Digital Contracts

Digital signatures have become part of online transactions, including contracts and other financial transactions. For example, the IRS requires a digital signature when your personal tax return is filed online. The digital signature replaces your actual signature.

SIDEBAR: Federal law makes digital signatures legal and valid for all commercial transactions in the United States.

My dad is in Florida but my lawyer in California has prepared his will. Can my father sign his will using a digital signature?

No. A will is not a commercial transaction. Your father's actual signature is required or the will is invalid.

TIP: Other examples of documents that may not be digitally signed include legal documents such as divorce and adoption papers, trust, some court filings and notices of eviction.