Legal framework in Honduras
The Electronic Signatures Law (Decree 149-2013) establishes that acts and contracts signed electronically are valid and produce the same effects as those executed on paper. The E-Commerce Law (Decree 149-2014) complements the framework for electronic transactions.
Legal framework
Electronic Signatures Law (Decree 149-2013)
How the legal framework evolved in Honduras
2013
Decree 149-2013, Electronic Signatures Law: Honduras adopts the UNCITRAL model.
2010s
The law's regulation is issued and certification-provider accreditation is organized.
2020s
Honduran banking and professional services extend the use of electronically signed documents.
Types of electronic signature in Honduras
Electronic signature
Electronic data identifying the signer with respect to the data message (Decree 149-2013). Valid for private agreements; Firmiu's audit trail evidences its reliability.
Advanced / certified electronic signature
Backed by a certificate from an accredited certification service provider. It fully equals a handwritten signature.
What makes a signature valid in Honduras?
An electronic signature is equivalent to a handwritten one for most private acts. Firmiu documents every signature with IP, device, location and verification.
Which documents can you sign in Honduras?
Can be signed electronically
- Service agreements
- Lease agreements
- Employment contracts
- Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
- Quotes and purchase orders
- Authorization letters
Usually require a notary or handwritten signature
- Real-estate sales (they require a public deed)
- Wills
- Notarized powers of attorney
- Acts subject to solemnities
These lists are indicative: the document type and applicable law determine each case.
How to sign documents in Honduras
Upload your PDF
Upload the document and enter the name and email of the person who must sign.
The signer receives a link
They get an email with a unique link and a verification code.
Signed document
The PDF is signed with its audit trail, ready to download.
Frequently asked questions
- Are electronic signatures legal in Honduras?
- Yes. Decree 149-2013 gives them the same value as a handwritten signature.
- Is there an e-commerce law?
- Yes. Decree 149-2014 regulates electronic transactions.
- What documents are they good for?
- Service contracts, commercial agreements and private documents.
- Is a simple electronic signature valid in Honduras?
- Yes. Decree 149-2013 establishes that a signature cannot be denied legal effect for being electronic; its reliability is shown with evidence such as the audit trail.
- Can I sign a lease electronically?
- Yes. Ordinary leases can be executed electronically with full validity.
- Does the SAR intervene in my contracts?
- No. Tax invoicing uses the Revenue Administration Service's systems; private contracts don't require its involvement.
- Is it valid evidence before Honduran courts?
- Yes. The law recognizes the admissibility of electronically signed data messages as evidence.
Official sources
The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. The validity of an electronic signature depends on the applicable legislation and the document type; for specific cases, consult a legal professional.
Guide reviewed and updated: July 2026.
Electronic signatures by profession
Guides for the industries that sign the most documents in Honduras.
Related guides
Are electronic signatures legal? What you need to know
Electronic signatures are legal across Latin America, Spain and the United States. Here's what makes them valid and where they're recognized.
Types of electronic signature: simple, advanced and qualified
Not all electronic signatures are the same. Here are the three levels and which one you need for each document.
What documents can you sign electronically
Electronic signatures work for far more documents than you'd think. Here are the most common ones and the exceptions.
Electronic signature in other countries
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