Electronic Signature Policy

DCA's Electronic Signature Policy

The Housing Finance and Development Division (HFDD) will accept and permit the use of electronic signatures provided that 1) the electronic signature software has the capability to audit or authenticate the signature, and 2) there are no existing restrictions imposed by State or Federal law. 

A solution such as DocuSign or Adobe software, should be utilized in the signature process to satisfy ESIGN Act and/or Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) requirements.  To minimize the cost of printing and mailing, HFDD staff are encouraged to use electronic signature, whenever the option is possible.

The following examples are documents and processes that are permitted to use electronic signatures:

• Draws
  • HOME draws
  • CHIP grant payments
• Electronically submitted IRS forms
• Tenant Income Certifications (TICs)

The following examples are documents and processes that require a wet ink signature and are not eligible for electronic signature:

• Requests for Release of Funds for environmental reviews
• LURCs/LURAs
• Loan Documents
• IRS forms that an individual or entity elects to submit by mail

DCA will evaluate any request to accept electronic signatures for specific documents concerning Housing-related business transactions, with individuals and organizations outside of DCA, on a case-by-case basis going forward and will update our policies accordingly.  Periodically, DCA will update the list of documents approved for electronic signature on the DCA website.  DCA may request a certificate of authenticity be provided from the electronic signature platform, that serves to authenticate a signature subject to this policy.

For Compliance-related documents in questions, please email the Compliance team.