Are Electronic Contracts Legally Binding in the US?
Yes. Electronic contracts and e-signatures are legally binding in all 50 US states under the federal ESIGN Act (2000) and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA), adopted by 49 states plus DC. New York has its own equivalent (ESRA).
What makes an e-contract legally binding?
Intent to sign, consent to do business electronically, association of the signature with the record, and record retention. Every signature on econtracts.ai captures these plus an IP-address audit trail.
What contracts cannot be signed electronically?
Wills, codicils, testamentary trusts, most family-law documents (divorce, adoption), court orders, and certain UCC transactions are excluded from ESIGN.
Frequently asked questions
Is a signature typed into a form legally binding?
Yes, if the signer intends it as their signature. Courts have upheld typed names, drawn signatures, and clicked 'I agree' buttons alike.
How long should I keep an e-signed contract?
Keep the signed PDF and audit trail for at least the statute of limitations for contract claims — typically 4–6 years in the US, longer in some states.