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One of the most common questions we get is: "If I sign this on my computer, will it hold up in court?"

The short answer is: Yes. In the vast majority of business and personal transactions, an electronic signature is just as legally binding as a "wet ink" signature.

The Laws Protecting You

Governments around the world have passed acts to ensure digital commerce can flow smoothly.

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ United States

The ESIGN Act (2000) states that a contract cannot be denied legal effect solely because it is in electronic form.

πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ί European Union

The eIDAS Regulation establishes that an electronic signature shall not be denied legal effect just because it is electronic.

What Makes it Valid?

For a signature to be valid, it generally requires three things:

  1. Intent to Sign: You must intend to sign the document (e.g., by drawing your name).
  2. Consent to do Business Electronically: Both parties must agree to use electronic tools.
  3. Association: The signature must be clearly connected to the specific document (which our PDF tool does by embedding the image).

When should I NOT use e-signatures?

There are rare exceptions. You should typically use a physical pen and notary for:

  • Wills and Codicils
  • Court Orders
  • Foreclosure notices
  • Termination of life insurance benefits

For almost everything else—freelance contracts, leases, NDAs, and offer letters—our Free Signature Maker is perfectly legal and secure.