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Dec 28, 2024 • 7 min read

Electronic Signatures: What's Legal and What Isn't

E-signatures are legally binding in most jurisdictions, but there are important nuances.

Are e-signatures as legally binding as pen on paper? In most of the world, including the US (under the ESIGN Act) and Europe (under eIDAS), the answer is a resounding yes. However, not all scenarios are created equal.

Basic vs. Advanced Signatures

Typing your name or drawing your signature using a tool like our 'Sign PDF' utility constitutes a "Standard Electronic Signature." This is completely valid for B2B contracts, employment agreements, and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs).

However, some highly regulated documents—like wills, property deeds, or court documents—may require an "Advanced" or "Qualified" Electronic Signature, which involves a cryptographic certificate issued by an official trusted authority to mathematically prove the signer's identity.

For 99% of daily business needs, our free, private drawing tool works perfectly and carries full legal weight.

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