Contract Glossary

Electronic Signature

Definition

Any electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to a contract that a person uses with the intent to sign. In the U.S., the ESIGN Act (2000) and UETA make e-signatures just as legally binding as ink-on-paper signatures for most contracts.

In Practice

If you're using DocuSign, HelloSign, or even typing your name into a signature field, you're creating a legally valid electronic signature. Most business contracts, NDAs, service agreements, freelance contracts, can be signed electronically. Exceptions exist for wills, certain family law documents, and court orders in most jurisdictions.