Is electronic signature legal? The answer is—yes, it is; these signatures carry the same weight as traditional signatures.

To those wondering, “Is electronic signature legal?” the answer is yes—electronic signatures 

If you wish to know more about the legality of e-signatures and how to use them—we are here to help! In this article, we discuss key aspects like the e-signature concept, types, usage, regulation, and their benefits.

and hold the same weight as handwritten ones when they meet requirements

 like intent, consent, verification, and record-keeping.

: simple (SES), advanced (AES), and qualified (QES). Each type offers different levels of security and verification.

 in industries such as sales, healthcare, and government, and they are 

 under acts like ESIGN and UETA in the U.S.

, including the UK’s Electronic Communications Act, the EU’s eIDAS Regulation, and Australia’s ETA, establish the legality of e-signatures worldwide.

speed, cost-efficiency, and strong security

, especially when created with reliable tools like PDF.net.

Electronic signatures are symbols, letters, or other data in electronic format attached to an online document as proof of 

. Its importance is equal to an offline signature.

E-signatures are used to sign documents remotely via a 

. Businesses often use them to create court-admissible signatures, which secure electronic transactions and enhance customer experience.

There are three major types of electronic signatures:

: It is the most widespread type of e-signature, which implies electronic information (letters or other symbols) attached to a transmittable digital document. This signature variant does not require verification; the documents that contain it have no high integrity levels.


: This type of electronic signature is made the same way as SES. The key difference is that AES’ security levels are higher. For example, you can create an AES and use a delivery service with 

: Lastly, these encrypted e-signatures have the 

, as they use the public key technology. This means that only the sender and the receiver can see the signed document. On top of that, QES also requires a face-to-face video call or live verification. For example, universities can issue student transcripts with QES to prevent transcript fraud or forgery by 

Electronic signature technologies, such as digital signatures, make e-signatures impregnable. While the 

digital signature vs. electronic signature

 comparison may cause confusion, the key difference is that the former protects an e-signature, whereas the latter is data in digital form attached to other data in the same form.

and carry the same weight as traditional signatures.

Generally, when examining if an electronic signature is legal, one needs to analyze several factors, including intent to sign, consent, verification, and record-keeping.

of a person to make a document official by putting their signature on it. This also implies that the signer understands their actions and agrees with the terms under which the document was made.

In contrast to offline signatures, where the signer’s intent is visible, e-signatures must have 

 of the intent. Some ways to prove it include using screenshots or making changes to the document before signing.

 before it can be valid. This applies to every electronic document. If an individual has given consent to sign a document in the past and never retracted it, the consent can still be active later on.

For instance, individuals signing documents in the US must get a 

, which they can use to give consent. Needless to say, a consent withdrawal will render an e-signature invalid.

Another factor essential for legally binding signatures is electronic signature authentication. The verification method can differ depending on the signature type; the simplest procedure is for the signer to 

For more robust authentication, the signer may need to use a PIN code received by SMS or upload an official ID. Verification via video call or in person is also standard.

Successful record-keeping is the last element to solve the dilemma when wondering whether an electronic signature is legal. Primarily, the signed document must have 

; in other words, there must be evidence that no document changes have occurred.

This is why electronic signatures have text or graphic components confirming that the signing process is digital. An alternative way to prove integrity is for document creators to explain how they made and attached the signature.

 for every contracting party. Document retention refers to storing documents where all authorized individuals can access them. Only after all these safety measures have been applied is an electronic signature legal.

As previously mentioned, an electronic signature is legal whenever it meets the criteria mentioned in the previous section. However, this type is mostly used in specific industries, such as sales, contracts, healthcare, government forms, and similar.

Firstly, the most common example of e-signatures is in sales contracts. If buyers and sellers cannot sign a contract in person, they can do so legally 

. This process includes verification of both buyer and seller. The same goes for other aspects like intent, consent, etc.

E-signatures in sales agreements can speed up and improve the efficiency of this process. This is useful for buyers and sellers hurrying to obtain funds or legally take possession of property or assets.

Dealing with sensitive and confidential patient and research information is a typical occurrence in the healthcare industry. Researchers, doctors, patients, and others may share such data for various purposes; in such cases, electronic signatures keep all the details secure.

For instance, e-signatures in hospital settings are essential for sharing medical records, such as a patient’s medical history. The same applies to medical billings, procedure approvals, and prescriptions.

The government uses high-protection electronic signatures for documents regardless of their level (federal, state, or local). They ensure security by issuing 

The transport industry also uses e-signatures for shipping documents, as physical documents may be lost or difficult to keep neat during transportation. On the other hand, 

 electronic documents are practical for both shippers and recipients.

Do Electronic Signatures Hold Up in Court?

Electronic signatures hold up in court, as they are equally legally binding as physical ones and regulated by online document signing laws.

The main regulatory act for making e-signatures admissible in court is the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, or the 

. It affirms that electronic signatures are as impactful in court as physical paper signatures. Another official act issued in 1999, the above-mentioned UETA, evens the effect of e-signatures with traditional signatures.

If an e-signature meets the set criteria (intention, consent, verification, and integrity), court representatives can prove its validity more easily than they would do for traditional signatures. Instead of hiring handwriting experts and presenting copies of previous signatures, executives can use 

Audit trails provide data collected during the signing process and serve as substantial proof of e-signature authenticity. Automating this process removes the possibility of human error and 

 regarding document receipt, opening, viewing, time, location, and IP address.

We know it’s legal in many areas, but is electronic signature legal worldwide? The answer is yes—

. Still, the regulation of e-signature varies from one region to another, but the US, UK, Europe, and Australia have the most impactful regulations.

Let’s have a look at the acts and directives for each region.

The ESIGN Act and UETA directly regulate electronic signatures in the US, and passing these two acts gives e-signatures the 

Still, there are certain cases in which only a wet (or traditional) signature is valid. These include:

“Do not resuscitate” and health proxies in healthcare documents

These examples may vary from state to state, so it's important to check which documents the e-signature is valid for in each area.

 passed in 2000 changed the status of e-signatures from non-valid to valid in the UK. In 2002, the 

 completely systematized e-signatures within the UK law jurisdiction.

Even though they are fully regulated, electronic signatures in this area do not carry the same weight as wet signatures on every occasion. To have the same impact as traditional ones, e-signatures must either be 

 was the first electronic signature regulatory act in the EU. Shortly after, Regulation (EU) No 910/2014, or the 

, codified simple, advanced, and qualified e-signatures.

First, simple electronic signatures encompass every electronic signature that transmits digital data for authentication purposes. Such an e-signature is valid in 

Advanced and qualified signatures are valid for consumer credits and loans, court briefs, and commercial lease agreements. While these are the general rules, each EU state has its e-signature directives.

 of 2000 rank electronic signatures alongside wet signatures in Australia. The ETA proposes a specific set of rules (e.g., intention, consent, etc.) for legally binding e-signatures globally. On the local level, most administrative units have their own ETAs.

Finally, e-signatures are almost universal. For instance, most South American, Middle Eastern, and Asian countries 

3 Benefits of Using Electronic Signatures

Not only is an electronic signature legal, but it also brings benefits such as speed and efficiency, environmental friendliness, and security.

Signing a document electronically may only take several minutes. The entire signing process, except for the signing act, 

, which speeds up the procedure. The faster this process goes, the more your workflow can become more efficient.

—everything is in one place. Therefore, all parties can sign, use, and manage the documents, even on a multidepartmental level.

#2. Environmental Friendliness & Cost Reduction

Using electronic signatures can reduce paper consumption, which directly and positively impacts the environment. It also reduces the costs of buying paper and printing documents. Unlike traditional paperwork, which implies transportation, e-signatures are both

Electronic signatures boast high safety levels, sometimes even higher than traditional signature levels.

Advanced electronic signatures involve multiple measures like 

, which confirm time, location, document reception, opening, and viewing.

 that only the sender and the receiver have and can use to unlock and view the signed document.

PDF tools can help with e-signatures by allowing you to load your document quickly, use a specialized feature to add your signature to it, adjust signature font style, color, size, and opacity, and upload your signature image to a document from your device.

A valid signature is essential for purchasing, selling, or performing similar actions. However, finding reliable software that will help you sign your documents electronically can sometimes be challenging. But worry not; our 

 tools can help you streamline this process seamlessly.

 makes it easy to create electronic signatures, and the software also offers valuable options for transferring digital information to other data in electronic format. Therefore, you can sign files and tweak your document using the 

Most importantly, the whole set of tools is 

—online protection and privacy are guaranteed.

#1. How can I prove the validity of an electronic signature?

You can prove the validity of an electronic signature by checking the signer’s intent and consent, verifying their identity, and using audit trails and public keys, which reliable software can provide.

#2. What should I look for in a legal e-signature tool?

In a legal e-signature tool, you should look for authentic and original signatures, tamper-proof ability, compliance and security of the platform, a transparent audit trail, mobile friendliness, etc.

#3. How do I make my electronic signature legal?

You can make your electronic signature legal by expressing your intent and consent, verifying your identity, securing the document, making copies, and keeping documents ready for check-ups.

#4. Can electronic signatures be tampered with?

Electronic signatures can be tampered with. However, this is mostly the case with e-signatures made with poor-quality tools from untrusted sources. To avoid such scenarios, you can use PDF.net for signing your documents, as it boasts high-security levels and keeps your documents private.

Is Electronic Signature Legal: How to Ensure Compliance

The answer to the question “What is a wet signature?” is simple—it’s a term used to describe the process of signing a physical paper document.

The answer to the question, “What is a wet signature?” is simpler than you may think—it’s the process of 

signing a physical document with a pen, seal, or another identification mark

A wet signature used to be a binding contract, and it still is in some cases. However, with the advancement of technology, electronic signatures have become more and more accepted as a faster and more secure alternative.

In this article, we’ll discuss the use of wet signatures, drawing a parallel between them and e-signs and digital signatures. We’ll also explain how the concept of a wet signature is applied online. Let’s begin!

handwritten signature on a physical document

, traditionally used for legal and formal validation.

certain legal documents, regulated industries, and non-digital signers

 offer a faster, more convenient, and secure alternative for signing documents remotely.

 add encryption and authentication to e-signs, providing higher security and integrity for sensitive or high-risk documents.

, streamlining the signing process without printing or scanning.

What Is a Wet Signature, and How to Obtain It?

handwritten signature on a physical piece of paper

, be it an agreement, contract, or proposal (a wet-signed document). It goes under various names, including the following:

The term “wet” dates back to when ink was used for such purposes more commonly—namely, it took some time for it to dry on paper.

In addition to a handwritten signature, wet signature examples traditionally included several other forms of authentication, such as a 

. All of these models were (and still are) legal signatures used to verify the validity of documents and confirm identification.

The process of obtaining a wet signature goes as follows:

Prepare the document that needs to be signed.

If the document is in digital form, print it out on paper.

Sign the document in the designated area with a pen (or ink).

Have a witness be present during signing if legal requirements call for one.

Once the document is signed, you can mail it, hand-deliver it, or scan it and send it via email.

Wet signatures are still required in some cases, especially 

, although electronic signatures have become more common over the past few decades.

The truth is that many people still find signing a document with a pen more secure and trustworthy. Namely, they see it as a way to confirm the signer has physically acknowledged the content and agreed with it.

In fact, the law sometimes specifically requires a wet signature 

to ensure the document’s validity and prevent fraud

. These, which include adoption papers, wills, court orders, property deeds, and some investor and banking contracts, may still need to be signed by hand. Still, this depends on the jurisdiction—while some require wet signatures to ensure credibility, others allow electronic signatures.

Strict regulations in specific industries

. Government, healthcare, and finance often call for wet signatures for certain types of documents to reduce the risk of fraud or dispute.

. People with no access to technology or those not comfortable with digital processes prefer wet signatures to their electronic counterparts.

 digital version of someone’s handwritten signature

. As an alternative to a wet signature, it’s commonly used for signing documents online. Its popularity and wide use lie in the fact that it allows for 

, thus eliminating the need for physical paperwork.

This type of signature offers a convenient way of signing a wide range of documents, including forms, agreements, and contracts. However, while e-signs are generally legally valid, not every jurisdiction recognizes them as such; in some cases, you may still need to sign a document by hand.

When Are E-Signatures Better than Wet Signatures?

E-signatures are better than wet signatures when:

: Speed can be a factor in signing certain documents, and this is where e-signs come in handy. They’re completed instantly, as there are no delays from printing and mailing.

: A document may need to be signed by a person in one city or country and sent to a person in another location. In such cases, an electronic signature is a great choice because it eliminates the need for shipping.

: Businesses typically process large volumes of forms and contracts. Luckily, e-signs can streamline the workflow, thus saving time.

: Electronic signatures provide security measures such as encryption or 

, which are especially important when signing documents containing sensitive information.

It’s important to reduce the cost of the process

: Wet signatures imply printing, mailing, and storing documents, all of which cost money. E-signs, on the other hand, save money by eliminating those extra steps.

: If you create and store documents digitally, converting them to physical files takes time. For this reason, it’s better to sign them electronically.

: Printing physical documents requires paper and energy use. In contrast, e-signs save those resources, contributing to a more environmentally friendly workflow.

Wet Signature vs. Electronic or Digital Signature

Although wet signatures are still widely recognized and trusted, they take time, as they require the signer to be physically present or mail the signed document. This can be inconvenient nowadays, which is why electronic signatures were introduced.

They offer a way to sign documents online, whether by 

 on a form. Of course, you can do all these things from anywhere (as long as you have access to the necessary technology), which makes e-signs much more convenient than their traditional counterpart.

Also, the term ‘digital signature’ is often used interchangeably with ‘electronic signature.’ However, the two aren’t quite the same.

Namely, a digital signature is an e-sign with an 

 or two-factor authentication. Not only does it confirm the signer’s identity, but it also 

ensures the document hasn’t been changed after signing

. Therefore, digital signatures are common in high-security industries, such as finance.

Choosing between wet signatures and e-signs or digital signatures depends on the situation. Traditional and formal documents often call for handwritten signatures. In cases where speed and convenience are important, electronic signatures are better. Meanwhile, you should use a digital signature when security is a priority.

Are Electronic Signatures as Safe as Wet Signatures?

Electronic signatures aren’t as safe as wet signatures; they’re even 

Establishing the validity of a wet signature requires 

 from witnesses who were present during the signing or handwriting experts. On top of being time- and money-consuming, this process can be 

In contrast, electronic signatures use advanced technology to enhance security. They often come with 

 to confirm the signer’s identity and prevent tampering. Thanks to these digital safeguards, it’s fairly easy to track when and where a certain document was signed.

Simply put, wet signatures rely on subjective methods to prove authenticity. Meanwhile, e-signs (and especially digital signatures) leverage objective systems that leave little room for error. With that in mind, not only do electronic signatures save time and money, but they also 

The downsides of wet signatures include higher costs, longer turnaround time, limited privacy and security, and record-keeping issues. Let’s examine them more closely:

Wet signatures are money-consuming, and not just because of the 

 (especially in the case of an overnight delivery). If you’re running a business, you also need to take into account the 

 when it takes more than a week to receive a signed document.

This is where it also becomes evident how time-consuming wet signatures can be. Not only are you at the mercy of delivery services as it is, but you also need to 

 when waiting for a document. Needless to say, if your sales contract takes too long to arrive, your potential client may explore other options in the meantime.

Handling sensitive information calls for high levels of privacy and security, which, unfortunately, can be compromised in the case of physical documents. They can get stolen or lost, and even if they don’t, it’s still 

difficult to control who has access to them

Electronic signatures involve no such risks. They offer 

 to verify the signer’s identity, as well as the identities of those who can gain entry to the documents.

When a document is signed with a wet signature and sent back to your company, it has to be scanned and stored in the cloud or on a local drive.

This can pose a problem if any of the parties need to access the physical version of the document again. Namely, 

it takes much longer to find it in boxes and filing cabinets

 in storage than it does to pull it up on a computer.

Why You Should Use PDF.net Tool for Signing

If you want a wet signature on a PDF document, you need to print said file, sign it, and scan it. Needless to say, this process is rather time-consuming. Fortunately, there’s a better way; with PDF.net, you can 

 electronically in moments, eliminating the extra steps. Here are some reasons you should consider this option:

: Whether you’re a first-time user or not, this PDF editor makes e-signing simple and hassle-free. You can upload, sign, and send a document in just a few clicks.

: Thanks to its encryption and authentication features, PDF.net ensures your signatures are safe and legally binding. It protects your sensitive information every step of the way.

: With PDF.net, you can sign any document whenever you want and wherever you are. Whether you’re at home or on the go, you can complete the process in a snap.

Now that you know why, let’s see how you can e-sign with PDF.net:

Open PDF.net on your computer, tablet, or cell phone.

Upload your file in the designated space.


 Choose the color and font and type your signature in the pop-up window.


can be electronic if you scan it and convert it to digital format

. This process allows the physical signature to be used in electronic documents, making it a convenient solution for digital transactions.

 a wet signature can be scanned with a scanner or mobile device’s camera

 to create its digital copy. This digital version can then be used in electronic documents, enabling secure digital transactions and recordkeeping.

, although some formal documents, such as wills, adoption papers, and court orders, still require wet signatures.

#4. Can I create a wet signature in Word?

by signing on a piece of paper, taking a picture of the signature, uploading it to your computer, and inserting the image in a Word file

E-Signature

Is Electronic Signature Legal: How to Ensure Compliance

What Is a Wet Signature? Meaning, Uses, and Importance