In the digital sign-in space, one question often pops up: should your visitors tick a checkbox, or provide a full signature upon signing in? Both methods can be legally binding, but choosing the right one affects more than just compliance — it impacts visitor flow, usability, and even how your brand is perceived.
Confirming legal binding when used within Australia
On the Australian Government’s Attorney General Department’s website, they state that “The Electronic Transactions Act 1999 (ETA) says that electronic signatures (often called e-signatures) are just as valid as traditional paper or ‘wet ink’ signatures for most Commonwealth processes.” Furthermore, they go into further detail explaining what is considered an accepted and valid signature, stating that depending on the circumstances, an electronic signature could be: “drawn onto a screen or uploaded from a picture, before being sent electronically” and/or “clicking an ‘I accept’ box on an online form before submitting”.
Checkbox: Efficient and Legally Valid
Checkboxes are a common way to capture user consent. Under laws like the Electronic Transactions Act 1999 (AU), a checkbox—when clearly presented with terms and used with intent—can be just as valid as a signature. For low-risk interactions like policy acknowledgments, acceptance of Entry Terms & Conditions, or COVID declarations, a checkbox is usually sufficient.
More importantly, it respects your visitor’s time. A simple tick/check box is quicker to complete and often feels less invasive, especially in environments like education, hospitality, or corporate offices where repeat visits are common. However, just to note a comprehensive visitor sign-in service will allow visitors to have their information and preferences remembered, so repeating completion of forms during subsequent visits won’t be required.
Signature: For When It Truly Matters
Written digital signatures can be perceived to carry greater legal weight, and may be preferred where a higher degree of formality exists such as for contracts or certain legal documents, and may be more ideal for situations where liability is involved—think healthcare, gyms, or legal waivers. They can offer clearer proof of identity and intent, especially when paired with audit trails, timestamps, and IP logs.
But with added formality comes added friction. Unless necessary, requiring a signature can lengthen the sign-in process and even cause hesitance from first-time visitors.
Best of Both Worlds
The key? Choose a sign-in system that offers both options, allowing you to match the verification method to the risk level. Use checkboxes as the default for speed and ease, and reserve signatures for the few cases where it’s legally or ethically essential.
At Visitor Sign-In, we support both methods—because the right kind of verification is the one that balances trust, compliance, and your visitors’ time.
