SES · Simple Electronic Signature
The lowest signature tier — admissible but with light identity binding.
What it is
Defined by eIDAS as '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.' The widest possible definition — a typed name in an email body qualifies as SES.
Scope
Every EU member state. Article 25(1) of eIDAS forbids courts from rejecting SES purely because it's electronic. The dispute usually centres on whether the signer is who they claim to be, which is why AES and QES exist.
What letssign.now does
Every signature we produce is at least SES. The signing link goes to the signer's email, they click, type or draw their name, hit Sign. The audit trail (IP, browser fingerprint, timestamp) provides enough evidence to bind the signature to a real person in most commercial disputes.
Deeper detail
When SES is enoughExpandClose
Most commercial contracts. NDAs, vendor agreements, employment offers, statements of work, internal approvals. The parties already know each other and the dispute (if any) would be about contract terms, not "did this person actually sign".
When to step up to AESExpandClose
Higher-value contracts. Contracts with new parties where identity is genuinely in question. Procurement teams that have a checklist mentioning "advanced electronic signature".
Related standards
The frameworks above interlock. Each linked page covers one in full.
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