Is an electronic signature legal?

In many countries, yes: an electronic signature can be legally valid for a wide range of everyday documents. The details depend on the country, the type of document and what the law requires for it. This guide explains the basics in plain language. It is general information, not legal advice.

The short answer

Most modern legal systems treat a signature as valid when it shows that a person intended to sign and agreed to do business electronically. The signature does not have to be a pen-and-paper mark. A drawn signature, a typed name or a click on an agreement button can all count, depending on the law and the context.

Examples of how different regions treat e-signatures

• United States. Federal law (the ESIGN Act) and state laws based on UETA generally recognize electronic signatures and records for many transactions.
• European Union. The eIDAS regulation recognizes electronic signatures and describes levels from simple to advanced to qualified. A qualified signature carries the highest legal weight.
• United Kingdom. E-signatures are generally accepted for most commercial documents.
• Other countries. Many countries, including several in Asia, have their own e-signature or electronic transactions laws. The scope and requirements differ.

Laws change, so check the current rules for your country before you rely on a signature.

What makes an electronic signature reliable

1. Intent to sign. The signer clearly meant to sign, for example by agreeing to sign electronically before they begin.
2. Consent to electronic dealing. The parties agree to use electronic records and signatures.
3. Identity. You can show who signed. Email verification is one way to support this.
4. A record. You keep the signed document and evidence of when and how it was signed.
5. Integrity. You can show the document has not changed since signing, for example with a document fingerprint.

Documents that may need more than a standard e-signature

Some documents are often excluded or have extra rules in many places. Examples include wills, certain family law documents, some property transfers, and documents that must be notarized or witnessed. Rules differ by country, so ask a lawyer or the receiving authority when in doubt.

How KamiSign supports a reliable signature

• Signers see a consent checkbox before they sign.
• You can require email verification for any signer.
• Every fully signed document gets a Certificate of Completion listing who signed, when they agreed, whether their email was verified, and a SHA-256 fingerprint of the document.
• Signed documents are kept in a private, encrypted vault.

These features help create good evidence. They do not guarantee that a particular document will be accepted in every country or by every authority.

Frequently asked questions

Is a typed name a valid signature?
In many places it can be, if the signer intended it as their signature. Rules vary, so check yours.

Is an e-signature the same as a digital signature?
Not always. "Digital signature" often refers to certificate-based cryptographic signing, while an e-signature is a broader term. Some laws require the stricter kind for certain documents.

Can I use one for a contract with a client abroad?
Often yes, but the rules of the countries involved can differ. For high-value or unusual contracts, get legal advice.

Who can tell me what applies to me?
A lawyer in your country, or the organization that will receive the document.

Try it on a real document

You can sign a PDF online for free, or send a document for signature to others and get a Certificate of Completion.

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