Signature vs. Attest — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on August 9, 2024
A signature is a person's handwritten mark or symbol used for identification and agreement, while to attest is to formally declare or affirm something as true or authentic, often by witnessing or certifying.
Difference Between Signature and Attest
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A signature typically involves a person writing their name or a unique mark in a stylized form, serving as proof of identity, consent, or agreement to the contents of a document. It's a personal symbol of authentication and commitment that is legally recognized. On the other hand, to attest is an action where an individual or authority confirms the veracity or accuracy of information or certifies a document. This process may involve witnessing an event, such as the signing of a document, and then signing to verify that the event occurred as described.
While a signature directly represents an individual's acknowledgment or consent, attestation involves a third party acting to confirm the authenticity of the signature or the truthfulness of the document's contents. For example, when a document is attested, it usually means that a witness or relevant authority has confirmed the identity of the signatory and the validity of the signature. Attestation adds an additional layer of credibility and is often required for legal documents, certifications, and certain official processes.
Signatures are unique to each individual and can vary widely in style and form. They are a fundamental part of transactions, contracts, and agreements in daily life and business. Conversely, attestation is a formal procedure that requires the attester to have a certain degree of authority or credibility, such as a notary public, government official, or a professional in a recognized field.
The requirement of a signature is commonplace and spans across various aspects of personal and professional life, from signing a credit card receipt to executing a legal contract. Attestation, however, is typically called for in specific situations where legal recognition, international dealings, or official verification is necessary, enhancing the trustworthiness and integrity of the documents involved.
Both signatures and attestation are crucial in their respective roles; a signature provides personal authentication, while attestation verifies the authenticity and correctness of the signature or document through an authoritative witness or entity. This dual mechanism ensures the reliability and enforceability of many types of documents and agreements.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A person's handwritten mark for identification
Formal declaration of truth or authenticity
Purpose
To show consent, agreement, or authorization
To confirm or certify correctness and authenticity
Involvement
Direct involvement of the signatory
Involvement of a third party or witness
Legality
Legally binding as a personal acknowledgment
Adds legal credibility and validation
Application
Contracts, agreements, personal identification
Certifications, legal documents, official records
Compare with Definitions
Signature
A person's name written in a distinctive way as a form of identification.
Her signature on the painting verified its authenticity.
Attest
To affirm to be correct, true, or genuine.
The notary attested the document, confirming its validity.
Signature
A unique element or characteristic serving to identify something.
The chef's dishes are known for their bold flavors, a signature of his cooking style.
Attest
Certification by a qualified authority.
The diploma was attested by the educational institution's dean.
Signature
The act of signing a document.
The contract won't be valid until both parties provide their signature.
Attest
To provide or serve as clear evidence.
The preserved monuments attest to the city's ancient history.
Signature
A symbol or other mark used as a signing.
Some individuals use a stamp as their signature for documents.
Attest
The act of witnessing a signature or event and then signing oneself to verify it.
He was called to attest the signing of the will.
Signature
A digital equivalent of a handwritten signature.
Digital signatures are increasingly used in online transactions.
Attest
To declare that something exists or is the case.
The scientist attested to the accuracy of the research findings.
Signature
A signature (; from Latin: signare, "to sign") is a handwritten (and often stylized) depiction of someone's name, nickname, or even a simple "X" or other mark that a person writes on documents as a proof of identity and intent. The writer of a signature is a signatory or signer.
Attest
To affirm to be correct, true, or genuine
The date of the painting was attested by the appraiser.
Signature
A person's name written in a distinctive way as a form of identification in authorizing a cheque or document or concluding a letter
The signature of a senior manager
Attest
To certify by signature or oath
Attest a will.
Signature
Short for key signature or time signature
Attest
To certify in an official capacity.
Signature
A letter or figure printed at the foot of one or more pages of each sheet of a book as a guide in binding.
Attest
To supply or be evidence of
Her fine work attests her ability.
Signature
The part of a medical prescription that gives instructions about the use of the medicine or drug prescribed.
Attest
(Linguistics) To confirm the existence, usage, or currency of (a word, for example), as by being recorded in writing.
Signature
One's name as written by oneself.
Attest
To put under oath.
Signature
The act of signing one's name.
Attest
To bear witness; give testimony
Attested to their good faith.
Signature
See e-signature.
Attest
(Archaic) Attestation.
Signature
A distinctive mark, characteristic, or sound indicating identity
A surprise ending is the signature of an O. Henry short story.
Attest
(transitive) To affirm to be correct, true, or genuine.
When will the appraiser attest the date of the painting?
Signature
(Medicine) The part of a physician's prescription containing directions to the patient.
Attest
(transitive) To certify by signature or oath.
You must attest your will in order for it to be valid.
Signature
A sign used to indicate key.
Attest
(transitive) To certify in an official capacity.
Signature
A sign used to indicate tempo.
Attest
(ambitransitive) To supply or be evidence of.
Her fine work attested her ability.
Signature
A letter, number, or symbol placed at the bottom of the first page on each sheet of printed pages of a book as a guide to the proper sequence of the sheets in binding.
Attest
(transitive) To put under oath.
Signature
A large sheet printed with four or a multiple of four pages that when folded becomes a section of the book.
Attest
To call to witness; to invoke.
Signature
See chemical signature.
Attest
To bear witness to; to certify; to affirm to be true or genuine; as, to attest the truth of a writing, a copy of record.
Facts . . . attested by particular pagan authors.
Signature
A person's name, written by that person, used as identification or to signify approval of accompanying material, such as a legal contract.
Attest
To give proof of; to manifest; as, the ruins of Palmyra attest its ancient magnificence.
Signature
An act of signing one's name; an act of producing a signature.
Attest
To call to witness; to invoke.
The sacred streams which Heaven's imperial stateAttests in oaths, and fears to violate.
Signature
(medicine) The part of a doctor’s prescription containing directions for the patient.
Attest
Witness; testimony; attestation.
The attest of eyes and ears.
Signature
(music) Signs on the stave indicating key and tempo, composed of the key signature and the time signature.
Attest
Provide evidence for; stand as proof of; show by one's behavior, attitude, or external attributes;
His high fever attested to his illness
The buildings in Rome manifest a high level of architectural sophistication
This decision demonstrates his sense of fairness
Signature
(printing) A group of four (or a multiple of four) sheets printed such that, when folded, they become a section of a book.
Attest
Authenticate, affirm to be true, genuine, or correct, as in an official capacity;
I attest this signature
Signature
(computing) A pattern used for matching the identity of a virus, the parameter types of a method, etc.
Attest
Give testimony in a court of law
Signature
(cryptography) Data attached to a message that guarantees that the message originated from its claimed source.
Attest
Establish or verify the usage of;
This word is not attested until 1993
Signature
(figurative) A mark or sign of implication.
Signature
A dish that is characteristic of a particular chef.
Signature
(mathematics) A tuple specifying the sign of coefficients in any diagonal form of a quadratic form.
Signature
A resemblance between the external character of a disease and those of some physical agent, for instance, that existing between the red skin of scarlet fever and a red cloth; supposed to indicate this agent in the treatment of the disease.
Signature
(internet) Text (or images, etc.) appended to a user's emails, newsgroup posts, forum posts, etc. as a way of adding a personal touch or including contact details.
Your signature must not exceed three lines of text, or 600 pixels in height.
Forum signature generator
Signature
Distinctive, characteristic, indicative of identity.
Rabbit in mustard sauce is my signature dish.
The signature route of the airline is its daily flight between Buenos Aires and Madrid.
Signature
A sign, stamp, or mark impressed, as by a seal.
The brain, being well furnished with various traces, signatures, and images.
The natural and indelible signature of God, which human souls . . . are supposed to be stamped with.
Signature
Especially, the name of any person, written with his own hand, employed to signify that the writing which precedes accords with his wishes or intentions; a sign manual; an autograph.
Signature
An outward mark by which internal characteristics were supposed to be indicated.
Some plants bear a very evident signature of their nature and use.
Signature
A resemblance between the external characters of a disease and those of some physical agent, for instance, that existing between the red skin of scarlet fever and a red cloth; - supposed to indicate this agent in the treatment of the disease.
Signature
The designation of the key (when not C major, or its relative, A minor) by means of one or more sharps or flats at the beginning of the staff, immediately after the clef, affecting all notes of the same letter throughout the piece or movement. Each minor key has the same signature as its relative major.
Signature
A letter or figure placed at the bottom of the first page of each sheet of a book or pamphlet, as a direction to the binder in arranging and folding the sheets.
Signature
That part of a prescription which contains the directions to the patient. It is usually prefaced by S or Sig. (an abbreviation for the Latin signa, imperative of signare to sign or mark).
Signature
To mark with, or as with, a signature or signatures.
Signature
Your name written in your own handwriting
Signature
A distinguishing style;
This room needs a woman's touch
Signature
A melody used to identify a performer or a dance band or radio/tv program
Signature
The sharps or flats that follow the clef and indicate the key
Signature
A sheet with several pages printed on it; it folds to page size and is bound with other signatures to form a book
Common Curiosities
What is the role of a notary in attestation?
A notary public acts as an impartial witness, verifying the identity of the signatory, witnessing the signing of the document, and attesting to its authenticity with their own signature and seal.
What makes a signature legally binding?
A signature is legally binding when it is voluntarily made by the person it represents and in the proper context of agreements, contracts, or declarations.
Can a digital signature be attested?
Yes, a digital signature can be attested if the process involves verifying the identity of the signatory and the integrity of the signed document through secure means.
What is the difference between attestation and notarization?
Attestation is the process of verifying a document's authenticity, often by a witness, whereas notarization specifically involves a notary public who performs attestation with additional legal authority.
Why is attestation necessary for some documents?
Attestation is necessary to verify the authenticity of documents, especially for legal, official, or international use, ensuring they are recognized and accepted.
How does one obtain an attested document?
To obtain an attested document, it typically must be signed in the presence of the attesting authority, who then verifies the signatory's identity and adds their certification.
What is self-attestation?
Self-attestation is when an individual declares a document or information to be true and correct, usually without the need for a third-party witness.
How does one attest a photograph?
A photograph can be attested by having it signed or stamped by an authorized person who confirms the identity of the individual in the photo.
Why are signatures personalized?
Signatures are personalized to serve as a unique identifier for the individual, making it difficult to forge and easy to verify as belonging to the person.
How can authenticity of a signature be verified?
Authenticity can be verified through comparison with known genuine samples, expert analysis, and in some cases, digital verification methods.
Is a signature enough for legal documents?
While a signature is a key element, some legal documents also require attestation, witnessing, or additional formalities to be considered valid and enforceable.
Can anyone attest a document?
Not anyone can attest a document; the person attesting must be authorized or deemed credible, such as a notary public, government official, or professional in certain fields.
What are the consequences of a forged signature or false attestation?
Forged signatures and false attestations can lead to legal penalties, including fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity and context of the fraud.
Can electronic documents be attested?
Yes, electronic documents can be attested through digital signatures of authorized individuals and the use of secure verification methods.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
