Not sure if this is the best place to ask, but I can't seem to find any of the other SE sites that would fit better (unless there's a law one?)

I'm building an application that will replace an existing paper based form, and this form would normally be signed by the person filling it in.

Looking around, it's hard to find a good definitive resource to explain what I can and cannot accept as far as a signature goes.

It looks like some UK government online forms accept just your name typed into a box, but I've also heard you should back up with an email - so that process would be type name into a box along with providing an email address, send out an email, then make them click a link within the email to finally complete the verification.

Involving email seems very long winded and leaves the system open to spam filters blocking emails, forgotten emails that just sit in inbox's etc.

So, does anyone have any knowledge in this department? Personally, I'd love to just get them to type their name into a box and be done with it!