How Do Electronic Signatures Work?

An electronic signature, often known as an eSignature, is precisely what it sounds like. It’s just a means for you to sign a legal document on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. In addition, there is no legal distinction between online electronic signatures and ink signatures on paper.

In certain aspects, an eSignature is superior to a traditional pen and paper signature. For one thing, eSignatures are time-stamped, so you and your co-signers will always know when your agreement was signed. As part of your Rocket Lawyer subscription, we also save all of your signed paperwork in one convenient location. It means you don’t have to be concerned about misplacing essential legal paperwork. Moreover, you don’t have to be in the same room—or even the same zip code—to have a signed and ready-to-go document.

And, of course, these contracts and agreements are all printable if you ever need them. A tangible copy is just a mouse click away.

There are several laws on the books that have aided in making eSignatures legally binding. Here are a few examples:

Legislation Regarding Digital Signatures And Electronic Authentication (United States)
Act Concerning Electronic Signatures in Global and International Trade (United States)
The Act on Electronic Signatures in Global and National Trade (United States)
The Act to Reduce Government Paperwork (United States)
The Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) governs electronic transactions (United States)
Act on Electronic Communications (United Kingdom)
Directive on Electronic Signatures (European Union)
The Electronic Commerce Act (Mexico)
8454 Digital Signature Law (Costa Rica)
Act on Electronic Communications and Transactions (South Africa)