A vendor sends a master services agreement as a PDF. They want it signed and back today. In the US, you can sign electronically and the contract is just as binding as one signed in pen.
The legal framework
Two laws make this work: the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN Act) of 2000 at the federal level, and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA), adopted by 49 states (New York has its own equivalent).
Together they say: an electronic signature has the same legal effect as a wet-ink one, provided both parties consent to transact electronically and the signature is clearly attributable to the signer.
What 'consent' means in practice
For consumer contracts, ESIGN requires explicit consent to do business electronically — usually a checkbox before signing. For business-to-business contracts, consent is usually inferred from conduct (you sent a PDF; the other party signed it).
Keep a record. Most e-signature workflows log IP, timestamp, device and a hash of the document. That record is your evidence if the signature is later questioned.
Signing in Flint
Open Flint's signing tool, drop in the PDF, draw or type your signature, place it on the page, and download. Send back to the counterparty.
For multi-party signing — vendor, client, witness — use the request signatures flow to route the document to each signatory in turn. Each party signs in their own browser.
When ESIGN doesn't apply
ESIGN carves out a few document types where electronic signatures don't apply: wills, codicils and testamentary trusts; adoption, divorce and family law; court orders; some real-estate transactions in some states; product recall notices. For those, paper or specific state procedures still rule.
For commercial, employment, consumer, healthcare and the vast majority of contracts, e-signatures are good to go.
FAQ
Is a typed signature legally binding in the US?
Yes, under ESIGN and UETA, provided it's intended as a signature. Courts uphold typed names, drawn signatures, and clicked accept buttons.
Do I need a special certificate to sign?
No, not for ordinary ESIGN/UETA signatures. Certificate-based digital signatures are needed for federal filings (FDA submissions, some PTO filings) and certain regulated industries.
Can I e-sign with a notary?
Yes — many states allow Remote Online Notarization (RON). The notary verifies your identity over video and applies a notarial seal electronically.
What about international counterparts?
Most countries have equivalent laws (eIDAS in the EU and UK, ESIGN-style laws in Canada, Australia, Singapore). Cross-border e-signatures are usually recognised both ways.
Sign once, send once. Use Flint to sign in your browser and skip the print-scan loop.