This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change; check with a lawyer licensed in the relevant place before relying on an electronic signature for an important document. Last updated: October 15, 2026.
United States
- In short
- Most business documents can be signed electronically with the same effect as ink. A few are excluded, and IRS forms follow the IRS's own rules.
- Law
- The federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001 et seq., 2000). Forty-nine states and D.C. have adopted the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA); New York has its own Electronic Signatures and Records Act.
- When it counts like ink
- The signer agrees to do business electronically, intends to sign, the signature is tied to the document, and the record can be kept and accurately reproduced.
- Not covered
- Wills and testamentary trusts; adoption, divorce and other family-law matters; court orders and official court documents; utility shut-off notices; foreclosure and eviction notices for a primary residence; cancellation of health or life insurance; product recalls; hazardous-materials documents. Documents that must be notarized or recorded (such as deeds) have their own rules.
- Consent
- Yes. Where a law requires information to be given to a consumer in writing, the consumer must first receive a disclosure (including the right to paper and to withdraw) and agree.
- For SignLucid users
- IRS forms have their own rules: remote e-signatures on Form 8879 require identity verification (Publication 1345); e-signed Forms 2848 and 8821 must be submitted through the IRS online tool; Section 7216 consents must be signed by the client typing their own name (Rev. Proc. 2013-14).
Mainland China
- In short
- A reliable electronic signature has the same effect as a handwritten signature or seal, except for matters such as marriage, adoption and inheritance.
- Law
- Electronic Signature Law of the People's Republic of China, adopted 2004, in force April 1, 2005, amended 2015 and 2019.
- When it counts like ink
- Article 14 gives a "reliable electronic signature" the same effect as a handwritten signature or seal. Under Article 13 it is reliable when the signature-creation data belongs only to the signer and is under the signer's sole control when signing, and any later change to the signature or to the document can be detected. Parties may also agree on an e-signature that meets conditions they set themselves.
- Not covered
- Documents on personal relationships such as marriage, adoption and inheritance; stopping water, heating or gas supply; and other cases where laws or administrative regulations exclude electronic documents. (The 2019 amendment removed the former exclusion for transfers of land and buildings; registration offices may still have their own procedures.)
- Consent
- In civil matters, parties may agree whether or not to use electronic signatures (Article 3). A certificate authority is not required, but if one is used it must be lawfully established; foreign certificates need approval to have the same effect.
- For SignLucid users
- Important documents to be used in Mainland China (for example, filed with authorities, courts or banks) are often expected to carry a locally recognized digital certificate or a company seal. SignLucid signatures are not certificate-based signatures of that kind.
Hong Kong
- In short
- For dealings that don't involve the Government, an electronic signature works if the method is reliable and appropriate and the other party agrees. Dealings with the Government need a recognized digital signature. Wills, powers of attorney, property conveyancing and some other documents are excluded.
- Law
- Electronic Transactions Ordinance (Cap. 553), enacted 2000; since 2004 it recognizes electronic signatures other than digital signatures; amended again in 2024 (mainly to expand electronic service of documents).
- When it counts like ink
- Two tiers. No government party: an electronic signature satisfies a legal signature requirement if the method is reliable and appropriate and the recipient agrees. Government party: a digital signature supported by a recognized certificate from a recognized certification authority (such as Hongkong Post) is required.
- Not covered
- wills and other testamentary documents; trusts (other than resulting, implied or constructive trusts); powers of attorney; instruments that must be stamped under the Stamp Duty Ordinance; Government grants and leases; conveyancing documents for land and buildings, including assignments and mortgages; oaths, affidavits and statutory declarations; court judgments, orders and warrants; negotiable instruments; court and tribunal proceedings.
- Consent
- Yes — the recipient must agree to the use of an electronic signature.
- For SignLucid users
- Property conveyancing, powers of attorney, stamped instruments and documents for the Government can't be completed with an e-signature like SignLucid's in Hong Kong.
Taiwan
- In short
- Since the 2024 amendment, electronic documents and signatures generally can't be denied effect just because they are electronic, and a party who doesn't object is presumed to agree.
- Law
- Electronic Signatures Act, fully amended and in force May 15, 2024; now administered by the Ministry of Digital Affairs.
- When it counts like ink
- Where a law requires a signature or seal, an electronic signature may be used (Article 5). A digital signature made with a valid certificate from an approved certification authority is presumed to be the person's own signature or seal (Article 6).
- Not covered
- After the amendment, exclusions must be set by statute (Article 11); judicial proceedings may be excluded by the Judicial Yuan or the Ministry of Justice. Older agency exclusions had a transition period that may run until May 2027 at the latest — check the Ministry of Digital Affairs' notices for what still applies.
- Consent
- Changed from prior consent to an opportunity to object: if the other party hasn't agreed in advance, they must be given a reasonable chance to object, and if they don't, consent is presumed. They can switch back to non-electronic form at any time; earlier acts remain valid (Article 5).
- For SignLucid users
- SignLucid signatures are not certificate-based digital signatures, so they don't get the Article 6 presumption; in a dispute, identity is shown with the certificate of completion and event history. Documents for Taiwan government agencies or courts follow those bodies' requirements.