Legal framework in India
The Information Technology Act, 2000 (with its 2008 amendment) recognizes electronic signatures in Section 5: where a law requires a signature, an electronic one satisfies it if it meets authentication standards. Section 3A defines the accepted methods.
Legal framework
Information Technology Act, 2000
How the legal framework evolved in India
2000
Information Technology Act: India recognizes electronic records and signatures.
2008
IT Act amendment: introduces the broad concept of 'electronic signature'.
2015
Aadhaar eSign: identity-based electronic signing launches.
Types of electronic signature in India
Electronic signature
The Information Technology Act, 2000 recognizes electronic signatures. Contracts are additionally valid under the Indian Contract Act with offer and acceptance — audit evidence proves consent.
Certificate-based digital signature (DSC)
Issued by certifying authorities licensed by the CCA. Required for corporate (MCA) and tax filings.
Aadhaar eSign
An electronic signature based on the Aadhaar identity with OTP, recognized since 2015. Popular in banking and fintech.
What makes a signature valid in India?
The law excludes certain documents such as negotiable instruments, powers of attorney, wills and the sale of immovable property. For the rest, Firmiu backs each signature with IP, device, location and verification.
Which documents can you sign in India?
Can be signed electronically
- Commercial and service contracts
- Offer letters and employment contracts
- Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
- Quotes and purchase orders
- Vendor and freelancer agreements
- Internal company documentation
Usually require a notary or handwritten signature
- Wills and other testamentary dispositions
- Negotiable instruments other than cheques (promissory notes, bills of exchange)
- Powers of attorney
- Contracts for the sale or transfer of immovable property
These lists are indicative: the document type and applicable law determine each case.
How to sign documents in India
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 India?
- Yes. The IT Act, 2000 recognizes them with full legal validity.
- Are there excluded documents?
- Yes: negotiable instruments, powers of attorney, wills and sale of immovable property, among others.
- Do courts accept signed documents?
- Yes, they presume their validity when they comply with the IT Act.
- Which documents does Indian law exclude?
- The First Schedule of the IT Act excludes wills, negotiable instruments (except cheques), powers of attorney and real-estate contracts. All other commercial contracts can be signed electronically.
- Do I need a DSC certificate for private contracts?
- No. DSCs are required for MCA or tax filings. Commercial contracts are formed with proven consent — the role of the audit trail.
- Does stamp duty affect electronic contracts?
- State stamp duty applies equally to electronic agreements in several states; it's a tax requirement separate from signature validity.
- Is an online-signed contract valid before Indian courts?
- Yes. The IT Act and the Evidence Act admit electronic records as evidence, weighing the reliability of the signing process.
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 India.
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
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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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