PROCESSING ELECTRONIC DOCUMENTS WITH EMBEDDED DIGITAL SIGNATURES

Systems and methods for processing or recording electronic documents that have embedded digital signatures. In an electronic document, signature blocks are used to embed the digital signatures. When an electronic document is received for recordation, the schema and profile of the document are checked. The electronic document or digital signatures are validated by reconstructing the document to a previous state such that the digital signature may be validated. The electronic document is processed and endorsed by inserting endorsement data. The electronic document is digitally signed by the recorder and a receipt is also digitally signed by the recorder. The electronic document is then imaged and indexed. The recorded electronic document and the receipt are returned to the sender using routing information that was included in the electronic document.