ESIGN Act
The Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN) is a federal law, signed in 2000, that says a signature, contract or record can't be denied legal effect just because it's electronic.
Updated October 13, 2026 · 1 min read
What it does
- Covers transactions in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce (15 U.S.C. § 7001(a)).
- Defines an electronic signature by intent: a sound, symbol or process adopted to sign a record (§ 7006(5)).
- Doesn't force anyone to use or accept electronic records or signatures (§ 7001(b)).
- Adds consent steps before an electronic copy can replace information a law says a consumer must get in writing (§ 7001(c)).
What it excludes
Wills and testamentary trusts, family law matters, most of the Uniform Commercial Code, court documents, and certain notices, such as utility shutoffs, foreclosure or eviction on a primary residence, and health or life insurance cancellations (§ 7003).
ESIGN and UETA
ESIGN works alongside UETA, the model law adopted by every state except New York. Our guide are electronic signatures legal? explains how the two fit together. SignMaster asks every signer to agree to use electronic records and signatures before they sign, with a link to its e-signature disclosure.
Questions? Answers.
Does the ESIGN Act cover every document?
No. It excludes wills, family law matters, most of the Uniform Commercial Code, court documents and certain notices, such as utility shutoffs and foreclosure or eviction notices on a primary residence. States can exclude more under UETA.
Sources
- 15 U.S.C. § 7001, ESIGN Act general rule and consumer consent (govinfo) · govinfo.gov
- 15 U.S.C. § 7003, ESIGN Act exceptions (govinfo) · govinfo.gov
- 15 U.S.C. § 7006, ESIGN Act definitions (govinfo) · govinfo.gov
- Public Law 106-229 (2000), Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (govinfo) · govinfo.gov