DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
O
FFICE
O
F THE
S
ECRETA
RY
1000
NA
VY
PENTAGON
WASHINGTON DC 20350·1000
SECNAVINST 5239.24
OCIO
22 Jul 2019
SECNAV INSTRUCTION 5239.24
From: Secretary of the Navy
Subj: DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY DIGITAL SIGNATURE POLICY
Ref: (a) DoD Instruction 8520.02 of 24 May 2011
(b) 15 U.S.C. §7001, et seq.
(c) 44 U.S.C. §3504
(d) OMB Circular A-130, Managing Federal Information as a
Strategic Resource of 28 July 2016
(e) Federal Chief Information Officers Council Guidance,
Use of Electronic Signatures in Federal Organization
Transactions of 25 January 2013
1. Purpose. To maintain and update digital signature policy for
the Department of the Navy (DON) consistent with Department of
Defense (DoD) policies and other applicable law, regulation and
policies.
2. Cancellation. SECNAVINST 5239.21.
3. Applicability
a. This instruction applies to the Offices of the Secretary
of the Navy, the Chief of Naval Operations, the Commandant of the
Marine Corps, and all U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps installations,
commands, activities, field offices, and all other organizational
entities within the DON.
b. The policy and requirements of the DoD and the Federal
Government take precedence over any conflicting requirements of
this instruction. Implementing authorities should identify
conflicting policy to the DON Chief Information Officer (CIO) for
resolution.
4. Policy
a. It is DON policy to adopt digital signatures as the
preferred means of conducting business transactions within the
DON. This policy does not prohibit physical signatures, but
