About Adding a Letterhead or Signature to a Letter (For Letter Writers)
Interfolio recognizes that signatures are often required. If a letter has a signature, Interfolio will identify the type of signature present. Many institutions and programs require a traditional handwritten signature. If the letter lacks a signature or has a different type, please contact the letter writer to update the letter with the correct format.
It is recommended that letters be written on official letterhead, and include a hand-written or digital signature of the writer.
About Adding a Letterhead or Signature
Add Letterhead
The easiest way to include a letterhead is to have the writer type the letter in a template that is already formatted with the letterhead. Many universities and departments have standardized letterhead templates that are provided to professors and administrators. Most medical practices will also have letterhead templates for doctors and staff.
The easiest way to include a handwritten signature is to Print, Sign, Scan, and Upload the letter. It is recommended to use this process for professors or doctors who are less familiar with computer technology.
Contact the Interfolio Help Desk at help@interfolio.com or (877) 997-8807 for further support.
Add Handwritten Signature
A handwritten signature is a stylized depiction of someone's name, nickname, or even a simple mark (such as an “X”) that a person writes on documents as proof of identity and intent. The point is the letter writer/evaluator has put pen to paper and wrote their signature on the letter.
If the letter is submitted electronically, the writer must scan and save the signed document before submitting it through the email request. Alternatively, the letter can be mailed to Interfolio if the printed delivery option is chosen. Please mail letters to the following address:
Interfolio
1150 18th St NW Suite 275
Washington, DC 20036
Add Digital Signature
A digital signature is a small data block of data attached to documents, generated from a digital ID with a private and public key. The private key applies the signature, and the public key is sent with the file. It often includes a mark or stamp for authentication and is widely accepted in place of a handwritten signature.
- Add a digital signature in MS Word, Adobe PDF, DocuSign, Adobe Sign, DocHub, or numerous others.
- With any of these services, generate and add the signature to the letter before uploading it to Interfolio.
Why does the signature on my file keep getting stripped?
If a digital signature was added using an older version of Microsoft Word or Adobe, it may be stripped when uploaded to Interfolio. If possible, try saving the file in a newer version of Word or Adobe. Otherwise, check out this solution for Adobe files.