How to Sign Documents Electronically With DocuSign

DocuSign lets you sign legal documents on your phone or computer without printing anything — widely used for leases, insurance forms, and more.

In this guide (5 steps):

1.Signing a Document Someone Sent You
2.Create Your Signature
3.Complete and Submit
4.Save Your Signed Copies
5.Create a Free Account to Send Documents

Signing a Document Someone Sent You

~26s

You'll receive an email saying "[Company/Person] has sent you a document to sign via DocuSign." Open the email. Click the big yellow "Review Document" button. DocuSign opens in your browser (you don't need to download anything). Review the document, then click the yellow "Sign" tags placed at your signature locations.

Quick Tip

DocuSign guides you through the document — yellow arrows point to every place you need to click, sign, or initial. You rarely need to scroll and search.

Create Your Signature

~19s

The first time you sign, DocuSign asks you to set up your signature. Options: Type your name (DocuSign converts it to a signature font), Draw your signature using your mouse or finger on a touchscreen, or Upload an image of your actual handwritten signature. Choose whichever you prefer — all are legally valid. Tap "Adopt and Sign."

Complete and Submit

~15s

Work through the document, clicking each yellow tag to add your signature, initials, or date. When you've signed everywhere required, click the "Finish" button. DocuSign sends a confirmation email to all parties. The signed copy is emailed to you as a PDF attachment.

Save Your Signed Copies

~17s

DocuSign emails a completed copy to all signers. Save this email, or download the PDF attachment and save it to a folder on your computer or cloud storage. DocuSign also stores it in your account at docusign.com if you signed while logged in, but having your own local copy is wise.

Create a Free Account to Send Documents

~30s

Go to docusign.com → "Start Free Trial" or "Free Account." The free tier allows a limited number of signature requests per month (enough for occasional personal use). Upload a PDF, drag signature fields to the appropriate places, enter the recipient's email address, and click Send. They receive the signing request email.

Warning

Be cautious of phishing emails that look like DocuSign requests from unknown senders. Legitimate DocuSign requests come from accounts at docusign.com and will clearly identify who sent the document. If you weren't expecting a document, verify with the sender before clicking.

You Did It!

You've completed: How to Sign Documents Electronically With DocuSign

Need more help? Get Expert Help from a TekSure Tech

DocuSign is the most widely used service for signing documents electronically. It's used by real estate agents, insurance companies, banks, employers, landlords, and many other businesses to send contracts and agreements for signature without requiring in-person meetings or printing.

An electronic signature (e-signature) is legally binding in all US states under the ESIGN Act and UETA. Courts recognize e-signatures as equivalent to handwritten signatures for most documents. The main exceptions are wills, trusts, and certain real estate deeds in some states — for those, consult an attorney.

When someone sends you a DocuSign document to sign, you'll receive an email notification. You don't need a DocuSign account to sign — you click a link in the email, review the document, and sign it through DocuSign's website or app. The signature is date-stamped and creates an audit trail of who signed and when.

Creating your own DocuSign account (free tier available) allows you to initiate signature requests yourself — upload a document, add signature fields, and send it to others to sign. This is useful if you need someone else to sign a form, like a permission slip or rental agreement.

DocuSign also stores completed signed documents in your account for later reference. This is convenient — the signed copy is in the cloud rather than requiring you to keep paper files.

Beyond DocuSign, similar services include Adobe Sign, HelloSign (now Dropbox Sign), and even Apple Mail's built-in markup feature for quick signatures on PDFs. DocuSign is the most commonly used and most universally accepted.

Rate this guide

How helpful was this guide?

DocuSign

e-signature

digital signature

sign documents

paperless