Glossary
E-signature
An e-signature is any electronic way of showing agreement to a document, such as a typed name, a drawn signature or a click.
An electronic signature, or e-signature, is a signature made in electronic form. It can be a typed name, a scanned or drawn signature, a click on an "I agree" button, or a signature applied through a signing platform.
In England and Wales, the Electronic Communications Act 2000 says an electronic signature is admissible in evidence on any question about the authenticity or integrity of a communication. The Law Commission's 2019 report adds that an electronic signature is capable in law of executing a document, including a deed, where the signer intends to authenticate it and any formalities are met.
In the United States, the federal ESIGN Act says a signature, contract or record relating to interstate or foreign commerce may not be denied legal effect solely because it is electronic. Some documents, such as deeds, still have extra formalities.
Example
A client opens a Contracts.io link on their phone, reads the agreement, and signs it by typing their name.
What the legislation says
In England and Wales, an electronic signature is admissible in evidence on any question about the authenticity or integrity of a communication or data.
Source: Electronic Communications Act 2000, s.7Checked 7 October 2026Pending lawyer review
Under the federal ESIGN Act, a signature, contract or other record relating to a transaction in interstate or foreign commerce may not be denied legal effect, validity or enforceability solely because it is in electronic form.
Source: Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, 15 U.S.C. 7001(a)Checked 7 October 2026Pending lawyer review