A new bill modernizes the advanced electronic signature, introduces time stamping, and allows certain notarial certifications to be replaced and electronic promissory notes and bills of exchange to be issued. What does it propose and what are its implications?

On June 2, 2026, the Executive introduced in the Chamber of Deputies (Cámara de Diputadas y Diputados) a bill that updates Law No. 19,799 (Ley N° 19.799), on electronic documents, electronic signatures and certification services, along with other related rules (Bill No. 18,286-03, Boletín N° 18.286-03). Its stated purpose is to modernize the regime of the advanced electronic signature (firma electrónica avanzada, FEA), reduce the need for in-person formalities in the execution of certain acts and contracts, and strengthen the legal certainty of what is signed digitally. For companies, this points to faster transactions and lower processing costs.

Below we review the most relevant aspects of the initiative, which is still making its way through Congress.

Time stamping: the centerpiece

The bill updates the definition of the advanced electronic signature and introduces two new concepts: the time mark (marca de tiempo) and time stamping (sellado de tiempo). The difference matters. Time stamping requires the involvement of an accredited provider of certification services, which gives it greater evidentiary value: it makes it possible to establish reliably when a document was signed. A good part of the new legal effects the bill proposes are conditioned on having this time stamp.

More certainty about the value of electronic documents

The reform adjusts Articles 3 and 5 of Law No. 19,799 to reaffirm that acts, contracts and documents executed with an advanced electronic signature produce the same effects as those executed on paper. It also clarifies that electronic documents are deemed executed in writing for all legal purposes and that their date will constitute conclusive proof where time stamping exists. This is a step forward in legal certainty for those who operate digitally.

Fewer notarial formalities to certify signatures

One of the changes with the greatest practical impact is the new Article 4 bis. Where the involvement of a notary or another certifying officer (ministro de fe) has the sole purpose of authorizing or certifying the signature of the signatories, that requirement may be satisfied with an advanced electronic signature plus time stamping. The bill does, however, include a special rule for the Stamp Tax (Impuesto de Timbres y Estampillas): the accredited provider must refer the signatory to the platform of Chile’s Internal Revenue Service (SII) to declare and pay the tax where applicable, and must refrain from certifying the signature until payment is evidenced.

Electronic public instruments

For an electronic document to qualify as a public instrument or to produce its effects, the bill (amending Article 7 of Law No. 19,799) will require that it be executed with an advanced electronic signature and carry a time mark.

How these documents are challenged

The initiative amends Article 348 bis of the Code of Civil Procedure (Código de Procedimiento Civil) to establish a dedicated mechanism for challenging documents executed with an advanced electronic signature. The court may request a report from the accredited provider, which must verify elements such as the authenticity of the signature, the existence of time stamping and the integrity of the document. It is a tool designed to resolve disputes over authorship and integrity on technical grounds.

Electronic promissory notes and bills of exchange

The bill also amends Law No. 18,092 (Ley N° 18.092) to allow bills of exchange and promissory notes in electronic format to be issued, circulated and protested, provided they are executed with an advanced electronic signature and time stamping. Endorsement, acceptance, guarantee (aval) and protest will be governed by regulations to be issued within one year of the law’s publication. On the procedural side, Article 434 No. 4 of the Code of Civil Procedure is adjusted to grant enforceable status, without a prior recognition proceeding, to these electronic documents when they meet the legal requirements.

What to keep in mind

If it moves forward, this reform will make it easier to close deals and sign documents without in-person formalities, at lower cost. But it also introduces technical requirements worth anticipating:

  • The use of accredited certification service providers.
  • The incorporation of time stamping in the acts that require it.
  • The safeguarding of the traceability of each signature.

For companies, this is a good time to review how they sign their contracts and credit instruments and to prepare their internal processes.

The bill has begun its first constitutional stage and must still complete the legislative process, so its content may change. Its progress can be followed on the Chamber’s bill status page.

Through our Commercial and Corporate Law and Artificial Intelligence and New Technologies practices we support companies in the safe adoption of electronic signatures and digital solutions.

This article is general and informational in nature and does not constitute legal advice for any specific case. It refers to a bill still in the legislative process, whose text may change before its eventual approval and publication.