Just Sign ItAre electronic signatures legally binding?
In the United States, yes, for most documents. The federal ESIGN Act and state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) say a signature can’t be rejected just because it’s electronic. There are exceptions, and whoever you’re sending it to can still ask you to sign a different way.
This isn’t legal advice
This is a plain-English overview, not legal advice. Laws are different from state to state and country to country, and they change. If it’s an important contract or there’s real money or risk involved, talk to a lawyer.
What counts as an electronic signature
Under US law, an electronic signature is pretty much any electronic sound, symbol or process attached to a document by someone who means to sign it. A typed name counts. Clicking “I agree” counts. An image of your handwritten signature on a PDF counts.
The big thing is that you meant to sign, and that your signature is tied to the document you signed.
The exceptions
ESIGN and UETA don’t cover everything. Wills and testamentary trusts, a lot of family-law documents like adoption and divorce papers, and some court documents are usually left out. Certain notices, like foreclosure, eviction or utility shut-off notices, have their own rules too.
Some documents also need to be notarized or witnessed. Electronic notarization is a thing in many states, but it’s a separate process from just signing a PDF yourself.
When to check first
Whoever is getting the document decides what they’ll accept. A bank, a court, your town office or an employer might want a wet-ink signature or a certificate-based digital signature. If you’re not sure, just ask them before you send it.
Outside the US, most countries accept electronic signatures too. In the EU, the eIDAS regulation recognizes them, with a stronger “qualified” type for cases that need the same weight as a handwritten signature.
How it works
- Drop your PDF onto the page, or click “Choose PDF”.
- Click “New signature”. Draw it, type your name in a handwriting font, or upload a photo of it.
- Click your signature to place it. Drag it where it goes and use the corner dot to resize it.
- Click “Download signed PDF”. That’s it.
Questions
Is a pasted image of my signature legally binding?
In the US, generally yes for most everyday documents, as long as you meant to sign. ESIGN and UETA don’t require any particular technology.
Is a typed name a valid signature?
It can be. US law treats a typed name as an electronic signature when you type it intending to sign.
What documents can’t be signed electronically?
Usually wills, testamentary trusts, a lot of family-law documents and some court filings. Some notices, like foreclosure and eviction notices, have their own rules too.
Can the person I’m sending it to refuse an electronic signature?
Yes. Nobody has to accept electronic signatures. If they want wet ink or a digital signature, do it their way.