Is eSignature legal in the United States?
eSignature Legality in USA - Electronic signatures are legally recognized and enforceable in the United States under two key laws: the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce (ESIGN) Act and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA).
eSignature Legality in the United States of America
Electronic signatures (eSignatures) are a crucial part of modern business operations, allowing companies and individuals in the United States to sign documents quickly, securely, and cost-effectively. In the U.S., eSignatures are legally recognized under the ESIGN Act and UETA, ensuring their validity and enforceability across various industries. This page explores the legality of electronic signatures in the United States, outlines key regulations, and explains how they can be used for everyday business transactions.
Are electronic signatures legal in the U.S.?
Yes. Electronic signatures are legally recognized and enforceable in the United States under two key laws: the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce (ESIGN) Act and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA). These laws establish that electronic signatures have the same legal validity as handwritten signatures, provided certain conditions are met.With these regulations in place, individuals and businesses across all 50 states can securely sign contracts, agreements, and official documents online while ensuring compliance with U.S. law.
When choosing an eSignature provider in the United States, it’s essential to ensure compliance with the ESIGN Act, which grants electronic signatures the same legal standing as handwritten ones. A reliable eSignature solution should provide secure authentication, document integrity, and audit trails to meet legal requirements.
Sign.Plus offers a compliant, user-friendly, and secure platform that enables businesses and individuals to sign documents effortlessly while ensuring full ESIGN Act compliance. Whether for contracts, HR documents, or financial transactions, Sign.Plus helps streamline your workflow, enhance security, and ensure legally binding digital signatures.
ESIGN Act requirements for legally binding electronic signatures
To be legally valid and enforceable under the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce (ESIGN) Act, an electronic signature must meet the following key requirements:
- Signer Intent: The signer must clearly demonstrate intent to sign electronically, whether by clicking to accept, typing a name, or using a digital mark.
- Signer Consent: The signer must explicitly agree to use an electronic signature, with businesses providing clear disclosures about its legal effect.
- Record Retention & Accessibility: Signed documents must be stored securely and easily accessible to all parties for future reference.
- Signature Association with the Document: The signature must be logically linked to the document, ensuring any alterations after signing are detectable.
- Audit Trail & Authentication: A detailed audit log must track signer details, timestamps, and verification methods to confirm authenticity.
With Sign.Plus, businesses and individuals can sign documents securely and compliantly, meeting all ESIGN Act requirements.
Scope and Limitations of Electronic Signature Transactions in the U.S.
Electronic signatures are widely accepted across the United States, providing a secure and efficient way to sign documents, but their use is subject to certain legal scope and limitations under the ESIGN Act and state laws.
✅ Where electronic signatures are accepted
- Most commercial agreements (business contracts, service agreements, sales transactions)
- Employment and HR documents (offer letters, non-disclosure agreements, policy updates)
- Financial and banking documents (loan applications, investment forms, banking authorizations)
- Healthcare and insurance forms (patient consent forms, insurance claims)
- Real estate transactions (leasing, rental agreements, brokerage agreements)
❌ Limitations of electronic signatures
• Some legal documents require handwritten signatures, including:
- Wills and trusts
- Court orders and legal notices
- Adoption paperwork
- Divorce and family law documents
• U.S. state laws may vary, so certain transactions may require additional verification steps.
Why choose Sign.Plus for eSignatures in the U.S.?
Sign.Plus offers a secure, legally compliant, and user-friendly eSignature solution that meets U.S. ESIGN Act regulation. Whether you need to sign business contracts, HR agreements, or financial documents, our platform ensures fast, legally valid, and secure digital transactions.
For businesses looking to automate and integrate eSignatures, the Sign.Plus eSignature API provides a seamless way to embed digital signing capabilities into your existing apps and workflows. With robust security, audit trails, and cross-device accessibility, Sign.Plus makes eSigning fast, compliant, and effortless.
Get started today and streamline your document signing with Sign.Plus!
DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for general information purposes only, and Sign.Plus cannot guarantee that all the information on this site is current or accurate. This is not intended to be legal advice and should not be a substitute for professional legal advice. For legal advice, consult a licensed attorney regarding your specific legal questions.
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