---
title: "esignature validity"
slug: "documents-where-an-electronic-signature-is-not-valid"
updated: 2024-10-10T02:10:21Z
published: 2024-10-10T02:10:21Z
canonical: "help.legalzoom.com/documents-where-an-electronic-signature-is-not-valid"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.legalzoom.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Documents where an electronic signature is not valid

While electronic signatures are valid for most types of business and personal transactions, U.S. laws do have exceptions. The federal [ESIGN Act](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-106publ229/pdf/PLAW-106publ229.pdf) restricts the use of electronic signatures for the following categories of documents:

- Wills, testamentary trusts, and codicils (including estate planning documents obtained through LegalZoom)
- Adoption, divorce, and other family law papers (including such documents obtained through LegalZoom)
- Contracts governed by the Uniform Commercial Code (e.g., negotiable instruments, letters of credit, investment securities, secured transactions) other than sections 1–107 and 1–206 and Articles 2 and 2A
- Court orders, notices, or official court documents (including briefs, pleadings, and other writings) required to be executed in connection with court proceedings
- Notice of the cancellation or termination of utility services (including water, heat, and power)
- Notice of default, acceleration, repossession, foreclosure, or eviction, or the right to cure, under a credit agreement secured by, or a rental agreement for, a primary residence of an individual
- Notice of the cancellation or termination of health insurance or benefits or life insurance benefits (excluding annuities)
- Product recalls or notices of material failures that risk endangering health or safety
- Documentation accompanying the transport of hazardous materials

Note that state electronic signature laws may contain additional exceptions to those listed above. If you have any questions regarding whether a document may be validly signed using eSignature in your jurisdiction, please seek advice from an attorney.