19.34.300 - Satisfaction of signature requirements. - Washington Statutes

Satisfaction of signature requirements.

(1) Where a rule of law requires a signature, or provides for certain consequences in the absence of a signature, that rule is satisfied by a digital signature, if:

     (a) The digital signature is verified by reference to the public key listed in a valid certificate issued by a licensed certification authority;

     (b) The digital signature was affixed by the signer with the intention of signing the message; and

     (c) The recipient has no knowledge or notice that the signer either:

     (i) Breached a duty as a subscriber; or

     (ii) Does not rightfully hold the private key used to affix the digital signature.

     (2) Nothing in this chapter:

     (a) Precludes a mark from being valid as a signature under other applicable law;

     (b) May be construed to obligate a recipient or any other person asked to rely on a digital signature to accept a digital signature or to respond to an electronic message containing a digital signature except as provided in RCW 19.34.321; or

     (c) Precludes the recipient of a digital signature or an electronic message containing a digital signature from establishing the conditions under which the recipient will accept a digital signature.

[1997 c 27 § 16; 1996 c 250 § 401.]

Notes: Effective date -- Severability -- 1997 c 27: See notes following RCW 19.34.030.