What Is an Electronic Signature? Examples and Use Cases
What is an electronic signature? In simple terms, it is an electronic sound, symbol, or process that a person uses with the intent to sign a record.
That definition is broader than a handwritten signature drawn on a screen.
Typing your name into a signature field can be an electronic signature. Clicking an agreement button can be one. Drawing your signature with a finger or stylus can be one. In the right context, another electronic process can also serve as a signature.
Under the US ESIGN Act, an electronic signature is defined as an electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to or logically associated with a record and executed or adopted with intent to sign. Legal Information Institute
The important point is that electronic signature describes a broad category. It does not automatically tell you how the signer was authenticated, how strong the evidence is, or whether a particular signing method is appropriate for every document.
This article explains common electronic signature examples, the difference between electronic and digital signatures, how US and EU rules approach them, where they are commonly used, and what to check before signing.
At a glance
| Details | |
|---|---|
| What it is | An electronic sound, symbol, or process used with intent to sign |
| US legal framework | ESIGN Act plus state electronic transaction laws |
| Common examples | Typed name, drawn signature, click-to-sign process |
| Digital signature | A cryptographic technique that can provide integrity and authentication evidence |
| Common uses | Contracts, employment documents, NDAs, forms, leases and approvals |
| Main limitation | Not every document or transaction follows the same electronic signature rules |
| Best practice | Verify the sender, review the document and keep the completed record |
What Is an Electronic Signature?
An electronic signature is not defined by how much it looks like handwriting.
Under federal US law, the important concept is an electronic sound, symbol, or process that is associated with a record and adopted with the intent to sign it. Legal Information Institute
That means an electronic signature can take several forms.
For example:
- typing your name into a signature field
- drawing your signature on a touchscreen
- clicking a button as part of a signing process
- selecting a checkbox associated with an agreement
- using a certificate-based signing process
Whether a particular action actually creates a binding signature depends on the transaction, applicable law, intent, evidence and any additional legal requirements.
Intent matters more than appearance
A handwritten-looking squiggle is not automatically stronger simply because it resembles ink.
Likewise, a typed name is not automatically invalid because it looks simple.
The legal and evidentiary question is generally whether the electronic act was intended to function as a signature and can be connected to the relevant record and signer.
The appearance of an electronic signature is only one part of the picture. The surrounding signing process, identity evidence, document integrity and record keeping can matter just as much.
Electronic Signature vs Digital Signature: What's the Difference?
These two terms are often used as though they mean the same thing.
They do not.
An electronic signature is the broad concept of signing electronically.
A digital signature generally refers to a cryptographic method used to sign electronic data.
Digital-signature technology can help demonstrate document integrity and can be combined with digital certificates and identity credentials.
It is therefore better to think of a digital signature as a technical method that can be used within an electronic signing process, rather than a completely separate alternative to electronic signatures.
| Factor | Electronic Signature | Digital Signature |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Broad category of electronic signing methods | Cryptographic signing technique |
| Examples | Typed name, drawn signature, click-to-sign | Certificate-based cryptographic signature |
| Identity assurance | Depends on the signing process | Depends partly on certificate and identity controls |
| Integrity protection | Depends on the system | Cryptographic validation can reveal changes |
| Typical use | Everyday agreements and forms | Higher-assurance or certificate-based workflows |
Does every electronic signature need tamper detection?
No.
The original article said US law essentially requires both intent and proof that the document cannot be changed without leaving a trace. Pasted text
That is too broad.
The ESIGN definition itself focuses on the electronic sound, symbol, or process and the person's intent to sign. Legal Information Institute
Document integrity and audit evidence can make an electronic transaction much easier to defend, but they should not be presented as a universal element of the federal definition of electronic signature.
Examples of Electronic Signatures
You have probably used electronic signatures without thinking about the terminology.
Typed name in a signature field
A person enters their name into a field associated with an agreement and confirms the signing action.
This is one of the simplest forms of electronic signing.
A typed name can potentially function as an electronic signature when it is used with the intent to sign the relevant record.
Drawn signature
The signer uses a:
- mouse
- finger
- touchscreen
- stylus
- trackpad
to draw a signature.
The resulting mark may resemble the person's handwritten signature, but its legal significance comes from the signing process and intent rather than from how accurately the mark copies their handwriting.
Click-to-sign process
A person may click a button such as:
Sign
or:
Agree and continue
as part of a process designed to indicate agreement.
The electronic action can serve as part of the signature process where the surrounding circumstances establish that it was intended to sign the record.
Uploaded signature image
A scanned or photographed handwritten signature can be inserted into a document.
This may function as an electronic signature in an appropriate context.
However, an image by itself generally provides limited evidence about:
- who placed it there
- when it was placed
- what document it was attached to
- whether the signer personally authorized its use
A stronger signing process can add supporting evidence around those questions.
Electronic signing combined with authentication
A signature workflow may also use authentication before allowing someone to sign.
Examples can include:
- email verification
- passcodes
- one-time codes
- identity documents
- account credentials
- other identity checks
Do not assume that the authentication method itself is automatically the signature.
Authentication establishes or supports identity. The signing action establishes intent to sign.
What Is an Electronic Signature: A Step-by-Step Guide
A typical electronic signing process looks like this:
- Open the document. Confirm that it is the document you expected to receive.
- Verify the sender. Check the sender, domain and context before interacting with an unexpected signing request.
- Read the agreement. Review the complete document before adding your signature.
- Complete required fields. Fill names, dates, initials, checkboxes or other required information.
- Perform the signing action. Type, draw, click or use the method provided by the platform.
- Review before submission. Make sure the document reflects what you intended to sign.
- Confirm or finish. Complete the platform's final signing action.
- Keep the completed record. Save the signed agreement and any completion information made available to you.
If a signing request arrives unexpectedly, confirm it through a trusted contact method before opening attachments or entering credentials. A legitimate-looking signing page can still be used in a phishing attempt.
Simple, Advanced and Qualified Electronic Signatures
The language simple electronic signature, advanced electronic signature and qualified electronic signature is most useful in the context of the European eIDAS framework.
It should not be presented as though US ESIGN law divides every electronic signature into these three mandatory tiers.
The original draft did exactly that. Pasted text
Electronic signatures under eIDAS
Under eIDAS, an electronic signature cannot be denied legal effect simply because it is electronic or because it does not meet the requirements for a qualified electronic signature. Eur-Lex
A basic electronic signature may use relatively simple methods depending on the workflow.
Advanced electronic signature
An advanced electronic signature, or AES, must meet specific Article 26 requirements.
It must:
- be uniquely linked to the signer
- be capable of identifying the signer
- use signature-creation data that the signer can use under their sole control with a high level of confidence
- be linked to the signed data so later changes are detectable Eur-Lex
The original article said AES necessarily uses a digital certificate issued to one specific person. Pasted text
That is too narrow.
A digital certificate can be part of an AES implementation, but Article 26 defines the required outcome rather than saying every AES must use one particular certificate technology.
Qualified electronic signature
A qualified electronic signature, or QES, builds on advanced-signature requirements and additional qualified trust-service requirements.
Under eIDAS, a QES has the equivalent legal effect of a handwritten signature. Eur-Lex
That legal equivalence is specifically attached to qualified electronic signatures.
It should not be casually applied to every electronic signature in every jurisdiction.
| EU concept | Core idea | Key distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic signature | Broad electronic signing category | Does not have to satisfy AES/QES requirements |
| Advanced electronic signature | Stronger linkage, identification, control and integrity requirements | Must satisfy Article 26 |
| Qualified electronic signature | AES plus qualified requirements | Equivalent to handwritten signature under eIDAS |
Are Electronic Signatures Legal in the United States?
Generally, electronic signatures receive broad legal recognition in the United States.
The federal ESIGN Act provides that a signature, contract or record relating to a covered transaction cannot be denied legal effect solely because it is electronic. Legal Information Institute
At the state level, the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act was designed to establish legal equivalence between electronic records and signatures and their paper counterparts. uniformlaws.org
Electronic does not automatically mean enforceable
This distinction matters.
Electronic signature laws generally prevent a signature from being rejected solely because it is electronic.
They do not automatically make:
- an illegal contract valid
- an unauthorized signer authorized
- an incomplete agreement enforceable
- a fraudulent transaction legitimate
- every document eligible for electronic execution
The underlying contract and transaction still need to satisfy applicable law.
Intent to sign
The federal definition explicitly includes the requirement that the electronic signature be executed or adopted with the intent to sign the record. Legal Information Institute
This is why signing interfaces often use explicit actions such as:
- Sign
- Accept
- Agree
- Finish
The surrounding workflow can provide evidence of what the signer intended.
Consumer consent rules can also matter
The ESIGN Act contains additional rules for certain consumer disclosures that another law requires to be provided in writing.
So it is too simplistic to reduce every US electronic-signature question to a single universal checklist.
The applicable transaction and underlying legal requirements matter.
Does UETA Apply Everywhere?
Avoid stating that UETA is simply the law of every state or that all states use identical wording.
UETA is a uniform model law created to help states provide legal recognition for electronic transactions. The Uniform Law Commission describes its purpose as establishing legal equivalence between electronic records and signatures and paper records and manual signatures. uniformlaws.org
State enactments and related electronic-signature laws can differ.
For practical business use, that means the safer statement is:
US electronic transactions have broad legal recognition, but the precise statutory framework and exceptions can depend on the jurisdiction and transaction.
Common Use Cases for Electronic Signatures
Electronic signatures are commonly used in situations where the parties want to complete an agreement without printing, signing, scanning and returning paper.
Employment documents
Examples include:
- offer letters
- employment agreements
- policy acknowledgments
- onboarding documents
The exact signature and disclosure requirements still depend on the document and applicable employment law.
NDAs
Confidentiality agreements are frequently executed electronically.
The fact that the signature is electronic does not determine whether the NDA itself is well drafted or enforceable.
Service agreements
Freelancers, agencies, consultants and professional-service businesses can send contracts electronically for client signature.
Sales agreements
Electronic signatures are commonly used in B2B agreements, purchase documents and commercial workflows.
Lease documents
Many rental and lease transactions can use electronic signing.
However, real estate requirements vary, particularly when notarization, recording or jurisdiction-specific formalities are involved.
Healthcare documents
Healthcare organizations may use electronic signing for forms and consent workflows where permitted.
That does not mean every generic e-signature platform is automatically appropriate for protected health information or every medical consent process.
Security, privacy and regulatory requirements need separate evaluation.
Internal approvals
Electronic processes are also useful for:
- policy acknowledgment
- authorization
- approval
- internal sign-off
- procurement workflows
Not every internal approval necessarily needs to look like a handwritten signature.
Electronic Signatures and Audit Trails
An audit trail is not the same thing as an electronic signature.
It is supporting evidence generated by the signing system.
Depending on the platform, an audit record may capture information such as:
- signing events
- timestamps
- recipient identifiers
- delivery events
- completion events
- authentication activity
- document history
This evidence can be useful if someone later disputes what happened.
However, avoid saying that every e-signature platform necessarily records an IP address, certificate of completion or identical set of metadata.
Platforms differ.
The original article repeatedly presented those features as automatic. Pasted text Pasted text
Are Electronic Signatures the Same as Handwritten Signatures?
Sometimes electronic signature laws give electronic signatures comparable legal treatment to manual signatures, but the wording should be precise.
In the United States, ESIGN generally prevents covered signatures and contracts from being denied legal effect solely because they are electronic. Legal Information Institute
In the European Union, eIDAS specifically states that a qualified electronic signature has the equivalent legal effect of a handwritten signature. Eur-Lex
Those are different legal formulations.
So avoid saying:
Every electronic signature automatically has exactly the same legal effect as wet ink everywhere.
Which Documents Cannot Be Signed Electronically?
This section requires careful wording.
The original draft gave a broad list suggesting that wills, trusts, adoption papers, divorce decrees and court filings generally still need ink. Pasted text
Federal ESIGN does contain specific exceptions.
Its general rule does not apply to records governed by laws concerning:
- wills
- codicils
- testamentary trusts
- adoption
- divorce
- other family-law matters
- certain UCC matters
It also contains additional exceptions for certain court documents and specific notices. Legal Information Institute
But that does not mean every state permanently requires paper for every document in those categories.
For example, separate state legislation can authorize electronic wills, and the Uniform Law Commission has developed a Uniform Electronic Wills Act. uniformlaws.org
The practical rule is:
Check the specific document, jurisdiction and receiving authority rather than relying on a universal “wet signature required” list.
What About Notarization?
Electronic signature and notarization are separate concepts.
Some transactions require a notarial act in addition to the underlying signature.
Electronic and remote notarization can also be legally authorized.
The Uniform Law Commission's Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts supports electronic notarization and authorizes remote online notarization when implemented under applicable state rules. uniformlaws.org
Therefore, avoid saying:
If notarization is required, you must always sign with ink in front of a notary.
The correct procedure depends on the jurisdiction and type of notarization.
How to Create an Electronic Signature
If someone sends you a signing request, the process is usually straightforward.
Step 1: Open the request
Use the link or document provided by the sender.
Before entering credentials or personal information, verify that you expected the request.
Step 2: Read the document
Review the complete agreement.
Pay attention to:
- names
- dates
- pricing
- payment obligations
- renewal terms
- cancellation provisions
- attachments
- blank fields
Step 3: Complete required information
Fill in any fields assigned to you.
These might include:
- name
- title
- date
- initials
- checkbox
- address
- company information
Step 4: Perform the signing action
Depending on the platform, you might:
- type your name
- draw a signature
- choose a generated signature
- click a signing button
- use another supported signing method
Do not assume one visual style is inherently more valid than another.
Step 5: Confirm completion
Most signing systems include a final confirmation action.
Review the agreement again before completing it.
Step 6: Keep your copy
Retain the completed agreement and any supporting signing record made available to you.
That gives you a reliable copy of the version you actually signed.
Common Mistakes When Signing Electronically
Mistake 1: Assuming the signature image is the important part
The signing process often provides more useful evidence than the visual appearance of the signature.
Mistake 2: Signing an unexpected request
A legitimate e-signature product can still be imitated in a phishing email.
Verify unexpected requests independently.
Mistake 3: Ignoring the final document
Read the complete agreement before finishing the signing process.
Mistake 4: Assuming a digital signature guarantees the contract is valid
Cryptography can help establish integrity and authentication.
It cannot fix illegal terms, lack of authority or another contract defect.
Mistake 5: Treating every document as eligible for the same signing method
Some transactions have separate formalities.
Check them when the document involves:
- courts
- estates
- family law
- notarization
- government filings
- regulated transactions
Mistake 6: Losing the final signed copy
Save the completed version rather than relying indefinitely on an email link.
Which Type of Electronic Signature Do You Need?
Do not choose a signing method solely by labeling the document “low risk,” “medium risk” or “high risk.”
That can be a useful business framework, but it is not itself a legal rule.
Instead, ask these questions:
- What does the applicable law require?
- Does the recipient impose a specific signature standard?
- How important is signer identity?
- How important is document integrity?
- Would a later dispute require stronger evidence?
- Is notarization or another formality required?
- Does the transaction fall under an industry-specific rule?
Routine agreements
A straightforward electronic signing workflow may be sufficient for many ordinary business agreements.
Higher-assurance transactions
When identity or document integrity matters more, consider additional controls such as:
- stronger authentication
- identity verification
- certificate-based signatures
- more detailed audit evidence
Transactions requiring a specific legal signature standard
If a law, regulator, public authority or counterparty requires a particular type of signature, follow that requirement.
In EU transactions, for example, the distinction between an ordinary electronic signature, AES and QES can materially affect the applicable legal framework. Eur-Lex
Before You Sign: Quick Checklist
Use this before completing an electronic signing request:
- Do I recognize the sender?
- Was I expecting this document?
- Have I read every page?
- Are the names and dates correct?
- Are there unexpected blank fields?
- Does the document match what was negotiated?
- Does this transaction require a special signature or notarization process?
- Do I understand what clicking the final button means?
- Will I receive or be able to save the completed version?
Taking one minute to check these points is more useful than worrying about whether your electronic signature looks enough like handwriting.
How LoreSign Fits
LoreSign helps prepare documents and move them through an electronic signing workflow.
A sender can:
- prepare or upload a document
- add recipients
- place signing fields
- send the document
- track recipient progress
- retain the completed agreement
The signing platform does not determine whether the underlying agreement is legally correct or whether a specific transaction requires a specialized signature method.
Those questions remain separate from the mechanics of collecting an electronic signature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an example of an electronic signature?
Examples can include typing a name into a signature field, drawing a signature electronically, clicking a signing button, or using another electronic process with the intent to sign the associated record.
What is the difference between an electronic signature and a digital signature?
Electronic signature is the broad legal and functional category. A digital signature generally refers to a cryptographic method that can help validate signed data and detect later changes.
What are simple, advanced and qualified electronic signatures?
These terms are primarily associated with the EU eIDAS framework. Advanced electronic signatures must meet the requirements in Article 26, while qualified electronic signatures meet additional qualified requirements and have the equivalent legal effect of handwritten signatures under eIDAS. Eur-Lex
Is an electronic signature legally binding?
Electronic signatures receive broad legal recognition, but legal effect depends on the transaction and applicable law. In the United States, ESIGN generally prevents covered contracts and signatures from being denied legal effect solely because they are electronic. Legal Information Institute
Can every document be electronically signed?
No universal rule covers every document. ESIGN includes exceptions, and state laws can create additional rules or authorize electronic execution in areas excluded by the federal statute. Check the specific document and jurisdiction. Legal Information Institute
Do I need special software to sign electronically?
Not always. Many electronic signing processes work through a browser or application supplied by the sender. Dedicated e-signature platforms can add routing, reminders, audit evidence and document-management features.
The Bottom Line
What is an electronic signature?
At its core, it is an electronic sound, symbol, or process used with the intent to sign a record.
That definition is intentionally broad.
A typed name, drawn mark or click-based process may all function as electronic signatures in the right context. What matters beyond the visual mark is the surrounding transaction, signer intent, evidence, applicable law and any specific formalities the document requires.
For everyday agreements, electronic signing can remove printing, scanning and manual document handling.
For higher-risk or regulated transactions, stronger identity, authentication, integrity or qualified-signature requirements may apply.
The safest approach is simple: understand what you are signing, verify who sent it, use the signature process required for that transaction, and keep the completed record.
Sources and Further Reading
Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, 15 U.S.C. § 7006
Federal definition of an electronic signature. Legal Information Institute
Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, 15 U.S.C. § 7003
Federal exceptions to ESIGN's general electronic-record and signature rules. Legal Information Institute
Uniform Law Commission, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act
Model state law establishing legal equivalence between electronic and paper records and signatures. uniformlaws.org
EUR-Lex, eIDAS Regulation, Articles 25 and 26
EU rules covering the legal effect of electronic signatures and requirements for advanced electronic signatures. Eur-Lex
About LoreSign
LoreSign helps individuals and businesses prepare, send, sign and track documents online. Add recipients and signing fields, send the document for signature, monitor progress and retain the completed agreement.
