Electronic signatures in Quebec What the law says,
article by article.

By Sébastien, founder of CRM PME · updated October 13, 2026

You want your clients to sign quotes and contracts online, without printing anything. Here is what Quebec law actually requires, with the text of each article and a link to the official source.

I am not a lawyer. This guide explains the texts; it does not replace legal advice for your situation.

Short answer

Yes, Quebec law allows electronic signatures. A signature may be affixed to an electronic document by any process that meets the definition in the Civil Code (art. 2827), says section 39 of the LCJTI. It may be set up against the signer if the integrity of the document is ensured and the link between the signature and the document is maintained. Choosing paper or electronic neither increases nor diminishes a document's legal value (LCJTI, s. 5).

The two texts that matter

In Quebec, the electronic signature rests on two texts: the Civil Code, which defines what a signature is, and the Act to establish a legal framework for information technology, often called the LCJTI (2001), which applies that definition to electronic documents.

A signature is the affixing by a person, to a writing, of his name or a mark distinctive to him which he regularly uses to signify his consent. Civil Code of Québec, art. 2827

The link between a person and a document, whatever the medium used, may be established by means of the person’s signature. A person’s signature may be affixed to the document by means of any process that meets the requirements of article 2827 of the Civil Code. A person’s signature affixed to a technology-based document may be set up against that person if the integrity of the document is ensured and the link between the signature and the document was established at the time of signing and has since been maintained. LCJTI, s. 39

The law also leaves you free to choose: unless the law requires a specific medium or technology, anyone may use the medium or technology of their choice (LCJTI, s. 2).

What the law requires in practice

Read together, these articles come down to three conditions.

1. A personal mark that shows consent

This is the Civil Code definition (art. 2827): the signature is how a person shows that they agree. Online, the process must make that intention clear — a button that says "Sign" right after reading the document, not a box ticked by default.

2. The integrity of the document

Under section 6 of the LCJTI, the integrity of a document is ensured if it is possible to verify that the information has not been altered and has been maintained in its entirety, and that the medium gives it the desired stability and perennity. In other words: the signed document must not be modifiable afterwards, and you must be able to keep it.

3. A link between the signature and the document, maintained over time

Section 39 adds that the link between the signature and the document must exist at the time of signing and since then. In practice, that means being able to show who signed, when, and which document.

Good news for small businesses: you do not have to prove in advance that your technology ensures integrity. Under section 7 of the LCJTI, that proof is only needed if the person contesting the document establishes, on a preponderance of evidence, that its integrity was compromised. The Civil Code says the same in article 2840.

Electronic, digital, picture: what is the difference?

Electronic signature — the general term: any process used to sign an electronic document — a signature drawn on screen, a typed name with a confirmation, and so on.
Digital signature — usually means a cryptographic signature tied to a certificate. The LCJTI mentions certificates as one way to confirm identity (s. 40), but does not require them for a signature.
Picture of a signature — a scan pasted into a PDF. The law does not forbid it, but on its own a picture keeps no trace of who placed it, when, or on which version of the document.

The law imposes no technology (LCJTI, s. 2). What matters are the three conditions above: consent, integrity, and a link maintained over time.

What cannot be signed electronically

The freedom of section 2 stops where the law requires a specific medium or technology. The clearest example is the holograph will: the Civil Code requires it to be written entirely by the testator and signed by him "without the use of technical means" (art. 726).

For the everyday documents of a small business — quotes, service agreements, purchase orders — the law sets no such requirement. When in doubt about a specific document, ask a lawyer or a notary.

Getting a quote signed online, step by step

Finalize the quote before sending it: once signed, it must no longer change.
Send your client a personal link, by email, so you know who received it.
Your client reads the quote, then signs with a clear action ("Sign").
Keep the trace: date, time, and the elements that identify the signing.
Send a confirmation to both parties, and keep the signed document.

What CRM PME's signature records

Here is what the software actually does when you send a quote for signature:

Your client receives a personal link by email, valid for 30 days; it works only once.
They read the quote, then sign with their finger or mouse and confirm with "Confirm and sign". They can also decline, and give a reason if they wish.
The date and time, IP address, browser and email address of the signer are recorded.
As soon as the signature request is sent, the quote can no longer be edited: your client signs exactly what you sent. Once signed, it is marked as accepted.
Your client receives a proof of signature as a PDF: the quote number, title and amount, the signature, the audit trail, and SHA-256 fingerprints of the signature, the link and the content of the quote, with a check that the content has not changed since. You are notified.

These elements help show who signed, when and what. Whether a disputed signature holds is for a court to assess, case by case. See e-signing in CRM PME.

Questions

Is an electronic signature valid in Quebec?

Quebec law allows it. Under section 39 of the Act to establish a legal framework for information technology (LCJTI), a signature may be affixed by any process that meets article 2827 of the Civil Code. It may be set up against the signer if the integrity of the document is ensured and the link between the signature and the document is maintained. In a dispute, a court assesses each case.

Is a picture of my signature pasted into a PDF enough?

The law does not prohibit any process (LCJTI, s. 2). But a picture alone keeps no trace of who placed it, when, or on which version of the document — which is exactly what section 39 looks at. A signing process that records those elements makes the link easier to show.

Do I need a digital certificate?

The LCJTI does not require one for a signature. Section 40 provides for certificates as one way to confirm a person's identity; it is not the only one.

Can a client dispute an electronic signature?

Yes, like any signature. Under section 7 of the LCJTI (and article 2840 of the Civil Code), there is no need to prove that the technology ensures the integrity of the document unless the person contesting it establishes, on a preponderance of evidence, that its integrity was compromised.

Which documents cannot be signed electronically?

Those for which the law requires a specific medium or technology (LCJTI, s. 2). The clearest example is the holograph will: article 726 of the Civil Code requires it to be written entirely by the testator and signed by him, without the use of technical means.

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Sources

Articles quoted from the official text, checked on October 13, 2026.

Electronic signatures in Quebec What the law says,article by article.