Wet Ink or Electronic Signature: What Do Title 24 Forms Accept?
The Energy Code names two kinds of signature on certificates: an original signature on a paper document, or an electronic signature on an electronic document that meets the specification in Joint Appendix JA7. When registration is required, only the electronic kind is allowed, and the ECC-Rater's certificate of verification is always electronic.
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Which case is yours
If your certificate must be registered, a pen signature does not work at all. The signer logs into the ECC-Provider registry, reviews the document and signs there. A job with an ECC-Rater test is a registry job. Where nothing needs registering and the building department accepts paper, an original signature on the paper certificate is the rule. For a small alteration with no field verification, such as a water heater or window swap, the department may ask for no certificate or a simplified one.
What the registry signature really is
It is more than a typed name. The signer supplies an image of their handwritten signature, and the registry displays it with their licence or certificate details and the date and time. When registration finishes, the registry provider applies its own digital certificate to the whole document, so any later alteration is detectable. Free PDF readers must be able to check that seal.
Scans, typed names and e-sign apps
- The code text offers two options only. A scan of a paper original is a copy of option one, and a typed or pasted name is neither.
- Copies of a registered document are different. Printed, electronic or scanned copies are accepted for submittals if they match the current revision on file in the registry, and the provider must offer a way to check.
- The JA7 specification is written around the registry signing process. Whether a general-purpose e-sign app is acceptable for an unregistered certificate is for your building department to say.
Who can refuse what
The department decides how it receives unregistered paper and whether a small alteration needs a certificate at all. It cannot waive the code itself, and where registration is required it generally cannot accept an unregistered CF1R. For an alteration needing field verification and no plans, Section 10-103(a)2A lets approval wait until final inspection. See what registration required means, how to look up a registration number, and CHEERS registration. Who signs which form is on the CF1R signer page. For help, see our residential reports.
Common Title 24 Questions
- What is Title 24?
- Do I need a Title 24 report?
- How much does a Title 24 report cost?
- How long does a Title 24 report take?
- What is included in a Title 24 report?
- What plans do I need to upload?
Frequently Asked Questions
Where the CF1R must be registered, the signature is made inside the registry. For other cases, ask the building department whether it accepts an e-sign product.
A scan of a signed paper certificate is a copy. A department may accept copies, but the code text names original signatures or JA7 electronic signatures, so ask first.
Explore Registration and Signatures
- What You Certify When You Sign a Title 24 Form
- Who Can Prepare a Title 24 Report?
- Who Signs a CF1R, and Who Is the Responsible Person?
- Why Did CHEERS Send Me a Signature Email?
- Who Completes CF2R Forms on a Residential Project?
View all Registration and Signatures guides → · CHEERS and ECC · Title 24 guide