Are electronic signatures legally binding?

Yes. Electronic signatures executed through GitLaw are legally binding for the vast majority of business and commercial agreements. Major jurisdictions have long recognised e-signatures as having the same legal effect as a handwritten signature:

• UK - enforceable under the Electronic Communications Act 2000 for most business and commercial documents.
• US - enforceable under the ESIGN Act (2000) and UETA, with the same legal standing as wet-ink signatures for most contracts.
• EU - meets the requirements of the eIDAS Regulation for standard electronic signatures, which are valid and admissible across EU member states for most commercial transactions.

Most other countries have comparable e-signature legislation, so agreements signed in GitLaw are also widely recognised internationally.

What makes a GitLaw signature enforceable?

Every signed document includes two things that courts and counterparties look for:

Tamper-evident signed PDF. Once all parties have signed, the document is locked. If the file is altered afterwards, the signature is automatically flagged as invalid - making tampering detectable.

Full audit trail. A secure audit file is generated alongside the signed PDF capturing:

• The timestamp of each signature
• Each signer's IP address
• Device and browser information
• The email address used to sign
• A complete transaction log (Sent → Viewed → Signed → Completed)

This evidence of identity and intent meets the same industry standards used by DocuSign and HelloSign.

Are there any exceptions?

Yes. Certain document types have special formalities that may not be satisfied by a standard electronic signature - for example, wills, some types of deed, and certain statutory declarations often require specific execution requirements (such as witnesses or notarisation). These rules vary by country and document type. Always check local requirements or seek legal advice before relying on an electronic signature for unusual or high-stakes documents.

Is it free?

Yes - electronic signature is completely free on every GitLaw plan. There are no usage limits and no AI credits are consumed.

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This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. For advice specific to your situation or jurisdiction, please consult a qualified lawyer. GitLaw is not a substitute for legal counsel - see is GitLaw a substitute for a lawyer?