Simple Electronic Signature (SES)

What is Simple Electronic Signature (SES)?

A Simple Electronic Signature (SES) is the most basic form of electronic signature. Under the eIDAS Regulation, it encompasses any "data in electronic form which is attached to or logically associated with other data in electronic form and which is used by the signatory to sign." This broad definition includes typed names, scanned handwritten signatures, checkbox acknowledgments, email confirmations, and click-to-agree buttons.

Despite being the simplest form, simple electronic signatures are not legally invalid. The eIDAS Regulation states that an electronic signature shall not be denied legal effect solely on the grounds that it is in electronic form. This means SES can be used for most everyday business agreements, though the burden of proving authenticity may be higher than with advanced or qualified electronic signatures.

SES is the most commonly used type of electronic signature worldwide because of its convenience. No special hardware, software, or identity verification is typically required beyond what the signing platform provides. This low friction makes it ideal for routine business documents, internal approvals, and consumer-facing agreements.

The trade-off is that SES offers fewer technical guarantees about signer identity and document integrity. For documents that require stronger legal standing — such as real estate contracts, regulated financial agreements, or government submissions — an advanced or qualified electronic signature may be more appropriate.