Is electronic signature legal in the United Kingdom?
Yes. In England and Wales an electronic signature can validly sign most contracts, and courts accept it as evidence under the Electronic Communications Act 2000. Wills, and deeds that need a witness, still have extra formalities, and Scotland has its own rules for formal documents.
Last reviewed October 2026. General information, not legal advice.
E-signature law in the United Kingdom at a glance
- Status
- Legal
- Main laws
Electronic Communications Act 2000
Requirements of Writing (Scotland) Act 1995
- Approach
- Open: any e-signature can be valid
Types of electronic signature in the United Kingdom
Electronic signature
Any electronic method, including a typed name, a click to accept or a drawn signature, can satisfy a statutory requirement for a signature if the signer intended to authenticate the document. This is the standard method for commercial contracts.
Advanced electronic signature
Defined in UK eIDAS. Not legally required for most private contracts in England and Wales, but required in Scotland for an electronic document to be valid formal writing.
Qualified electronic signature
UK eIDAS gives a UK qualified signature the effect of a handwritten signature. It is rarely needed for private contracts in England and Wales.
What you can sign electronically in the United Kingdom
- Most commercial contracts and terms of business
- Employment contracts and offer letters
- Non-disclosure agreements and supplier agreements
- Contracts for the sale of land in England and Wales (Law of Property (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1989, s.2), per the Law Commission
- Deeds, provided any witness is physically present when the signer signs
Documents that need a handwritten signature or extra formalities
- Wills in England and Wales: must be in writing, signed and witnessed by two people under section 9 of the Wills Act 1837; electronic wills are not valid
- Deeds requiring a witness: the Law Commission's view is that the witness must be physically present, not watching remotely
- Documents for registration at HM Land Registry must follow its practice guidance on electronic signatures
- Scotland: documents that legally require formal writing must use at least an advanced electronic signature under the Electronic Documents (Scotland) Regulations 2014, documents relating to rights in land in practice need a qualified electronic signature, and wills cannot currently be signed electronically
Contracts that must be “in writing”
In England and Wales a requirement that a document be 'signed' or 'in writing' can usually be met electronically, as confirmed by the Law Commission's 2019 report and by case law. Scotland requires an advanced electronic signature where the Requirements of Writing (Scotland) Act 1995 demands formal writing.
E-signatures in the United Kingdom: frequently asked questions
Are e-signed employment contracts valid in the UK?
Yes. Employment contracts have no special signing formality, so a standard electronic signature is valid. The written statement of particulars can also be provided electronically.
Can a deed be signed electronically in England?
Yes, but the Law Commission concluded that a witness must be physically present when the signer applies the electronic signature. Remote video witnessing is not accepted for deeds.
Can I sign a will electronically in the UK?
No. Wills in England and Wales must be signed in writing in front of two witnesses. The temporary rule allowing video witnessing ended on 31 January 2024, and electronic wills are not recognised.
Does Scotland treat e-signatures differently?
Yes for formal documents. Where Scots law requires formal writing, an electronic document needs an advanced electronic signature. Ordinary commercial contracts can be signed with a simple e-signature.
Sources
This page is general information about e-signature law in the United Kingdom, not legal advice. It was last reviewed in October 2026, and laws change. Check the official sources above or ask a lawyer in the United Kingdom before you rely on an electronic signature for an important document. See also whether electronic signatures are legal.
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