Signature to be available as ID verification method

By Yun Suh-young

Starting next month, it will be possible to formalize real estate documents with signatures instead of using seals.

The Ministry of Public Administration and Security said Tuesday, that starting Dec. 1, people can choose to verify documents with their electronic signatures registered with the government instead of using seals that were mandatory until now. The seals had been the only legally binding proof of agreement up to now.

The enforcement act on personal signature verification was passed in the Cabinet meeting Tuesday.

The seal verification system was first adopted in 1914 as the main method of verifying a person’s identity.

“The launch of the signature verification system doesn’t mean that the seal system is being abolished. People may choose a more convenient method that suits them,” said an official from the ministry.

To receive a certificate that validates their signature, citizens must visit their nearest community or district offices and register their signatures on an electronic pad.

These registered electronic signatures will be accepted at central government departments and municipalities starting in August next year. Their usage will be widened to public organizations and courts later on.

After registering their signatures, users may download the verification document at minwon.go.kr.