The basic steps to sign in DocuSign

DocuSign sends you a document to sign through email. You click the link in that email, read the document on DocuSign's website, and add your signature where the sender marked it. The sender receives a copy with your signature attached, and you get one too. The whole process takes a few minutes and works on any device with a web browser.

You do not need to read anything or create a DocuSign account to sign a document someone sends you. The sender creates the account and prepares the document with signature boxes already placed. Your job is to open the email, click through, and sign.

Key Takeaways

  • DocuSign sends you a link by email; click it to open the document in your browser, and you do not need an account to sign.
  • The document shows you exactly where to sign, and you can type your name, draw a signature, or upload an image of your handwritten signature.
  • After you sign, DocuSign records the date and time and sends copies to both you and the sender automatically.
  • If you cannot find the email, ask the sender to resend the signing request, or check your spam folder first.
  • DocuSign works on phones, tablets, and computers, and signing takes the same steps on any device.

Opening the signing email and finding the document

The sender will email you a message that says something like "Please sign this document" or "DocuSign: Please review and sign." Look for a button or link that says "Review and Sign" or "Sign Document." Click that link, and your browser will open the DocuSign page with the document ready to view.

If you cannot find the email, check your spam or junk folder — some email providers filter DocuSign messages by mistake. Ask the sender to resend the request if the email does not arrive within a few minutes. DocuSign usually sends the link right away, but sometimes it takes up to an hour.

On your phone or tablet, the same link works. DocuSign detects what device you are using and adjusts the layout so you can read and sign on a small screen. You do not need to read the DocuSign app unless you want to; the web version works just as well.

Reading the document and locating signature boxes

Once the document opens in DocuSign, scroll through it the same way you would scroll through any webpage. The document shows you the full text, and DocuSign marks the places where you need to sign with a box or a label that says "Sign Here" or shows your name.

Some documents have only one signature box. Others have multiple boxes if more than one person needs to sign, or if you need to initial certain sections. DocuSign highlights these boxes in blue or another color so they stand out. If you are unsure what a box is for, look at the label next to it — the sender usually writes "Signature," "Initial," or "Date" to tell you what goes there.

If the document is long, DocuSign shows you a progress bar at the top or bottom. You can scroll to the end to see how many pages there are, or DocuSign can jump you to the next unsigned box automatically.

Adding your signature

Click on the first signature box. A menu will appear with three options: type your name, draw your signature, or upload an image. Choose whichever feels most natural to you.

Type your name: Click the text option and type your full name or initials into the box. DocuSign will format it in a straightforward, professional font. This is the fastest method and works well for most documents.

Draw your signature: Click the draw option. A blank space will appear, and you can use your mouse, trackpad, or finger (on a phone or tablet) to write your signature. Take your time — you can clear it and try again if you do not like how it looks. When you are happy with it, click "Adopt Signature" to save it.

Upload an image: Click the upload option and select a photo of your handwritten signature from your computer or phone. This works if you have already scanned or photographed your signature. DocuSign will crop it to fit the box.

After you choose a method, DocuSign saves that signature. If the document has more than one signature box for you, DocuSign will ask if you want to use the same signature again or create a new one. Most of the time, you will use the same signature for all boxes.

Completing dates and other required fields

Some documents ask you to fill in a date, your initials, or other information besides your signature. These boxes work the same way: click on them and type or draw what is needed. DocuSign often fills in the current date automatically, but you can change it if the document requires a different date.

If a box is marked as required and you skip it, DocuSign will not let you finish signing. It will show you a message telling you which boxes still need to be filled. Go back and complete them, then try to sign again.

Finishing and receiving your signed copy

Once you have signed all the boxes, look for a button that says "Sign" or "Finish" at the bottom of the page. Click it. DocuSign will confirm that your signature has been added and will show you a message saying the document has been signed.

DocuSign then sends a copy of the signed document to your email address automatically. The sender also receives a copy with your signature on it. Both of you now have a record of when the document was signed — DocuSign adds a timestamp so there is proof of the date and time.

You can read the signed document to your computer or phone if you want to keep it in a specific folder. Look for a "read" button on the confirmation page, or wait for the email from DocuSign and read it from there.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the link in the email does not work, the signing request may have expired. Ask the sender to send you a new one. DocuSign links usually stay active for several weeks, but some senders set them to expire sooner.

If you signed the document but did not receive a copy in your email, check your spam folder. DocuSign's confirmation email sometimes gets filtered. If it is not there after an hour, contact the sender and ask them to resend the signed document from their DocuSign account.

If you are signing on a phone and the signature box is hard to tap, try rotating your phone to landscape mode — this makes the screen wider and the boxes easier to hit. If you drew your signature and it looks messy, click the box again and select "Clear" to start over.

If you need to sign a document but the sender has not sent it yet, you cannot do anything on your end. The sender has to prepare the document in their DocuSign account and send you the link. You cannot start the process yourself unless you have a DocuSign account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a DocuSign account to sign a document?

No. If someone sends you a document to sign, you can sign it through the email link without creating an account. Only the person sending the document needs a DocuSign account.

Can I sign on my phone?

Yes. The email link works on any device with a web browser. DocuSign adjusts the layout for smaller screens, and you can type, draw, or upload your signature the same way you would on a computer.

What if I make a mistake while signing?

If you have not finished signing yet, click the signature box again and choose "Clear" to erase it and start over. If you have already submitted the signed document, contact the sender — they may be able to cancel it and send you a new copy to sign.

How long does it take to receive the signed document?

DocuSign sends the signed copy to your email within a few minutes of you signing. Check your inbox and spam folder. If you do not see it after an hour, ask the sender to resend it from their DocuSign account.

Can I sign a document on behalf of someone else?

No. The person whose signature is needed must sign it themselves using their own email link. DocuSign requires the person signing to be the one who receives and opens the email.