Methods, systems and software applications are provided for automatically processing an electronic document having a digital signature. In one implementation, a method is provided that comprises sending the electronic document from a sender to a designated receiver. The method further includes, on the designated receiver's or a third party's computer system, (a) receiving the electronic document from the sender, (b) validating the digital signature, and (c) checking whether the digital signature is from a person or legal entity authorized to send the electronic document. If the person or legal entity is authorized to send the electronic document, the method may further include (d) checking whether the person or legal entity that signed the document is authorized by an issuer of the electronic document, and (e) creating an electronic protocol of the results of steps (b), (c) and (d). As disclosed herein, the method may further include (f) signing the protocol, (g) archiving the protocol, the electronic document, or both, and (h) presenting the electronic document to the designated receiver.