Electronic signatures in the UK: the basics

Signing a PDF with a drawn or typed signature is an electronic signature. For most everyday documents in England and Wales, that’s fine.

What the law says

The Electronic Communications Act 2000 lets electronic signatures be admitted as evidence. In 2019 the Law Commission confirmed that “an electronic signature is capable in law of being used to execute a document”, including where the law asks for a signature, as long as the person meant to sign.

Where to take care

Some documents have extra rules. Deeds must be signed in the presence of a witness, and the Law Commission found that a witness watching over a video call probably doesn’t count. Some organisations, such as HM Land Registry, have their own rules about what they accept. If you’re not sure, ask the person who will receive the document what they need, and take legal advice for anything important.

Good habits

• Keep a copy of exactly what you signed.
• Send it from an email address that’s clearly yours.
• Add the date next to your signature.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules in places.

Open the editorFree. No sign-up. Nothing is uploaded.