e-Witness
e-Witnessing that stands up to scrutiny
Digitally witness documents with full identity assurance, verification of presence and court-ready evidence.
Simplify witnessing requirements by going digital – Bonafidee offers a faster, more secure alternative to manual processes, that’s designed to meet legal standards for deeds, statutory declarations and other witness-required documents.
Built-in security
Verified participants
ID checks using biometrics and official documentation
Proof of presence
Clear record of how and when the witness observed the signing
Tamper-evident audit trails
Full logs that meet evidentiary standards
UK-based storage and certified security
No data replication or cross-border risk
Use cases for electronic witnessing
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Legally required witnessing
One of the primary use cases of e-witnessing is with legal documentation that requires witnessing by law. These can range from mortgage agreements to deed documents and wills – they enable all parties involved to utilise electronic platforms to their convenience as long as the witness is physically present.
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Merger, acquisition and asset finance agreements
Merger, acquisition and asset finance agreements are executed in a universal way without the need of a witness to be legally enforceable. That said, e-witnessing provides an additional layer of verifiability, security and confidence in the agreements in a convenient way. Many merger and acquisition agreements include a witness to reinforce the integrity of the document moving forward; e-witnessing optimises and speeds up this process.
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Insurance agreements
Similarly to merger and acquisitions, insurance agreements do not require a witness to be legally enforced. However, many agencies prefer an additional layer of security in the process, which is provided by using a witness. E-witnessing enhances this security further via established platforms that integrate user verification, data capture and full documentation throughout the process.
Ready to replace slow, manual witnessing?
As more agreements move online, it’s time witnessing caught up. Electronic witnessing replaces the slow, manual process with a faster, more secure and legally sound alternative. It’s easier for users, stronger on compliance and ready for a digital-first world.
Video
See Bonafidee’s e-witnessing solution in action
Watch our process for electronic witnessing to see how it works.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is e-witnessing and how does it work?
Electronic witnessing is the process of a witness affirming they have been physically present and seen the signee and document over an electronic platform. This can range from the signee typing in their name to an electronic device, to a dedicated e-signing platform hosted online. The witness must then sign the same legal document via the same electronic platform, effectively combining the process of e-signing and e-witnessing.
Are electronic signatures legal in the UK?
E-signatures are considered legally valid in the UK for most cases and documents, as long as a recognised system and platform is used. That said, there are certain exceptions to cases such as when the public registry only accepts wet ink. If uncertain, read the UK legal requirements for e-signatures.
Do HMRC and HM Land Registry accept electronic signatures?
HM Land Registry and HMRC both accept e-signatures in specific formats for certain cases. Read the respective pages for further legal information.
Do electronically witnessed documents hold up in court?
In accordance with UK legal requirements, e-signatures are considered legally binding, and as such can be held up later in court.
What are the requirements for a witness in the context of electronic signatures?
Electronic witnesses are required to be physically present at the time of the document in question being signed, and then verify their identity and witness by signing the same document.
More platform features
Ready for faster, secure onboarding with Bonafidee?
To find out how Bonafidee’s ID verification, KYC and anti-fraud tools could keep your business secure, contact us to arrange a demo.
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