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Specimen signature: who needs one and how to get it certified online
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What exactly is a specimen signature? When do I need one and how can it be certified online? In this article, we explain everything you need to know about the specimen signature (Musterfirmazeichnung).
What is a specimen signature?
A specimen signature (Musterfirmazeichnung, also called Musterzeichnung) is a handwritten signature provided for comparison purposes. It is deposited with the company register (Firmenbuch), where it can be viewed by the public. If you receive a contract signed by hand, for example, the signature on it can be compared with the specimen signature deposited with the company register.
The purpose of the specimen signature is therefore to make it possible to attribute handwritten signatures to the people who represent companies.
Who has to submit a specimen signature?
A specimen signature must be submitted by people who act on behalf of companies, i.e. who represent them. These are:
- Sole proprietors, if they are registered in the company register
- Partners in general partnerships (OG) and the general partner of a limited partnership (KG)
- Managing directors
- Authorised signatories (Prokura holders) of a GmbH
Having a specimen signature certified online
The specimen signature must be certified so that it can be deposited with the company register. This can easily be done online with a partner notary on the notarity platform. There are two ways to have a specimen signature certified online:
- During the online appointment, the printed specimen signature form is signed by hand in front of the camera, then scanned and signed with the party’s electronic signature.
- The specimen signature form is signed by hand and scanned before the appointment. During the online notary appointment, the party then confirms that it is their handwritten signature and signs the document electronically.
Book an appointment now and have your specimen signature certified today.
You can find general information on the online certification of signatures here.
