Electronic Signature Law in the United Kingdom (UK)

Electronic signatures are legally recognized and enforceable in the UK. They are admissible in court and cannot be dismissed solely because they are not handwritten.

Electronic signature laws in the UK are based on both pre-Brexit EU regulations and domestic legislation, creating a solid legal foundation for using eSignatures in business transactions.

eIDAS Regulation (Post-Brexit)

Although the UK left the European Union in January 2021, it continues to follow the eIDAS Regulation (Regulation EU No. 910/2014) through its own implementation via the Electronic Identification and Trust Services for Electronic Transactions Regulations 2016.

This legislation sets out:

• The types of electronic signatures recognized
  
  
• Oversight of trust services
  
  
• The legal effect of electronic signatures in the UK
  

The Electronic Communications Act 2000 (ECA 2000)

Section 7 of the ECA 2000 provides a statutory basis for the use of electronic signatures in the UK. It establishes that electronic signatures can be used as evidence in legal proceedings and confirms their legal status for most types of agreements.

The ECA 2000 also incorporates principles of the eIDAS Regulation into UK law, reinforcing the validity of electronic signatures.

Consent and Mutual Agreement

For an eSignature to be legally binding in the UK:

• All parties must agree to use electronic signatures
  
  
• There must be clear consent and intent to sign
  
  
• A common signing method or platform should be used
  

This mutual understanding is essential to ensure legal enforceability in commercial transactions.

Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES)

In the UK:

• Simple and advanced electronic signatures (AES) are generally accepted in business.
  
  
• For deeds, only Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) carry the same legal weight as handwritten signatures.
  

A QES requires:

• Identity verification via a Qualified Trust Service Provider (QTSP)
  
  
• Use of a Qualified Signature Creation Device (QSCD)
  

This level of security ensures the authenticity and integrity of the signer.

Court Admissibility

Electronic signatures are admissible as evidence under:

• English common law
  
  
• The eIDAS framework
  

If a dispute arises, the signed electronic document—along with its associated metadata or audit trail—can be presented in court to prove the signer’s intent and the validity of the contract.

Can I Use Blueink in the United Kingdom?

Yes. Blueink is fully compliant with UK electronic signature regulations. Our platform provides legally binding signatures, a detailed certificate of evidence, and strong identity verification—meeting both business needs and legal standards.

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Start signing documents securely and confidently across the UK with a compliant and easy-to-use eSignature solution.

Disclaimer

The contents of this page are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws may change or vary by case, and the information here may not reflect the most current developments. You should consult with a licensed legal professional for guidance on your specific situation. Blueink disclaims all liability for actions taken or not taken based on this content to the fullest extent permitted by law.

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