The short answer
UK law accepts electronic signatures. A typed name, a signature drawn with a finger, or a click on an "I agree" button can all be signatures, as long as the person meant to sign. The Electronic Communications Act 2000 makes electronic signatures admissible in evidence, and the UK's version of the eIDAS regulation says a signature can't be refused legal effect just because it is electronic. The Law Commission confirmed in 2019 that an electronic signature can be used wherever the law requires a signature, unless a particular rule says otherwise.
Documents that are exceptions
Some documents need more than a simple e-signature, or can't be signed electronically at all:
- Wills need to be signed in front of witnesses, and electronic wills are not generally valid.
- Deeds that must be witnessed need the witness to be physically present. Property deeds also have Land Registry rules.
- Some documents in Scotland, such as a personal guarantee or a property deed, need an advanced electronic signature to be formally valid. A simple e-signature is not enough for those.
- Some regulated documents, in areas like consumer credit, have their own requirements.
For everyday business documents (service agreements, NDAs, quotes, job acceptances, invoices and most commercial contracts) an ordinary electronic signature is normally fine.
Valid is not the same as provable
The legal question is rarely "is an e-signature allowed?" It is usually "can you show who signed, what they signed and when?" A signature is only as useful as the evidence behind it. Look for:
- A record of who was asked to sign, and how they were reached (for example, a link sent to their email address).
- A timestamp for every view and signature.
- A way to show the document hasn't changed since it was signed.
- A copy every signer receives at the end.
How AgreeVia records a signature
Signers open a link in their browser and sign; they don't need an account. AgreeVia records each view and signature with a server timestamp, and chains the history together with a SHA-256 hash, so altering, reordering or removing any event shows. When everyone has signed, each signer gets the signed PDF, and anyone can check it at agreevia.co.uk/verify. You can also download an evidence package that sets the record out.
AgreeVia doesn't check a signer's identity documents. A signature made from an emailed link is tied to the email address the link was sent to, so send it to an address you know belongs to the right person.
This guide explains the general position in the UK as we understand it on 10 October 2026. The law differs between England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and it changes. If something important turns on it, talk to a solicitor.
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Send a contract, quote or invoice and get it signed from a link. Your client doesn't need an account.
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