- \n
- The ESIGN Act gives electronic signatures and electronic records legal validity in many U.S. transactions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- UETA provides a state-level framework that generally gives eSignatures the same legal standing as handwritten signatures.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Legally binding eSignature<\/a> requirements usually include intent, consent, signer attribution, record retention, and a reliable audit trail.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Some documents and notices may still require paper, wet ink, notarization, or jurisdiction-specific handling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- DocHub<\/a> supports eSignature workflows with signing tools, signature requests, timestamps, audit trails, and downloadable signed records \u2014 all in line with major eSignature laws<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Disclaimer: <\/em><\/strong>The information contained in this blog post is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal advice.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is an electronic signature?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
An electronic signature (or eSignature) is a digital action that shows agreement with an electronic record. U.S. law generally gives electronic and handwritten signatures<\/strong> the same legal effect when the required conditions are met. The key point is that an electronic signature is not defined by how closely it looks like handwriting. What matters is whether the signature is attached to the document and whether the person intended to sign it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Professional](\"https:\/\/www.dochub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Electronic-signature-1024x683.png\")
Electronic signatures make it easy to sign documents from anywhere, while supporting secure, efficient, and paperless workflows.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n The ESIGN Act defines an electronic signature as “any electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to or associated with a contract or record”<\/em><\/strong> \u2014 and executed by someone with the intent to sign. That’s why many different actions can count as a valid signature, depending on the context:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- A typed name<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A checkbox<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A drawn signature<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A click-to-sign button.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A scanned signature on its own doesn’t prove much, but when it’s part of a controlled signing process that includes identity information, timestamps, consent records, and an audit trail, it becomes much easier to confirm who signed and when.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Curious how we got here and how signing methods evolved? Check out the evolution of electronic signature standards<\/a> to see how signing has changed over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s also worth knowing the difference between electronic signatures and digital signatures<\/a>. An electronic signature is a broad legal term. A digital signature is a specific technical method that uses cryptography and certificates to verify authenticity and document integrity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is the ESIGN Act?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act<\/a>, commonly called the ESIGN Act, is the primary federal law governing the legal validity of electronic signatures in the United States. It says that a signature, contract, or record related to a transaction may not be denied legal effect solely because it is in electronic form<\/em><\/strong>. It also says that a contract may not be denied enforceability solely because an electronic signature or electronic record was used to create it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ESIGN Act does not make every electronic signature automatically enforceable. Instead, it removes the old objection that \u201celectronic\u201d means \u201cnot legally valid.\u201d Courts and businesses still look at the normal contract questions: Did the parties agree? Did the signer intend to sign? Can the signed record be produced later? Can the signature be connected to the signer?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
ESIGN Act summary<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Here’s what the ESIGN Act actually says, in plain terms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Electronic signatures and records carry the same legal weight as paper ones \u2014 for most interstate and foreign commerce transactions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A signature or contract can’t be rejected just because it’s electronic.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If a law requires information to be provided “in writing,” businesses can only go digital if the consumer actively consents and is informed of their options (such as obtaining a paper copy or withdrawing consent).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A solid eSignature process should clearly explain what the signer is agreeing to, capture their intent, keep an accurate record, and store the completed document for future reference.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is UETA?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA)<\/a> is a model state law created by the Uniform Law Commission<\/a> to give electronic records and signatures the same legal standing as paper documents and handwritten signatures, clearing the path for electronic commerce at the state level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
UETA works hand in hand with the federal ESIGN Act. ESIGN establishes the national foundation, while UETA provides each state with a consistent framework for recognizing electronic transactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your business operates across multiple states and regularly handles contracts, HR documents, onboarding forms, sales agreements, or client approvals, it’s worth understanding how both frameworks apply to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
UETA legal requirements<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
To keep electronic transactions valid under UETA, a few key conditions need to be met:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Each party must agree to conduct business electronically.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The electronic record or signature must be linked to the relevant transaction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The record must be stored in a way that can be accurately reproduced and referenced later.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meeting these requirements helps ensure your e-signature workflow holds up \u2014 whether you’re onboarding a new hire or closing a client deal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ESIGN vs. UETA: What is the difference?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
ESIGN and UETA establish a legal framework for using electronic documents and signatures in many business transactions. Let’s look at their key differences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.dochub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DH-Create-Signatures-1024x589.png\")
![\"Screenshot](\"https:\/\/www.dochub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DH-Audit-trail-1024x438.png\")
![\"Infographic](\"https:\/\/www.dochub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/When-esignatures-cant-be-used-1024x536.png\")
![\"Infographic](\"https:\/\/www.dochub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/eSignature-Acts-by-counties-1024x683.png\")
![\"Screenshot](\"https:\/\/www.dochub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/DH-Certified-documents-and-verified-signatures-1024x963.png\")