Electronic Signature
A legally recognized way to sign documents electronically.
What it means
An electronic signature is an electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to a record with the intent to sign it — typing a name, clicking 'I agree,' or drawing a signature on a screen. In the United States, the federal ESIGN Act and the widely adopted UETA give most electronic signatures the same legal effect as ink, provided the signer intended to sign and consented to doing business electronically. A few document types (like wills, in many states) are excluded.
Why it matters before you sign
An e-signed contract is generally just as binding as a paper one — 'I only signed it online' is not an escape hatch, so read before you click.
In a contract, it looks like this
Both parties executed the subcontract by electronic signature, and the platform recorded a tamper-evident audit trail of who signed and when.
This definition is a general, educational explanation — not legal advice. XOsign provides AI-assisted document tools and does not provide legal advice; consider consulting a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific situation. Requirements vary by state.
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