Is it legal to sign contracts online or digitally in Mexico?

We’ll show you what Mexican law says on the matter, what NOM-151 is, and why Tu Identidad advanced electronic signature, in partnership with Adobe, represents a legally valid, secure, and reliable solution.

Nowadays, many processes that used to require physical presence—such as signing a contract—have moved into the digital environment. But this raises a common question: Is it legal to sign documents online in Mexico? The short answer is yes, but with certain conditions. 

Since the year 2000, with the publication of the Commercial Code amended, Mexico recognized the validity of electronic signatures as legal means to carry out legal acts. Specifically, the Article 89 Commercial Code establishes that: “Commercial acts may be validly carried out by electronic, optical, or any other technology means, and data messages shall have the same legal validity as documents signed by hand.”

This means that a digitally executed contract has the same validity as a paper one, as long as it can be verified that it was issued by an identified person, that the content has not been altered, and that there is consent between the parties.

In Mexico, two types of electronic signatures are recognized: the simple electronic signature (FES) — which is any means of validation (such as a checkbox or a signature drawn on a screen) but has lesser evidentiary value if not supported by robust authentication mechanisms — and the advanced electronic signature (FEA), which fully identifies the signer, is linked to the signed document, and cannot be altered without invalidation. Its use provides greater legal security and complies with standards like NOM-151.

What is NOM-151?

NOM-151-SCFI-2016 is an official Mexican standard that regulates how data messages and digital documents must be preserved to have legal validity and be admissible as evidence in court. This standard requires that the document have a digital timestamp issued by a Certification Service Provider authorized by the Ministry of Economy.

This ensures that the document cannot be altered after being signed, as well as guaranteeing the integrity and authorship of the document. Therefore, an electronic signature that complies with NOM-151 is more than just a scribble on a screen: it is solid and legally valid evidence.

That’s why Adobe + Tu Identidad form a powerful alliance for legally supported signing. Tu Identidad is a Mexican company specialized in identity validation and electronic signatures. Its partnership with Adobe Acrobat Sign, one of the world’s most recognized signing platforms, combines the best of both worlds: Adobe’s expertise and global compliance in document management.

This allows signing any document with complete legal certainty, both for companies and individuals. From employment contracts, confidentiality agreements, credit applications, to private agreements, all can be managed 100% online.

So, to make this clear: signing contracts online is legal in Mexico as long as tools are used that guarantee authenticity, integrity, and regulatory compliance. The advanced electronic signature with NOM-151, like the one offered by Tu Identidad in partnership with Adobe, is legal and highly recommended for any company that wants to digitize its processes without sacrificing security or legal validity.

What benefits does this solution offer?

• Legal validity in accordance with the Mexican legal framework.
• Complete security: signature linked to the validated identity.
• Time and cost savings in logistics.
• Ease of signing from any device.
• Protection against fraud or subsequent alterations.