eSignature law in France

Electronic signatures are legally binding in France under the EU eIDAS Regulation and Articles 1366 to 1367 of the Civil Code, with the same evidential value as a handwritten signature.

Drop your document here and sign it now. PDF, Word and Excel all work: a .docx or .xlsx is laid out in your browser exactly as it was written, so there is nothing to convert first. Add a signature, a date, a company stamp or a watermark, then download it sealed. Free to start, no account, and the file is never uploaded to open it.

Governing law: EU eIDAS Regulation (No 910/2014) + French Civil Code (Code civil) Art. 1366-1367 (2016)

France recognises electronic signatures under the directly applicable eIDAS Regulation and its own Civil Code. Article 1366 provides that an electronic document has the same evidential value as paper provided the signer can be identified and the document is created and stored in conditions guaranteeing its integrity. Article 1367 states that a reliable electronic signature identifying its author and expressing consent has the same effect as a handwritten one, and establishes a presumption of reliability for qualified signatures. The three eIDAS tiers (Simple, Advanced, Qualified) all apply. A Simple or Advanced electronic signature is sufficient for the vast majority of commercial and employment contracts; a Qualified Electronic Signature carries the strongest legal presumption for high-stakes or regulated documents.

What makes an eSignature valid in France

Where eSignatures are not valid

FAQ

Are electronic signatures legal in France?

Yes. Under eIDAS and Articles 1366-1367 of the Civil Code, electronic signatures are legally valid and admissible, with the same evidential value as handwritten signatures when the signer is identified and integrity is preserved.

Do I need a Qualified Electronic Signature in France?

Not for most contracts. A Simple or Advanced signature is sufficient for ordinary business and employment documents; a Qualified signature gives the strongest legal presumption for high-value or contested matters.

Is a signed PDF admissible evidence in France?

Yes. A signed PDF with a reliable signature process, an audit trail and preserved integrity is admissible; qualified signatures benefit from a legal presumption of reliability.

What PDF Verified is, and what it is not

Electronic signature law is settled in broad terms and specific in the details. The ESIGN Act, UETA, eIDAS and their equivalents recognise electronic signatures across more than 190 countries, and what decides a particular case is intent to sign plus evidence connecting the signature to the signer, which is what the audit certificate records. Certain document types carry their own formalities wherever you are: deeds, wills, some property instruments, and anything requiring a witness or a notary. Sign only what you are authorised to sign, since applying another person signature without their authority is forgery whatever tool is used.

PDF Verified is a tool for preparing, signing, stamping and checking documents. It is not a law firm, a compliance service or a forensic examiner, and nothing here is legal, financial or compliance advice. Requirements differ by country, by document type and by the party asking, so check what applies to your document before you rely on it, and take advice where the document matters. You are responsible for the documents you create, sign and send, and for having the authority to do so: signing or stamping in somebody else name, or as an organisation you do not represent, is forgery whatever tool is used. To the extent the law allows, we accept no liability for how a document made with this tool is used or relied on. The full position is in our terms of service.