The paper presents the role of documents in the implementation of various types of transactions. The main features of the document determining its usefulness in the effective exchange of legal information, ensuring the authenticity, integrity and non-repudiation of origin are presented. Considering the general background of the document, the concept of an electronic document having significant (in terms of legal effectiveness) features of traditional document as well as those features that allow its operation and processing in the virtual space has been presented. An example of the use of an electronic document in the implementation of typical transactions, which are reflecting traditional electronic transaction will be discussed as well.