E-Signature Legality in Australia

Australia's legal framework for electronic signatures is anchored by the Electronic Transactions Act 1999 (Cth). This federal law establishes a technology-neutral principle: a transaction is not invalid merely because it took place by means of electronic communication. Section 10 of the Act specifically addresses signatures, stating that an electronic signature satisfies a legal requirement for a signature if:

• A method is used to identify the person and indicate their approval of the information communicated
• The method is as reliable as appropriate for the purpose of the communication
• The person to whom the signature is required to be given consents to the use of an electronic method

These requirements are straightforward. When you draw, type, or upload your signature using SigPDF and place it on a document, you are identifying yourself and indicating your approval of the document's contents — satisfying the Act's requirements for most everyday documents.

State and Territory Electronic Transactions Legislation

Each Australian state and territory has enacted its own electronic transactions legislation that mirrors the Commonwealth Act. This means electronic signatures are recognized at every level of government across Australia:

• New South Wales — Electronic Transactions Act 2000
• Victoria — Electronic Transactions (Victoria) Act 2000
• Queensland — Electronic Transactions (Queensland) Act 2001
• Western Australia — Electronic Transactions Act 2011
• South Australia — Electronic Transactions Act 2000
• Tasmania — Electronic Transactions Act 2000
• Australian Capital Territory — Electronic Transactions Act 2001
• Northern Territory — Electronic Transactions (Northern Territory) Act 2000

The practical result is that whether you are in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, or anywhere else in Australia, an electronic signature created with SigPDF is legally valid for most commercial and personal transactions.

Exceptions: Documents That Require Wet-Ink Signatures

Both the Commonwealth Act and state/territory legislation exclude certain categories of documents from electronic signature provisions:

• Wills and codicils — Australian probate law generally requires handwritten signatures and witnesses.
• Powers of attorney — Enduring powers of attorney in most states require wet-ink signatures.
• Real property transactions — Land title transfers, mortgages, and other registrable dealings typically require specific forms of execution.
• Migration and citizenship documents — Documents under the Migration Act and Australian Citizenship Act are excluded from the Commonwealth Act.
• Court documents — Certain documents filed with courts may have specific requirements.

For everyday business documents — contracts, agreements, invoices, NDAs, employment offers, lease agreements, and similar records — electronic signatures are fully valid and enforceable under Australian law.

Privacy and the Australian Privacy Principles

Australia's Privacy Act 1988 establishes the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), which regulate how organizations handle personal information. When you use a cloud-based e-signature platform, your documents — often containing sensitive personal and financial information — are uploaded to third-party servers, raising potential concerns under the APPs.

SigPDF processes your PDF entirely inside your browser. The file never leaves your device. No upload, no server-side storage, no third-party access. This means there is no collection or disclosure of your document data, making SigPDF a privacy-friendly choice that aligns with Australian data protection standards.

How to Sign a PDF in Australia with SigPDF

1. Open your PDF in SigPDF — click “Choose File” or drag and drop
2. Create your signature by drawing, typing, or uploading an image
3. Place your signature on the document where needed
4. Download the signed PDF — your signature is permanently embedded