Overview of eSignature Legality

eSignatures and certificate-based digital signature laws can vary by country or region. Explore how these laws differ globally.

Legality of eSignatures in United States

Electronic signatures are legally recognized in the United States.

Legality of eSignatures in Canada

Electronic signatures are legally recognized in Canada.

Legality of eSignatures in United Kingdom

Electronic signatures are legally recognized in the United Kingdom.

Legality of eSignatures in European Union

Electronic signatures are legally recognized in the European Union.

Legality of eSignatures in Switzerland

Electronic signatures are legally recognized in Switzerland.

Resources on eSignature regulations and laws

ESIGN Act

U.S. law governing the conditions under which electronic signatures are legally binding.

eIDAS Regulation

EU regulation governing the conditions under which electronic identification and trust services are legally recognized.

ZertES Law

Swiss Federal law governing the conditions under which electronic signatures are legally binding.

eSignature legality in United States

In 2000, the United States recognized electronic signatures across all states and territories through the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN) where federal law is applicable. In areas where federal law does not apply, several states have adopted the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA).

eSignature legality in Canada

In Canada, electronic signatures hold legal recognition both at the federal level through the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and through individual provincial legislation in each province and territory.

eSignature legality in United Kingdom

Before the United Kingdom left the EU, the eIDAS regulation was applicable in the UK. Following Brexit in 2020, the legal framework for electronic signatures, now referred to as UK eIDAS, remains valid and admissible under UK law. This framework, largely derived from EU legislation, defines an electronic signature as data in electronic form, linked with other electronic data, and used by the signatory to sign.

eSignature legality in European Union

Since the passing of Electronic Identification Authentication and Trust Services (eIDAS) in 2016, countries in the EU consider eSignatures as legally binding in business and legal settings. eIDAS recognizes three types of electronic signatures: Simple eSignatures (SES), Advanced eSignatures (AES), and Qualified eSignatures (QES).

eSignature legality in Switzerland

In 2003, Switzerland legalized electronic signatures with the introduction of the Federal Law on Electronic Signatures, also referred to as ZertES. This law parallels the EU's eIDAS regulation by overseeing electronic certification services, and setting out standards for different types of electronic signatures.

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.