Lesson 5: Requirements for Authorized Program e-Reporting

Valid Electronic Signature

Valid electronic signature refers to electronic signature on an electronic document that has been created with an electronic signature device. The identified signatory is uniquely entitled to use the signature device for signing that document provided that this device has not been compromised, and where the signatory is an individual who is authorized to sign the document by virtue of his or her legal status and his or her relationship to the entity on whose behalf the signature is executed.

CROMERR states that e-documents must have valid e-signatures if Title 40 requires handwritten signatures on the paper documents they replace unless:

• EPA approves the process by which the system accepts a hand-written signature on separate paper submission; and
• The signatory provides a handwritten signature.

Valid electronic signatures are explained in greater detail later in this lesson.