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How DocuSeal Ensures Compliance with UETA and the ESIGN Act

• Written by Kriti Pinto

The adoption of eSignature technology has transformed the way businesses handle contracts and agreements, offering speed and efficiency. However, ensuring that electronic signatures are legally enforceable is critical for maintaining trust and compliance. At DocuSeal, we have built our platform in alignment with the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) and the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN Act) to ensure your eSignatures hold legal validity across the United States.

What Are UETA and the ESIGN Act?

UETA: Adopted by 47 states, UETA provides a legal framework for the use of electronic records and signatures in transactions, ensuring that they are as legally binding as paper documents with handwritten signatures.

ESIGN Act: Passed by the U.S. Congress in 2000, the ESIGN Act establishes that electronic signatures and records have the same legal effect as their traditional counterparts, provided certain criteria are met.

Both laws aim to eliminate barriers to electronic transactions while maintaining security and accountability.

How DocuSeal Complies with UETA and the ESIGN Act

To ensure compliance with these important laws, DocuSeal integrates the following key principles into its platform:

Both UETA and the ESIGN Act require that all parties explicitly agree to use electronic signatures in a transaction. DocuSeal ensures compliance by enabling users to present a consent clause before the signing process begins, ensuring parties are aware of and accept the use of electronic signatures.

2. Attribution of the Signature

To verify the signer’s identity, DocuSeal employs secure authentication methods such as email verification and optional advanced measures like multi-factor authentication. These ensure that the electronic signature can be attributed to the correct individual, a requirement under both UETA and the ESIGN Act.

3. Intent to Sign

DocuSeal’s user-friendly signing process requires signers to actively click to sign, which demonstrates their intent to sign the document. This aligns with the laws’ requirement that intent must be clear and unambiguous.

4. Record Retention

Both laws mandate that electronically signed documents must be accessible and retainable. DocuSeal ensures compliance by allowing users to securely store, download, and archive signed documents. Our platform maintains the integrity and accessibility of records for future reference.

5. Audit Trails

DocuSeal automatically generates a detailed audit trail for every document, capturing information such as who signed, when they signed, and the IP addresses used. This supports the transparency and accountability required by UETA and the ESIGN Act.

Benefits of Compliance with DocuSeal

By adhering to UETA and the ESIGN Act, DocuSeal provides businesses with:

  • Legal Assurance: Signed documents are enforceable in court.
  • Improved Efficiency: Transactions can be completed quickly and securely, without the need for physical paperwork.
  • Enhanced Security: Robust measures ensure the authenticity and integrity of every eSignature.

Industries That Benefit from DocuSeal’s Compliance

DocuSeal’s compliance with UETA and the ESIGN Act makes it ideal for industries like:

  • Real Estate: For signing purchase agreements and lease contracts.
  • Healthcare: For patient consent forms and HIPAA-compliant documents.
  • Finance: For loan agreements and financial disclosures.
  • Legal: For contracts, NDAs, and other binding agreements.
  • Software & Technology: For internal or external eSignature needs

Conclusion

DocuSeal’s compliance with UETA and the ESIGN Act ensures that your electronic signatures are not only convenient but also legally enforceable. Whether you’re closing deals, onboarding employees, or signing contracts, you can trust DocuSeal to keep your business secure and compliant.

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