Sign a document without sending it anywhere

A signature drawn, typed or uploaded and placed on the document is what is commonly called a 'simple' electronic signature. In the EU, a court cannot reject it as evidence solely because it is electronic (eIDAS Regulation, article 25). In France, a signature identifies its author and shows their consent; in electronic form, it must rely on a reliable process linking it to the document (Civil Code, article 1367). A signature image, like a scanned signature, does not meet that test on its own: it counts if nobody disputes it, but carries little weight if someone does (Cour de cassation, 2022 and 2024).

For everyday documents, this is usually accepted: rental applications, certificates, quotes, school or club forms. In a dispute, whoever relies on the document must prove who signed it; keep the email or message it was sent with. Only a 'qualified' signature (with a certificate from a qualified provider) is presumed reliable and equivalent to a handwritten one.

This is not the right tool when a qualified signature is required, when the law requires a statement in your own handwriting (guarantees, IOUs), for a will or a notarial deed, or when the other party requires a specific platform (some loan or insurance contracts, some administrative procedures). In that case, use the tool you are asked to use.