eSignature Legality Guide

Understand the global recognition of eSignatures and the frameworks that govern their use.

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Key information included in the guide

eSignatures are powerful, but their legality varies depending on where you are and what you’re signing.
This guide simplifies the complex world of eSignature laws by answering questions like:

  • Are eSignatures recognized as legally binding in my country?
  • What kinds of documents can I sign electronically, and which require extra steps?
  • Do I need a digital ID or certificate to make my eSignature valid?
  • When are advanced or qualified electronic signatures (QES) required?
  • Which certification bodies or trust providers are recognized in my region?
  • How does Signeasy ensure compliance across global and local legal standards?

Explore eSignature legality by country

Select your country or region to dive deeper into the specific legal frameworks that apply.

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Understanding eSignature legality

At its core, the legality of eSignatures is about trust. Countries adopt laws like the ESIGN Act or eIDAS to replace ink with pixels without losing confidence. 

Why it’s important to understand eSignature legality?

eSignatures aren’t just a convenience. They’re the foundation of modern business. But if you don’t follow the rules, they don’t count. That’s why understanding legality isn’t optional.

Are eSignatures globally accepted?

Some rules change, but the basics are universal: eSignatures need to be secure, verifiable, and intentional. Most countries converge on these principles, whether they’re using eIDAS, ESIGN, or something else.

What essentials should you know?

  1. What makes a signature valid?
  2. What documents are exceptions?
  3. How do you stay compliant?

Signeasy: Legally compliant eSignatures you can trust

Signeasy ensures your electronic signatures meet the highest legal standards, no matter where you do business. From the ESIGN Act and UETA in the United States to the eIDAS Regulation in the European Union and compliance with laws in countries like India, Canada, and Australia, Signeasy adheres to key global frameworks. With built-in security features and audit trails, every document signed with Signeasy is legally binding and enforceable.

Where Signeasy eSignatures are valid

Signeasy eSignatures are recognized in over 180 countries, including:

  • North America: United States, Canada, and Mexico
  • Europe: All EU member states, the UK, and Switzerland
  • Asia-Pacific: India, Australia, Singapore, and Japan
  • Latin America: Brazil, Argentina, and Chile
  • Middle East and Africa: UAE, South Africa, and more

About this guide

The Signeasy eSignature Legality Guide is based on extensive research into the laws and regulations surrounding electronic signatures and digital signature technologies. It serves as a resource to help businesses understand the legal landscape of eSignatures globally and address common misconceptions about their enforceability.

Disclaimer

The information in this guide is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws regarding eSignatures may vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. We recommend consulting with qualified legal counsel to determine how these laws apply to your business or organization. Signeasy does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of this information as it applies to specific cases.

Last updated: 
January 20, 2025