Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Related legal acts

Key definition

Electronic signature definition

What does Electronic signature mean? An electronic signature (e-signature) is any electronic means by which a person signs and authenticates an electronic document or communication, indicating approval of its contents. It includes typing a name, clicking an acceptance box, inserting a scanned signature, using a stylus, or applying a cryptographic digital signature. In the UK, ‘electronic signature’ is defined in section 7 of the Electronic Communications Act 2000 and the retained UK eIDAS Regulation (EU 910/2014): data in electronic form attached to or logically associated with other electronic data and used by the signatory to sign. Ireland uses the same concept under eIDAS and the...

Electronic Signatures in England and Wales: Legal Validity, Statutory Formalities, eIDAS (post-Brexit), Deeds, Smart legal contracts, Cross-border Issues and Best Practice

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Practice notes

electronic signatures

This Practice Note sets out the legal position on electronic signatures—also called digital signatures, e‑signatures, E‑Signatures, eSignatures, paperless signing or electronic document signing. It explains the categories of electronic signature and the technology used to generate digital signatures, including public key infrastructure (PKI). It reviews key UK legislation such as the Electronic Communications Act 2000 (ECA 2000) and the UK eIDAS Regulation, and outlines best practice for executing documents by electronic means. An electronic signature functions as the digital counterpart to a handwritten signature, connecting an individual with the contents of an electronic document. The Note focuses on the general law in England and Wales for commercial contracts in a business‑to‑business context. Readers should be aware that particular transactions may present distinct issues, for example due to laws applicable to consumers. For practical guidance on signing when one or more parties to a contract are not physically present, see Practice Note: Virtual execution of documents. For considerations relevant to remote signing, and for links to related materials, see: Remote execution of documents resources—checklist...

Simple electronic signatures
Advanced electronic signatures
Qualified electronic signatures

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Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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