What is a necessary condition for an electronic signature to be valid?

For an electronic signature to be considered valid, it is essential that there is evident intent to sign. This concept is fundamental in both traditional and electronic signing processes. An electronic signature is defined as any electronic symbol or process that indicates the signer's intent to approve or authenticate the content of a document. Without clear intent, the signature may not hold legal weight, and the validity of the agreement could be challenged.

When considering the other options: notarization is not a requirement for electronic signatures in many jurisdictions; including a personal identification number (PIN) is not universally necessary and does not alone demonstrate intent; and while government recognition can lend credibility to the signature, it is not a prerequisite for the signature itself to be valid. Therefore, the presence of evident intent is what fundamentally ensures that an electronic signature is legally binding and applicable in real estate transactions and other legal agreements.