Are electronic signatures legal?

Yes. Electronic signatures are generally legally binding and recognized under the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN) and Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA). According to these acts, an electronic signature is defined as an “electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to or logically associated with a record and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the record.”Nevertheless, electronic signature laws contain exceptions for certain documents, like wills and trusts, that must be signed in person. If you have any questions about the legal effect of using electronic signatures to sign a particular document in your jurisdiction, you should consult with an attorney.

Are electronic signatures secure?

All documents sent using LegalZoom's eSignature service are encrypted and use industry standard security protocols. We provide an electronic signature summary report that identifies each signer and confirms the document's integrity.

Do signers need a LegalZoom online account to electronically sign my document?

No, signers don't need a LegalZoom online account to use LegalZoom's eSignature service. Each signer receives an email containing a link to access and sign the document directly.

How do I create a signature electronically?

Three ways you can create an electronic signature using LegalZoom's eSignature service: Draw your signature on a touchscreen device with your finger, a digital pen, or a mouse if you're signing from a computer. Type your name and select a font style from a range of options. Upload a scanned image of your handwritten signature to use as your electronic signature.

Is a PDF signature an electronic signature?

Yes, a PDF signature can be considered an electronic signature. A PDF signature is a type of electronic signature that uses a digital certificate to verify the authenticity and integrity of a document.

Can an electronic signature just be typed?

Yes, with LegalZoom's eSignature service, you can type your electronic signature and select a font style that suits your preferences.

Which document formats does LegalZoom support for electronic signatures?

LegalZoom's eSignature service currently supports .pdf files.

How do I know when my document is signed?

We will send you an email containing a copy of the signed document. You can also track your document's status in the eSignature tab of your LegalZoom account. It records real-time progress on your document, including pending and completed signatures.

How do you add an electronic signature to a PDF?

Follow these steps: Create or sign in to your LegalZoom account. Go to the eSignature tab. Upload your .pdf document. Add Signature tags to the document. Click “Sign document.” Begin the signing process.

How can I learn more about using eSignature for my documents?

If you'd like an in-depth tutorial about how to use eSignature, you can visit our product help guide, eSignature knowledge base, to get more details.

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Name: eSignature
Brand: LegalZoom
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LegalZoom's eSignature service helps you sign and manage documents online from anywhere. Save time and enhance productivity. Plus, easily access other LegalZoom solutions in one place, including trusted attorneys and legal forms.

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A business owner signs electronic documents using LZ's electronic signature solution and explains the benefits of electronic signatures over wet signatures to an employee.

Why use LegalZoom’s eSignature service?

Make it easy

Request signatures in just a few clicks. Get your documents signed online with our simple drag-and-drop editor.

Save time

You can sign and manage on the go. Access your signed documents online from anywhere, on any device.

Manage in one place

Sign, organize, and store all your documents online in one secure place.

Maximize your budget

Get your documents electronically signed at an affordable cost that fits your budget.

Sign your documents online in 3 easy steps

An app screenshot that displays the first step to sign documents online - find the particular document in your device and upload it (pdf format only).

1. Prepare

Upload your document or create a new one using our legal form templates.

An app screenshot of LegalZoom’s secure electronic signature service that displays the second step of signing documents via electronic process - add the signer’s identity, name, and verified email address.

2. Assign

Add yourself and invite others to sign. Include as many signers as you need.

An app screenshot of LegalZoom's secure electronic signature software. It displays how to easily create an online signature from a desktop or mobile device. E-signatures allow you to sign documents from anywhere.

3. Sign

Securely sign or collect electronic signatures on your document online.

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eSignature features

Create documents faster

Upload your own document or quickly draft a new document with our attorney-drafted legal form templates.

Add multiple signers

Add signers to your document with easy drag-and-drop actions. Request signatures from multiple signers on your document. Save time on coordination and logistics.

Personalize your signature

Whether you prefer a typed or handwritten signature, we've got you covered. Type, draw, or upload to create your signature.

Track document status

Access real-time updates throughout the signing process, including pending and completed signatures.

Manage all on one platform

Easily use eSignature with our suite of legal, tax, and accounting services to sign and manage your documents in one place.

Sign with confidence

LegalZoom’s eSignature service offers secure and compliant electronic signatures.

Legally binding signatures

LegalZoom's eSignature service has been designed to comply with U.S. electronic records and signature laws. It is intended to produce documents with legally binding electronic signatures.

Secure delivery services

Enjoy peace of mind knowing your documents are secure and protected with encryption to prevent unauthorized access.

Complete audit trail

Get a complete audit trail to verify the signed document’s integrity. It logs essential information, including the signer’s identity, IP addresses, and actions taken with date and time stamps.

A woman signs documents using the service of an electronic signature provider that allows her to create electronic signatures like her handwritten signatures.

What is an electronic signature?

An electronic signature, also known as an e-signature, is a legally recognized way of signing documents online. Unlike a traditional handwritten signature, an electronic signature replaces physical paper signing with a completely digital process. Electronic signatures allow users to sign documents anywhere and anytime, giving users greater flexibility and convenience.

Why use electronic signatures?

Legally binding

Electronic signatures are a legally valid method for executing most contracts and agreements, making them a secure and reliable option for businesses.

Efficiency

Streamline the document signing process, eliminating the need for manual steps and reducing the time and effort required for signing.

Convenience

Eliminate the need for physical paperwork and allow for remote signing, whether you're at home, in the office, or traveling.

Transparency

Access a detailed audit log, bringing more accountability and transparency to the signing process.

Accessibility

Store signed documents securely online, making finding and organizing files much simpler. Reduce the need for physical storage.

Cost savings

Minimize the cost associated with paper and document processing, saving money on ink, cartridges, printing, and mailing supplies.

An attorney explains federal regulations, UETA and E-SIGN Act, to a client and shows a list of legal documents where electronic signatures are not applicable and require traditional signatures to be valid.

What kinds of documents should not be signed electronically?

While electronic signatures are valid for most types of business and personal transactions, U.S. laws do have exceptions. The federal ESIGN Act restricts the use of electronic signatures for the following categories of documents:

Wills, testamentary trusts, and codicils (including estate planning documents obtained through LegalZoom)
Adoption, divorce, and other family law papers (including such documents obtained through LegalZoom)
Contracts governed by the Uniform Commercial Code (e.g., negotiable instruments, letters of credit, investment securities, secured transactions) other than sections 1–107 and 1–206 and Articles 2 and 2A
Court orders, notices, or official court documents (including briefs, pleadings, and other writings) required to be executed in connection with court proceedings
Notice of the cancellation or termination of utility services (including water, heat, and power)
Notice of default, acceleration, repossession, foreclosure, or eviction, or the right to cure, under a credit agreement secured by, or a rental agreement for, a primary residence of an individual
Notice of the cancellation or termination of health insurance or benefits or life insurance benefits (excluding annuities)
Product recalls or notices of material failures that risk endangering health or safety
Documentation accompanying the transport of hazardous materials

Note that state electronic signature laws may contain additional exceptions to those listed above. If you have any questions regarding whether a document may be validly signed using eSignature in your jurisdiction, please seek advice from an attorney.

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