Does an 83(b) election need a wet signature?
Whether DocuSign, a typed name or a scanned signature is valid on an 83(b) election, according to the IRS manual.
Summary
Our answer: no, an 83(b) election does not need a handwritten signature. The Internal Revenue Manual (IRM 10.10.1, Exhibit 10.10.1-2) lists elections made under Section 83(b) among the documents the IRS accepts with electronic or digital signatures, signed and postmarked on or after August 28, 2020, and says no specific technology is required. Submitting Form 15620 through an IRS Online Account is signed electronically by design. A wet signature is still accepted.
IRM 10.10.1 lists Section 83(b) elections among documents accepted with electronic or digital signatures; no specific technology required.
| IRS rule | E-signatures accepted for 83(b) electionsIRM 10.10.1, Exhibit 10.10.1-2; page reviewed April 30, 2026. |
|---|---|
| Accepted forms of signature | No specific technology requiredTyped name, scanned signature or e-signature software. |
| Online route | IRS Online AccountForm 15620 can be submitted online. |
| Unchanged | 30-day deadline and company copyThe signature method does not extend anything. |
Our verdict
Do not lose a day of the 30-day window chasing a pen. Sign electronically, file online if you can, or print the e-signed form and mail it by Certified Mail.
Where the rule comes from
In 2020 the IRS temporarily allowed electronic signatures on a list of forms and elections that normally required a handwritten signature, including Section 83(b) elections. The Internal Revenue Manual now carries that list in Exhibit 10.10.1-2 and states that no specific technology is required.
Common questions
Can I sign Form 15620 with DocuSign and mail the printout?
Yes, according to the IRS manual exhibit on electronic signatures. Print the signed form, mail it with proof, and keep the e-signature certificate with your packet.
Does the company copy need a wet signature?
No rule we found requires one. Send the company a copy of the signed form you filed, by email or mail, and keep evidence that you sent it.
Related guides
83(b) election deadline calculator
A source-linked deadline guide for people who already decided to file a Section 83(b) election and need an operational packet before the 30-day window closes.
Form 15620 for a Section 83(b) election
A practical guide to the IRS Form 15620 fields used in a Section 83(b) election packet.
83(b) election for restricted stock packet
How the MVP handles a simple individual restricted-stock grant after the user has already decided to make the election.
Official sources for this guide
Last reviewed: .