Electronic signature law, country by country
Pick the country whose law governs your contract. Each page explains when an electronic signature binds, which documents need more, and links to the law itself.
Not legal advice. This page explains how electronic signature law works in general terms and links to the primary sources. It is not legal advice. Rules differ by country and by document type, and they change; for a specific transaction, ask a qualified lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.
By country
| Country | Main law | In one sentence |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Electronic Communications Act 2000, retained eIDAS, Law Commission 2019 | An electronic signature is capable in law of executing a document, including a deed, provided the signer intends to authenticate it and any execution formalities are satisfied (Law Commission, 2019). |
| United States | ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and UETA | A signature, contract or other record may not be denied legal effect, validity or enforceability solely because it is in electronic form (15 U.S.C. §7001(a)). |
| European Union | eIDAS, Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 | An electronic signature shall not be denied legal effect and admissibility as evidence solely because it is electronic or not qualified (eIDAS Article 25). |
| Canada | PIPEDA Part 2 and provincial electronic commerce Acts | Every province and territory has an electronic commerce statute under which a legal requirement for a signature is satisfied by an electronic signature, with listed exclusions. |
| Australia | Electronic Transactions Act 1999 (Cth) and state Acts | A requirement for a signature is met electronically if the method identifies the person and their intention, is as reliable as appropriate, and the recipient consents (s 10). |
Other countries
Most countries have adopted laws based on the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce or Electronic Signatures, so the "not invalid merely because it is electronic" principle is widespread. The exceptions, formalities and evidence rules differ, so for a contract governed by a law not covered here, check the local position.
How electronic signatures work
What courts look for (intent, consent, attribution and integrity), what AiresDocs records as evidence, and the documents commonly treated differently are explained in How electronic signatures work, and when they are legally binding.
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