Are electronic signatures legal?

In most of the world, electronic signatures are legally recognised for the majority of agreements. The details depend on jurisdiction and document type.

The general rule

Frameworks like the US ESIGN Act and the EU's eIDAS give electronic signatures legal effect, provided there is clear intent to sign and consent to do so electronically.

The exceptions

Some documents — certain wills, property deeds, court filings — may still require handwritten or notarised signatures. Check local rules for high-stakes cases.

Good practice

Keep evidence: who signed, when, and an unaltered copy. For maximum assurance, use a certificate-based digital signature.