What documents can you sign electronically

Electronic signatures aren't limited to a couple of cases: they cover most of the private documents companies and professionals sign every day. Here are the most common ones, along with the exceptions to keep in mind.

Service contracts, lease agreements, commercial agreements, quotes and estimates, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), work orders, consents, authorizations and most agreements between individuals and companies.

In practice, if today you print a document just to sign and scan it, you can most likely sign it electronically.

Some acts may require additional formalities or notarial involvement depending on the country, such as certain wills, specific incorporation acts or particular government procedures. In those cases it's best to check local rules before signing.

For a business's day-to-day — contracts, agreements, quotes and authorizations — an electronic signature with an audit trail is enough and far quicker. If a document requires a special formality, your legal advisor or your country will let you know.