An electronic signature is any electronic method used to indicate agreement, approval, or intent to sign a document.
In legal terms, it replaces a handwritten signature. It can take many forms — typing a name, clicking “I agree,” drawing a signature on a screen, or using a cryptographic signing solution.
The defining feature of an electronic signature is intent. It shows that a person or organisation agrees to the contents of a document.
Electronic signatures are legally recognised in many jurisdictions, including under eIDAS in the EU and ESIGN/UETA in the United States. The level of legal assurance depends on the type of electronic signature used and the applicable regulatory framework.
Some electronic signatures rely on digital signature technology to provide higher levels of identity assurance and document integrity — but not all electronic signatures use cryptography.
Electronic signatures are different from digital signatures. Learn more about digital signatures here.