An electronic signature (e-signature) is any electronic process that indicates a person's intent to agree to the contents of a document. It can be as simple as typing your name, clicking "I agree," drawing a signature with your finger, or using advanced cryptographic methods.
How E-Signatures Work
When you sign a document electronically, the platform records your intent to sign along with identifying information — your email address, IP address, timestamp, and authentication details. This data creates a binding record that connects you to the document.
Types of E-Signatures
Under the eIDAS Regulation, there are three recognised levels:
| Type | Security Level | Use Cases | Legal Standing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple (SES) | Basic | NDAs, internal approvals, low-risk agreements | Valid but may require supporting evidence |
| Advanced (AES) | Medium | Business contracts, vendor agreements | Strong legal standing, verifiable identity |
| Qualified (QES) | Highest | Government submissions, high-value contracts | Equivalent to handwritten signature |
Are E-Signatures Legal?
Yes. E-signatures are legally binding in most countries:
- US: ESIGN Act (2000) and UETA grant equal legal status to handwritten signatures
- EU: eIDAS Regulation (2014) standardises across member states
- UK: Electronic Communications Act 2000 and UK eIDAS Regulation
- Canada: PIPEDA and provincial legislation
- Australia, Japan, India, Brazil: All have e-signature legislation
E-Signature vs. Digital Signature
An e-signature is the broad category — any electronic process indicating consent. A digital signature is a specific technology within that category, using PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) encryption and certificate authorities to provide the highest level of identity verification and document integrity.
Common E-Signature Use Cases
- Signing contracts, NDAs, and agreements
- Employee onboarding paperwork
- Customer consent forms
- Purchase orders and invoices
- Board resolutions and governance documents
- Real estate documents (varies by jurisdiction)
How to Get Started with E-Signatures
- Choose a compliant platform (eSignHub offers unlimited free e-signatures)
- Upload a document or select from 150+ templates
- Add signature fields and signers
- Send for signature via secure link or email
- Download the signed, legally binding document
Why Choose eSignHub
eSignHub provides unlimited free e-signatures with no per-envelope fees, 150+ lawyer-reviewed templates, encrypted deal rooms, complete audit trails, and ESIGN Act & eIDAS compliance — all starting from £0/month. The platform is backed by Google for Startups and Cloudflare for Startups, with 256-bit AES encryption, SHA-256 document hashing, and UK FCA-aligned data handling practices.
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