Since 1999 Electronic Signature’s have been recognized by law in the United States of America when the first states adopted the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act. (Read below for insight)
eSignature Legality Summary
The adoption of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) in most states and the passage of Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN) at the federal level in 2000, solidified the legal landscape for use of electronic records and electronic signatures in commerce. Both ESIGN and UETA establish that electronic records and signatures carry the same weight and legal effect as traditional paper documents and handwritten signatures, stating that a document or signature cannot be denied legal effect or enforceability solely because it is in electronic form. The Federal Rules of Evidence and the Uniform Rules of Evidence generally allow for electronic records and their reproductions to be admissible into evidence. This applies to electronic signatures stored in a computer or server, so that any printout or output readable by sight, shown to reflect the data accurately, is considered an original. In the case of an electronic signature, then, it is important to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the courts that the appropriate level and amount of information surrounding the signing process was retained, and that the system used to retain the information is itself reliable.
Use Cases That Are Not Typically Appropriate for Electronic Signatures or Digital Transaction Management
Use cases that are specifically barred from digital or electronic processes or that include explicit requirements, such as handwritten (e.g. wet ink) signatures or formal notarial process that are not usually compatible with electronic signatures or digital transaction management.
- Wills, codicils, and testamentary trusts
- Adoption, divorce agreements
- Court orders or notices, or official court documents
- Contracts or Documents governed by the Uniform Commercial Code (“UCC”)
- Notices of default, acceleration, repossession, foreclosure, or eviction regarding primary residence
- Termination of health or life insurance benefits
- Health or safety recall or material failure notices of a product
- Documentation for transportation or handling of hazardous or toxic materials
Local Technology Standards
As part of the United States’ “Open” technology-neutral approach to electronic signature, there are no federal laws requiring the use of specific technology for a legally enforceable electronic signature, either for digital certificates or otherwise. Some states have local requirements for state-approved digital certificates for use when transacting with that state government’s institutions. Use of and enforcement of these requirements is either low or unclear, depending on the state.
https://www.fdic.gov/regulations/compliance/manual/10/X-3.1.pdf
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-106publ229/pdf/PLAW-106publ229.pdf
DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this website is for your convenience and for general information purposes only. Nothing on this website is intended to serve as legal advice. Each country has the ability to change laws that oversea and govern electronic signature. these changes may be rapid, so DocuMega cannot guarantee that the information provided on this website in regards to laws in various countries is current or correct. If you as a Visitor to this website should need future guidance on these laws then you should consult with a local attorney for guidance.