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Illinois Court Rules IL R S CT Electronic Signature Standards Electronic Signature Standards

Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

M.R. No. 32361IN THE SUPREME COURT OF ILLINOISIn re: Electronic Signature Standards(Filed August 30, 2024)ORDER

Effective immediately, in the exercise of the general administrative and supervisory authority over the courts of Illinois conferred on this Court pursuant to article VI, section 16, of the Illinois Constitution of 1970 (Ill. Const. 1970, art. VI, sec. 16); and consistent with the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (815 ILCS 333/1 et seq.), the Supreme Court of Illinois approves the attached “Electronic Signature Standards” to ensure the courts in Illinois utilize electronic signatures in their jurisdiction according to these standards. The Administrative Director of the Illinois Courts has authority to amend the “Electronic Signature Standards” as is necessary and appropriate.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that all courts shall accept electronic signatures as that term is defined in the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, provided the applicable signature complies with the attached “Electronic Signature Standards.” With approval of the Administrative Office of Illinois Courts, and consistent with these Standards, a circuit court may adopt additional requirements for electronic signatures.

SUPREME COURT OF ILLINOISELECTRONIC SIGNATURE STANDARDS

1. Definitions. Terms used within this rule shall have the meaning given to them in the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (815 ILCS 333/1 et seq) where so defined. Specifically, and for ease of reference, an "Electronic Signature" means an electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to or logically associated with a record and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the record.

2. Use of Electronic Signatures. A person may use an Electronic Signature to sign a record filed with the court, provided that the Electronic Signature is:

(a) Unique to the person making the signature;

(b) Under the control or direction of the person making the signature; and

(c) Authorized by the person to whom the Electronic Signature belongs, if used by another individual.

3. Signature Equivalency. A document filed with a court that bears a valid Electronic Signature shall be deemed signed to the same extent as a document that bears a handwritten signature.

4. Authentication and Verification. A court may require a person who uses an Electronic Signature on a document filed with a court to provide evidence of the authenticity and validity of the Electronic Signature, either at the time the document is filed or at any subsequent time.

5. Compliance with Other Rules. The use of Electronic Signatures on documents filed with the court shall be subject to and comply with all other applicable orders, rules, and laws, including but not limited to those relating to form, content, and filing. In the event of a conflict between these Standards and the rules governing e-filing as approved by the Supreme Court, the provisions of the latter shall control.

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Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Illinois Court Rules IL R S CT Electronic Signature Standards Electronic Signature Standards - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/il/court-rules/il-r-s-ct-electronic-signature-standards/

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