Rule 21.090.Electronic Signatures
Current through August 1, 2026 · Last verified September 12, 2026
Full Text of Rule 21.090
Plain-English Summary
The login is the signature. Using it constitutes the signature of the filer for purposes of these rules and for any other purpose for which a signature is required. That one line is why a login is not something to hand around the office.
For the filer's own signature on the document, either an electronic signature or an authenticated signature works, as UTCR 1.110 defines those terms. When the document carries someone else's signature, it may be signed with an original signature or an authenticated signature, and by filing it the filer certifies that, to the best of the filer's knowledge after appropriate inquiry, the signature purporting to be the signer's is in fact the signer's.
Retention splits by signature type. With an authenticated signature, the filer keeps the electronic document until entry of a general judgment or another judgment or order that conclusively disposes of the action, unless the court orders otherwise. With an original signature, the printed document has to be imaged and filed in a format that accurately reproduces the signature and contents, and the filer keeps the paper original for no less than 30 days, unless the court orders otherwise. A document bearing a notary public's signature has its own line: file it in a format that accurately reproduces the signatures and contents.
Joint filings get three options. When more than one party joins in a document, the filer shows it by submitting an imaged document containing everyone's signatures, by reciting in the document that those parties consent or stipulate to it, or by identifying the required signatures in the document and submitting each such party's written confirmation no later than three days after the filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign a document I am eFiling in Oregon?
Your login does part of the work and the document does the rest. Using your login constitutes your signature for these rules and for any other purpose requiring a signature. On the face of the document, you may sign with either an electronic signature or an authenticated signature, both defined in UTCR 1.110.
How long do I keep the paper original after eFiling an image of it?
If the document carries an original signature, image it and file it in a format that accurately reproduces the signature and contents, then keep the paper original for no less than 30 days, unless the court orders otherwise.
A document with an authenticated signature is held longer: the filer retains the electronic document until entry of a general judgment or other judgment or order that conclusively disposes of the action.
Can I eFile a document that my client or a witness signed?
Yes. A document containing the signature of someone other than the filer may be signed with an original signature or an authenticated signature. By filing it you certify that, to the best of your knowledge after appropriate inquiry, the signature is in fact that of the signer.
How do multiple parties sign a stipulated document that is filed electronically?
Pick one of three routes: submit an imaged document containing the signatures of all joining parties, recite in the document that those parties consent or stipulate to it, or identify in the document the signatures required and submit each party's written confirmation no later than three days after the filing.
Does putting my email address in my signature block consent to service by email?
No. The committee commentary attached to this rule says the requirement to include an email address in a signature block is not consent to receive service of documents by email.
Electronic service happens only as UTCR 21.100 provides, which turns on appearing electronically and on the service contacts entered in the system.