What’s the best way to fax official documents?
I need to fill out and sign some paperwork relating to my health insurance. Is it OK to scan and fax it, or do I need to send it via the postal service?
A faxed signature is authentic and legally binding. At least in the U.S., most major companies (including hospitals and court systems) will accept a fax of a signed document as authentic and original. You can print and sign forms and then fax or email them in without a problem. (Well, unless the recipient is unaware of the laws and insists that you hand-carry or use snail mail.) Make sure you keep the originals, though, because in some legal cases, you may be asked to produce them.
Another option that’s becoming easier and more attractive is the electronic signature. 48 states in the U.S. have adopted the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA), which states that electronic signatures can be accepted as original and binding.
Do you have a question about faxing? Send me your fax question.Do you have a question about faxing? Send me your fax question.