A 'wet signature' is the old-school ink-on-paper signature. Electronic signatures are everything else. In 2026, wet ink is still required for a small number of document types — and is otherwise mostly habit.
Here is the honest verdict.
Where wet ink is still required
Wills and codicils in many jurisdictions. Some real estate transfers. Notarised documents in some countries. Certain government filings. Always check local rules for these categories.
Where electronic signatures are enough
Everything else for everyday business — contracts, NDAs, leases, employment agreements, freelance scopes. ESIGN, UETA and eIDAS make e-signatures binding for these.
Why people still default to wet
Habit. Counterparty preference. Internal policy that hasn't caught up. None of these are legal requirements in most cases.
Best for…
Wet ink only for legally-required categories. Electronic for everyday contracts via sign-pdf.
FAQ
Will my lawyer accept an e-signature?
Most will for standard contracts. Check for the specific document type.
Are scanned wet signatures the same as e-signatures?
They are e-signatures with poorer audit trails. A proper e-sign via sign-pdf is operationally cleaner.
Will banks accept e-signatures?
Most do for routine documents; certain transactions still require wet ink.
Skip the printer for everyday contracts. Sign in Flint and stop hunting for a pen.