signature?
A: A signature is a special way that people write their name to let others know that they understand or approve of something that was written.
Q: When is a signature used?
A: A signature is often used to sign a contract, a cheque, or a petition.
Q: How do signatures look in the United States?
A: In the United States, many people have a signature which is made from writing their name in their own handwriting, often in cursive. Some signatures may be written in a different style than normal writing, which may make it difficult to read. Some people practice autographs, or fancy signatures that are hard to copy.
Q: What did some people use hundreds of years ago instead of signing documents?
A: Hundreds of years ago some people used sealing wax to make a copy of their signet rings next to or instead of a signature. This was called their "seal".
Q: What does the term "seal of approval" come from?
A: The term "seal of approval" comes from using sealing wax as an alternative for signing documents hundreds of years ago.
Q: Are there still formal documents that use an official wax seal today?
A: Yes, some formal documents still use an official wax seal such as a coat of arms.
