A wet signature is a handwritten ink signature on a paper mortgage document, often used when electronic signing is not enough.
A wet signature is a handwritten ink signature placed on a physical paper mortgage document.
Wet signature matters because borrowers may hear that a closing is digital and still be asked to sign certain documents on paper. A lender, settlement agent, title company, investor, recorder, or document rule may require paper execution for part of the closing package.
It also matters because wet signatures affect appointment logistics. If a document must be signed in ink, the borrower may need an in-person Signing appointment, a Notary Signing Agent, or extra time for document delivery and return.
Borrowers usually encounter wet signature requirements near closing, after final documents are prepared and the closing team explains how the package will be executed.
The term becomes practical in a Hybrid Closing, where some documents may use Electronic Signature while others still require ink signatures or notarization.
| Term | Main idea | Borrower-facing difference |
|---|---|---|
| Wet signature | Ink signature on paper | The borrower signs a physical document |
| Electronic Signature | Digital signing method | The borrower signs through an approved electronic process |
| Hybrid Closing | Mixed closing format | Some documents are electronic and others remain paper or notarized |
| Remote Online Notarization | Online notarization process | Notarization happens through a digital workflow when allowed |
| Signing | Final document execution step | Signing may involve wet signatures, electronic signatures, or both |
A borrower signs several disclosures electronically before closing, but the mortgage document that will be notarized and sent for recording must be signed in ink. That ink signature is a wet signature.
Wet signature differs from Electronic Signature because it is handwritten on paper rather than applied through a digital workflow.
It also differs from Remote Online Notarization. Remote online notarization describes how notarization happens; wet signature describes the physical form of the signature.
It also differs from Hybrid Closing. Hybrid closing is the overall format, while wet signature is one possible requirement inside that format.