Decades ago, the most traditional form of signing documents would mean grabbing a pen and paper, printing out the documents, and then signing them. In today’s time, that is not always the case because now we can sign forms and documents online in just a few clicks.

Still, many people ask the same question: “Are e-signatures actually legal?”

It’s a fair question because most people, especially the older generation, will question the integrity and legality of the online documents. And we cannot blame them because even the younger generations feel the same way, and feel that signing a physical paper using a pen is still the most secure way of transactions, and that is true, in most cases…

 

The Short Answer: Yes, E-Signatures Are Legal

Yes! E-signatures are legal and they can be as valid as a handwritten signature.

Most countries around the world have their laws to protect consumers and businesses alike in their day-to-day transactions. Basically, it is a demand for most, because with the rise of our technological advancements, our trajectory will always lead us to e-signatures, and no one is going to use them if they are not dependable and trusted. Which laws are created to make them as legal as a handwritten one?

In the United States, laws like the ESIGN Act and EUTA make e-signatures legal, and these laws indicate that e-signatures are not discredited just because they are electronic.

The same is true in many other countries, too — like those in the European Union, Canada, Australia, and the Philippines. So if you're using a trusted platform, you're not just saving time — you're doing things by the book.

 

Important E-Signature Laws

E-signatures aren’t just a trend — they’re supported by real laws that have been around for years. These laws help make sure digital signing is safe, legal, and accepted by businesses and courts.

Here are some of the most important ones:

United States

  • ESIGN Act (2000):
    This law says that electronic signatures are just as valid as handwritten ones, as long as both parties agree to use them.
     

  • UETA (1999):
    Adopted by most U.S. states, the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act supports the legal use of e-signatures for business and personal agreements.
     

European Union

  • eIDAS Regulation (2016):
    This sets the rules for electronic signatures, digital IDs, and trust services across all EU member countries. It even defines different levels of e-signatures, from simple to advanced.
     

Other Countries

Many other countries also recognize e-signatures:

  • Canada – under the PIPEDA law
     

  • Australia – under the Electronic Transactions Act
     

  • Philippines – under the Electronic Commerce Act
     

This proves that this is a widely accepted method of legalizing documents, and you just have to choose the right platform or software to entrust your documents to.

SignFast makes sure your electronic documents meet the legal requirements every time.

 

What Makes an E-Signature Legal?

For an e-signature to be legally valid, it needs to follow a few simple rules. These rules help prove that the person really meant to sign and that no one else changed the document later.

Here’s what most laws require:

  • Intent to Sign
    The person must clearly agree to sign. This can be as simple as clicking a button that says “I agree” or drawing a signature with a mouse or finger.
     

  • Consent to Use E-Signatures
    Both sides must agree to use electronic signing. If one person insists on signing with pen and paper, that still has to be respected.
     

  • Recordkeeping
    There must be a way to save and review the signed document. That means the file should be stored securely and available if needed later.
     

  • Signature Attribution
    There should be proof of who signed. This might include email addresses, IP addresses, or an audit trail that shows the steps taken during signing.
     

  • Security
    The document and signature must be protected from tampering. That way, no one can make changes after the signing is complete.
     

If these boxes are checked, the e-signature is usually considered legal and enforceable.


 

When E-Signatures Might Not Be Allowed

While e-signatures are legal in most cases, there are a few situations where they may not be accepted. Some documents are considered too sensitive or too complex for digital signing — often because of the laws in that country or state.

Here are some common examples:

  • Wills and Trusts
    These often need a handwritten signature, plus witnesses or a notary, depending on local laws.
     

  • Divorce or Family Law Documents
    Many courts require physical copies and in-person signatures for things like divorce papers, adoption documents, or child custody agreements.
     

  • Court Filings
    Some courts still don’t accept e-signed documents — especially if you’re filing them yourself (without a lawyer).
     

  • Real Estate Transactions
    Most real estate contracts can be signed electronically. But some official property transfer documents or deeds may still need to be signed and notarized in person. Deeds and mortgages cannot be signed electronically.

 

How SignFast Helps You Stay Compliant

Using an e-signature tool is one thing — making sure it follows the law is another. That’s where SignFast makes a big difference.

SignFast is designed to meet the legal requirements for electronic signatures. Here’s how it helps keep your documents safe and valid:

  • Audit Trails
    Every time someone opens, signs, or submits a document, it’s tracked. You can always see who did what — and when.
     

  • User Verification
    SignFast verifies the identity of each signer through email and IP tracking, so you know the right person signed.
     

  • Time-Stamped Records
    Each signature is marked with the exact date and time, creating a clear timeline of activity.
     

  • Document Security
    Signed files are locked and encrypted. That means no one can make changes after the signing process is complete.
     

 

Bottom Line

E-signatures have been around for quite some time already, and there haven’t been some serious legal issues frequently recurring about them. This makes them dependable and trusted, and it is unlikely that people are going to steer away from e-signatures because they fill the demand from people.

It is also important to people working online, busy executives who simply do not have the time to travel, or even people who travel a lot. E-signatures simply eliminate these problems, which is why they should be as trusted as possible because people’s livelihoods are going to be affected.

Use SignFast, for a secure and fast way to manage your online documents.