Being able to use electronic signatures can be a huge time-saver and an enormous benefit to companies looking to streamline processes. But, it doesn't provide any benefit if the contracts signed electronically are not effective to the same extent as a pen-and-ink signature.
Luckily for parties who want to embrace technological advances to streamline business practices, the laws regarding e-signing contracts ro other documents is clear in California.
Federal (Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (E-SIGN) Act) and California (Uniform Electronic Transactions Act) laws specifically hold that electronic forms or electronic signatures are valid and binding, and cannot be used to deny documents legal effect.