KlevoElectronic signature laws by country
Electronic signatures are recognized in most major economies, but the rules and the exceptions differ. Here is the main law in 12 places, with links to official sources where we could confirm them.
The short answer
In most places a signature is not invalid just because it is electronic. What usually matters is whether you can show who signed, that they meant to sign, and that the document has not changed since. That is why a good electronic signature records more than a drawing of a name.
Laws at a glance
| Place | Main law | In short |
|---|---|---|
| United States | ESIGN Act (2000) and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, adopted by nearly every state | A signature cannot be refused legal effect only because it is electronic. Wills and some family-law papers are commonly excluded. |
| European Union | eIDAS Regulation (EU) 910/2014 | Three levels: simple, advanced and qualified. Only a qualified signature automatically has the same effect as a handwritten one, but the others cannot be rejected just for being electronic. |
| United Kingdom | Electronic Communications Act 2000 and UK eIDAS | Electronic signatures are admissible as evidence. Deeds and wills can have witnessing or form requirements. |
| Canada | PIPEDA Part 2 at federal level, plus provincial acts | Rules differ by province and by the kind of document. |
| Australia | Electronic Transactions Act 1999 and state equivalents | Needs a method that identifies the signer and shows their intent, and the other party’s consent. |
| New Zealand | Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 | Part 4 covers electronic transactions, with extra conditions where the law requires a signature. |
| Switzerland | ZertES and the Code of Obligations | A qualified electronic signature is treated like a handwritten one where the law requires written form. |
| India | Information Technology Act 2000 | Excludes wills, trusts, most powers of attorney and contracts for the sale of immovable property. |
| Singapore | Electronic Transactions Act 2010 | Generally recognizes electronic signatures. Wills and some property and trust documents are excluded. |
| Japan | Act on Electronic Signatures and Certification Business (2000) | A qualifying electronic signature by the person concerned creates a presumption that the record is authentic. |
| Brazil | Provisional Measure 2.200-2/2001 and Law 14.063/2020 | Simple, advanced and qualified levels. The level required depends on the document, especially when dealing with public bodies. |
| South Africa | Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 2002 | Wills and contracts for the sale of land are among the excluded documents. |
Documents that often need more
- Wills and other testamentary documents
- Deeds and some property transfers
- Family-law documents such as adoption or divorce papers
- Court orders and official notices
- Documents a notary or witness must attend
What to keep as evidence
Keep the signed file together with a record of each signer’s name, the time, and the way they signed. Klevo’s signature requests append a certificate page with each signer’s name, time, IP address, device and a fingerprint of the exact document they signed.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change, and the answer can depend on the document and where the parties are. Ask a qualified lawyer about anything high-stakes.
Using this table
You are welcome to quote or link to this page. If you spot an error or a change in the law, write to support@rrdl.io.
Frequently asked questions
Are electronic signatures legally binding?
In most major economies they can be, for most everyday agreements, as long as you can show who signed and that they intended to. Some documents, such as wills, have extra requirements.
Is a typed name a valid signature?
Often yes for everyday agreements, because many laws look at intent and not the look of the signature. Evidence of who typed it matters, and some documents need a stronger type of signature.
Updated November 5, 2026 · by the Klevo team at RRDL Limited