# UETA

UETA, the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, is a model state law that says a record or signature can't be denied effect just because it is electronic, once the parties agree to deal electronically.

## In plain words

UETA was published in 1999 as a model for states to adopt. Secondary summaries report it is in force in 49 states, DC and the US Virgin Islands. New York uses its own act, with the same idea of intent to sign.

Where ESIGN is the federal rule, UETA is the state rule. They point the same way. UETA adds a few details builders should know.

- **Agreement.** It applies where the parties agreed to deal electronically. That can be judged from context and conduct.
- **A way out.** A party can refuse further electronic dealings, and that right can't be waived.
- **Attribution.** A signature belongs to a person if it was their act. That can be shown "in any manner", including the strength of a security procedure.
- **Records you can keep.** If the sender's system stops the recipient printing or saving a record, it can't be enforced against that recipient.
- **Errors.** In automated dealings, a person can avoid an error they had no chance to prevent or fix.

## An example

A freelancer signs a contract from a link in an email. Later the client claims the freelancer never agreed to sign online. Under UETA, agreement can come from conduct: the freelancer opened the link, accepted electronic records and signed. A logged consent step makes that plain.

## How it shows up in docuinked

docuinked is designed to support UETA as well as ESIGN. The signing page records consent as its own step, offers decline and paper at any point before signing, and never locks the signed file. Every signer is emailed the full PDF. The [audit trail](/glossary/audit-trail) is the attribution record: who got the link, what they saw, what they did, and when.

A signer page that works on any phone also helps with the "capable of retention" rule, since the signer gets a standard PDF they can keep anywhere.

## Common confusions

**UETA is not one statute.** It is a model, and each state passes its own version. Some states changed the text. Check your state's version for anything unusual.

**UETA doesn't set retention periods.** It says how electronic records can meet a retention rule, not how long to keep them.

## Related terms

- [ESIGN Act](/glossary/esign-act)
- [Consumer disclosure](/glossary/consumer-disclosure)
- [Electronic signature](/glossary/electronic-signature)

## Sources

Checked 2026-11-07.

- [UETA 1999 text](https://scs.nevada.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/FED_Act99.pdf)
- [DLA Piper on Illinois adopting UETA](https://dlapiper.com/en/insights/publications/2021/07/with-illinoiss-adoption-of-ueta-united-states-near-full-adoption)
- [NY State Technology Law 302](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/STT/302)

This page is general information, not legal advice.

## Common questions

### Which state has not adopted UETA?

New York uses its own Electronic Signatures and Records Act instead. Older guides also name Illinois, but Illinois adopted UETA in 2021, so those guides are out of date.

### Can a signer back out of signing electronically under UETA?

Yes, for further electronic dealings, and that right can't be waived. In docuinked a signer can decline or ask for paper at any time before signing.

### What does UETA say about mistakes in automated transactions?

A person dealing with an automated system can avoid an error if they had no chance to prevent or correct it. A signing page that shows the whole document before the sign step helps here.