When does a document become legally binding? After both parties have signed the document and intend that it should become legally binding, then it should be dated to make it a complete and binding document.

Do legal documents have to be dated?

Date the Contract While a contract does not have to be dated in order to be valid and enforceable, it is a good idea to do so. Dating a contract will help you to positively identify it later if you need to and will help you place it in its proper chronological context.

Is it legal to backdate an agreement?

To accommodate such instances, most jurisdictions allow for contracts to have an effective date that is earlier than the date the documents were signed. This is commonly known as “backdating.” Generally, backdating an agreement is legitimate if it accurately memorializes an unwritten agreement between the parties.