The term "signature or signed," as used in chapters 18.43 and 18.210 RCW and/or Title 196 WAC, shall mean the following:

1. (1) A handwritten identification or a digital representation of your handwritten identification that represents the act of putting your name on a document to attest to its validity. The handwritten or digital identification must be:

   1. (a) Original and written by hand, or a scanned image of an original, handwritten identification;
   2. (b) Permanently affixed to the document(s) being certified;
   3. (c) Applied to the document by the identified licensee; and
   4. (d) Placed directly over the seal/stamp of the licensee.

2. (2) A digital identification that is an electronic authentication process attached to or logically associated with an electronic document. The digital identification may include a scanned or digitized signature. The digital identification must be:

   1. (a) Unique to the licensee using it;
   2. (b) Capable of independent verification;
   3. (c) Under the exclusive control of the licensee using it; and
   4. (d) Linked to a document in such a manner that the digital identification is invalidated if any data in the document is changed.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.43.035, 18.210.050, and 18.210.060. WSR 18-22-076, § 196-33-600, filed 11/2/18, effective 12/3/18.]