On June 2, 2026, the Executive submitted to the Chamber of Deputies a bill amending Law No. 19,799 on electronic documents, electronic signatures and certification services, as well as other related legal provisions (Bulletin No. 18,286-03).

The bill seeks to modernize the regulatory framework applicable to advanced electronic signatures (AES), reduce in-person requirements for the execution of certain legal acts and agreements, and strengthen the legal certainty of electronic documents. According to the Presidential Message, the initiative aims to facilitate digital transactions and reduce the costs associated with in-person procedures.

Key aspects

Introduction of time marks and timestamping

The bill introduces amendments to the definitions contained in Law No. 19,799. Among other changes, it updates the definition of advanced electronic signature and incorporates the concepts of time mark and timestamping. The latter is distinguished by requiring the intervention of an accredited certification service provider, which would grant it greater evidentiary value.

Strengthening the legal validity of electronic documents

The initiative proposes amendments to Articles 3 and 5 of Law No. 19,799 to reaffirm that acts, agreements and documents executed using an advanced electronic signature produce the same legal effects as those executed on paper. It also establishes that electronic documents shall be deemed to be in writing for all legal purposes and that the date of a document shall constitute conclusive evidence when supported by timestamping.

Replacement of signature certifications with advanced electronic signatures

The bill incorporates a new Article 4 bis into Law No. 19,799, under which, whenever the sole purpose of a notary public or other public official is to authorize or certify the signatures of the parties, such requirement may be fulfilled through the use of an advanced electronic signature with timestamping. The initiative also includes a specific rule regarding Stamp and Seal Tax, establishing that the accredited provider must redirect the signatory to the Chilean Internal Revenue Service (SII) platform for the declaration and payment of the tax when applicable and refrain from certifying the signature until payment has been duly evidenced.

Electronic public instruments

The bill amends Article 7 of Law No. 19,799 and establishes that, for an electronic document to qualify as a public instrument or produce the effects associated with such instruments, it must be executed using an advanced electronic signature and include a time mark.

Challenge of electronic documents executed with advanced electronic signatures

The initiative amends Article 348 bis of the Code of Civil Procedure and introduces a specific mechanism to challenge electronic documents executed using an advanced electronic signature. For these purposes, courts may request a report from the accredited certification service provider to verify matters such as the authenticity of the signature, the existence of timestamping and the integrity of the document.

Electronic bills of exchange and promissory notes

The bill proposes amendments to Law No. 18,092 to allow the issuance, circulation and protest of bills of exchange and promissory notes in electronic format, requiring their execution through an advanced electronic signature and timestamping. Matters relating to endorsement, acceptance, guarantee (aval) and protest will be regulated through a regulation to be issued within one year following publication of the law in the Official Gazette. The bill also amends Article 434 No. 4 of the Code of Civil Procedure to grant enforceable title status, without prior acknowledgment, to bills of exchange and promissory notes issued in electronic formats that comply with the legal requirements.

Next steps

The bill has begun its first constitutional review in the Chamber of Deputies and must continue its legislative process before its potential approval and publication.