How to Legally Sign Contracts in 2025: What Counts (and What Doesn’t)

You’ve got your contract template ready to go.

Your client’s excited.

You’re ready to hit send.

But before you do … how are you actually having themsignthe contract?

If you’ve ever wondered whether emailing a PDF, typing your name in a form field, or asking clients to check a box “counts” legally, you aren’t alone. 

Thanks to the digital world, how we sign contracts has changed. But what makes a signature legally binding hasn’t changed as much as you might think.

Let’s walk through what actually makes a contract enforceable and how to confidently get yours signed the right way.

What Makes a Contract Legally Binding

At its core, a legally valid contract requires just four things:

1. An Offer

2. Acceptance of That Offer

3. Value Exchanged

4. Mutual Intent to Be Bound

This means that, technically, even a verbal agreement counts — but those are way harder to prove. 

Which is why written contracts that are clearly signed by both parties are essential for protecting yourself. (And your clients!) If any of those four elements are missing, the contract might be unenforceable. 

When it comes to best practices for having your contracts signed, use a signature tool that:

• Tracks IP addresses and timestamps

• Shows a clear audit trail of who signed and when

• Sends automatic reminders to collect outstanding signatures

CRMs like Honeybook and Dubsado  include this natively. Others, like HelloSign, can be embedded and integrated into your workflow easily.

Are Digital Signatures Legal?

Short answer: Yes. 100%.

Thanks to the ESIGN Act  and UETA (Uniform Electronic Transactions Act), electronic signatures are just as valid as handwritten ones in nearly every business situation.

That includes:

• Typing your name into a signature box.

• Upload a scanned image of your signature.

• Clicking “I agree” after reviewing the terms.

• Using tools like HoneyBook, Dubsado, HelloSign, DocuSign, and AdobeSign

Courts have upheld digital contracts in thousands of cases. In fact, most service providers, course creators, and e-commerce businesses now operate entirely with e-signatures.

The key is proof of intent and evidence of the signature process. If someone could argue they didn’t intend to sign or didn’t understand the terms, that’s where issues arise. 

So yes, digital signatures are valid, but don’t skip the step of ensuring both parties clearly understand what they’re agreeing to.

Is Emailing a PDF Enough?

This is where things get a little dicey. 

If you send your contract as a PDF and your client says, “Looks good!” but never actually signs it, you do not have a fully executed agreement.

Email approval isn’t enough to count as a signature in most cases, unless the email includes very specific language and there’s clear, written intent to be bound. Even then, it’s a gray area that leaves you vulnerable. 

A PDF with no signature? That’s just a document. Not a contract.

Are Checkbox Agreements Valid?

“I agree to the terms and conditions,” and “By checking this box, I accept the contract terms” are commonly used throughout the internet, and you might be wondering if these hold up as legally signed documents. 

They do, but with a few caveats. In order for these checkbox agreements to be legally valid, they must:

• Have terms that are clearly presented before the person checks the box

• Be affirmative consent (they actively check the box, not just browse)

• You should retain proof of the agreement (date, time, IP address, version of the terms)

This format works well for digital product terms, coaching program agreements, and similar offers, but we don’t suggest using it for high-ticket services or custom client work. For that, always use a signed contract.

Best Practices for How to Legally Sign Contracts in 2025

In 2025, you don’t need to print, scan, or overnight anything to make your contract legal. 

But you do need to ensure that you’re protecting yourself and your clients with a legally binding contract.

Here’s how to make sure your contract process is legally solid:

• Use a reputable digital signature tool.

• Always have both parties signbeforework begins.

• Include clear payment terms, deliverables, and policies in the contract.

• For digital products, pair your checkout with a visible link to terms and a required checkbox.

• Save signed contracts somewhere secure and backed up.

And, of course, you need a rock-solid contract in the first place. That’s where we come in. 

Need contracts that work seamlessly with your digital signature tool?

We’ve got you. Browse our collection of lawyer-approved templates designed for small business owners who need legal protection without the overwhelm. 

Shop Contract Templates Now

Because getting paid is great. Getting protected? Even better.