Electronic Record
An electronic record is any contract, notice, disclosure, or other document created, generated, sent, communicated, received, or stored by electronic means.
What it means
Under UETA and ESIGN, an electronic record has the same legal effect as a paper document. To be legally sufficient, an electronic record must be capable of being retained and reproduced accurately by all parties and must be in a format that remains accessible over time. Records must also be associated with the signatures applied to them.
Why it matters for e-signatures
SignOwl generates a tamper-evident PDF record for every completed document, ensuring the electronic record requirement is satisfied and that the signed document remains reproducible for the life of the agreement.
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
How long must electronic records be retained?
Retention periods depend on the type of agreement. Employment contracts often require 7+ years; real estate documents may require longer. SignOwl stores completed records indefinitely by default.
Is a PDF a valid electronic record?
Yes. A PDF, especially a PDF/A compliant file, is widely accepted as a valid electronic record format because it preserves content and formatting faithfully over time.
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