A complete guide to electronic signatures — what they are, whether they are legal, the different methods available, and how to get started signing documents electronically today.
No credit card required · No subscription
An electronic signature (or e-signature) is any electronic indication of a person's intent to agree to the contents of a document. It replaces the need for a handwritten ink signature on paper.
Electronic signatures can take many forms — a typed name, a drawn signature on a touchscreen, an uploaded image, a biometric verification, or even a click on an "I agree" button. What makes them valid is the intent to sign and the ability to attribute the signature to a specific person.
Learn more about the technical differences in our digital signature guide.
Yes. Electronic signatures are legally binding and enforceable in most countries around the world. Dedicated legislation gives electronic signatures the same legal standing as handwritten signatures for the vast majority of commercial and personal transactions.
United States
ESIGN Act (2000) & UETA
Federal law establishing that electronic signatures are legally valid for interstate and foreign commerce. UETA adopted by 49 states.
European Union
eIDAS Regulation (2016)
Three levels of electronic signatures: Simple, Advanced, and Qualified. All are legally valid, with increasing levels of identity assurance.
United Kingdom
Electronic Communications Act 2000
The UK recognises electronic signatures as admissible in legal proceedings. Post-Brexit, the UK has its own framework separate from eIDAS.
Australia
Electronic Transactions Act 1999
Federal legislation giving electronic signatures the same legal effect as handwritten signatures for most commercial transactions.
New Zealand
Electronic Transactions Act 2002
Recognises electronic signatures as legally valid for commercial transactions. Requirements are similar to the Australian framework.
Canada
PIPEDA & Provincial Laws
Federal and provincial electronic commerce legislation. Each province has its own electronic transactions act, all recognising e-signatures.
For a detailed country-by-country breakdown of e-signature legality, read our guide: Is an electronic signature legal?
There are several ways to create an electronic signature. Most modern platforms like GoodSign offer all of these methods to your signers.
Use your mouse, finger, or stylus to draw your signature directly on the screen. The most intuitive method that closely mimics a handwritten signature.
Type your full name and select from a range of signature fonts. Quick and consistent, ideal when drawing is not practical.
Upload a photo or scan of your handwritten signature. GoodSign removes the background automatically to create a clean signature.
Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or a hardware security key. The highest level of signer identity verification available.
A simple "I agree" button that records the signer's acceptance. Used for terms of service, consent forms, and simple acknowledgements.
The simplest way to get documents signed electronically. No software to install, no subscription to manage.
Sign up at GoodSign in seconds. No credit card required and no monthly subscription. You only pay when you send a document for signature.
Drag and drop a PDF, Word document, or image file. GoodSign converts everything to a clean PDF ready for signing.
Use the visual drag-and-drop designer to place signature fields, date fields, text boxes, checkboxes, and more. Assign fields to specific signers when you have multiple recipients.
Enter your signers' email addresses and send. Track in real time who has viewed, opened, and signed the document from your dashboard. Automated reminders keep things moving.
Once all parties have signed, download the completed PDF. The document is tamper-proofed and includes a full audit trail with timestamps, IP addresses, and signer details.
Follow these guidelines to ensure your electronically signed documents are legally defensible and professionally managed.
Verify signer identity
Use email verification, SMS codes, or biometric Passkey authentication to confirm that the person signing is who they claim to be.
Maintain a complete audit trail
Choose a platform that records every action with timestamps, IP addresses, device details, and geolocation. GoodSign does this automatically for every document.
Use tamper-proof documents
Signed documents should be flattened and sealed so any post-signing modification is detectable. This prevents disputes about whether the document was altered.
Keep copies for all parties
Ensure every signer and relevant stakeholder receives a copy of the completed document. GoodSign automatically distributes signed copies to all parties.
While electronic signatures are valid for the vast majority of documents, there are a small number of exceptions that still require wet-ink (handwritten) signatures in many jurisdictions.
If you are unsure whether a specific document type can be signed electronically in your jurisdiction, consult a legal professional. For everything else — contracts, agreements, consent forms, HR documents, invoices, and more — electronic signatures are fully valid and legally binding.
Common questions about signing documents electronically.
Not exactly. An electronic signature is the broader term for any electronic indication of intent to sign. A digital signature is a specific type of electronic signature that uses cryptographic encryption for additional security and verification. In everyday use, the terms are often used interchangeably. GoodSign provides both: an easy electronic signing experience backed by digital signature security.
Yes. GoodSign works in any mobile browser on iOS and Android. You can upload documents, place fields, send for signature, and sign — all from your phone or tablet. No app download is required.
No. With GoodSign, only the person sending the document needs an account. Signers receive a secure link via email and sign directly in their browser. They do not need a GoodSign account, any software, or any app.
GoodSign sends you real-time notifications when your document is viewed, opened, and signed. You can also check the status of all your documents on your dashboard at any time.
Yes. Electronic signatures are legally valid for virtually all types of contracts, including employment agreements, sales contracts, NDAs, lease agreements, vendor agreements, and more. They carry the same legal weight as handwritten signatures under the ESIGN Act, eIDAS, and equivalent legislation.
GoodSign creates a detailed audit trail for every document, recording timestamps, IP addresses, device information, and geolocation data. This evidence demonstrates who signed, when they signed, and that the document has not been tampered with since signing. The audit trail is attached to every completed document.
GoodSign has no monthly subscription. You pay per document sent, and every feature is included. Signers never pay anything. There are no user limits, no feature tiers, and no hidden fees.
Create your free account and send a document for electronic signature in minutes. No subscription, no software to install.
Get Started Free →No credit card required · Set up in 30 seconds
All rights reserved © GoodSign Limited 2026
2 Stuart St, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011, New Zealand..