Independent report

Electronic execution of documents

Electronic signatures are valid, confirms Law Commission

• From: Law Commission
• Published: 3 September 2019

Documents

Electronic execution of documents

Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-1571-6, HC 2624

PDF, 1.53 MB, 137 pages

Order a copy

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email [email protected]. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

Electronic signatures can be used to execute documents, including where there is a statutory requirement for a signature, the Law Commission has confirmed. This means that, in most cases, electronic signatures can be used as a viable alternative to handwritten ones.

Businesses and individuals are already using electronic signatures on contracts every day. But despite this frequent use, the Commission has found that some parties still have doubts over whether an electronic signature can be used in particular situations.

In the report, the Law Commission has set out a simple statement of the law to end that uncertainty and increase confidence in the use of this technology.

Find out more on the Law Commission website.

Published 3 September 2019