FAQs

• How do I sign a document online?

  Signing documents online with Docusign takes just a few clicks. Open the email containing your document link, click to access it, and you'll be guided through the signing process without needing to create an account.
  
  If this is your first time signing, you can adopt a signature by selecting from pre-formatted styles, drawing your own with your mouse or finger, or uploading an image of your handwritten signature. Click each signature field in the document, add your details where required, then select "Finish" to complete the process.
  
  Your signed document is automatically sent to all relevant parties and stored securely for future access.

• What is an electronic signature?

  An electronic signature is a digital alternative to a handwritten signature that can verify your identity and secure online documents. It's legally recognised in the UK and EU under eIDAS regulations and allows you to sign documents remotely without paper processes.

  The UK eIDAS Regulations provide for the following three levels of electronic signatures: Simple Electronic Signature (SES), Advanced Electronic Signature (AES) and Qualified Electronic Signature (QES). They are legally enforceable in most business and personal transactions worldwide. Learn more in our eSignature Legality Guide.

• Why use an electronic signature?

  Electronic signatures streamline your business operations with faster document completion, enhanced security and significant cost savings. They provide a superior signer experience, enable smarter workflows and offer the security benefits of digital signature technology for your agreements.

• How do I create an electronic signature for free?

  Creating an electronic signature with Docusign is quick and straightforward. Simply log in to your eSignature account, select 'Manage Profile', click the 'Signatures' tab and select 'Add New' to create your personalised electronic signature that you can use across all your documents.

• How do I add an electronic signature in Word?

  Adding your signature to Word documents is easy with the Docusign add-in. Install it from the Office Store, click the Docusign menu option, then drag and drop your signature to the appropriate signature line within your document for a professional finish.

• How do I sign a Word document electronically?

  Signing Word documents electronically requires the free Docusign add-in installed directly within Microsoft Word. Once installed, you'll see Docusign appear as a menu option where you can select "Sign Document" to begin the process.
  
  The system guides you through creating or logging into your Docusign account, then allows you to place signature fields exactly where needed in your document. You can adopt a pre-made signature using your name or upload your own handwritten signature for a personalised touch.
  
  Your signed Word document maintains its original format while gaining the security and legal validity of Docusign eSignature, complete with audit trails and tamper-evident seals that meet UK and EU compliance standards.

• What is a digital signature?

  A digital signature is a type of electronic signature generated via a digital certificate. A digital signature helps securely associate a signer with a specific document. Digital signatures form a digital “fingerprint” and can be used to validate signer identity and demonstrate that the signed document has not been tampered with.

• How do I create a digital signature?

  Digital signatures provide enhanced security through encryption and authentication. When you receive a document to digitally sign, click the email link to open it in Docusign eSignature.
  
  Depending on the type of digital signature, you may be required to verify your identity before accessing the document.
  
  You'll then be prompted to agree to electronic signing, then follow the on-screen instructions marked "Start" or "Sign". Create your digital signature by choosing from three options: type your name and select a font style, draw your signature using your mouse or touchscreen, or upload an image of your handwritten signature.
  
  After placing your signature in the designated fields and completing any required information, click "Finish" to apply your encrypted digital signature to the document.

• What’s the difference between an electronic signature and a digital signature?

  The terms “electronic signature” and “digital signature” are often conflated. For the vast majority of agreements and records, an electronic signature is sufficient. A digital signature is a subset of electronic signature that adds another layer of security to a signed document. A digital signature is supported with a digital certificate and uses Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), which adds proof of signer identity and enhanced security to a legally enforceable signature.

• Are e-signatures legally enforceable?

  Yes, e-signatures are legally recognised around the world. In the UK, (amended form of the EU eIDAS Regulation) electronic signatures have been legally recognised under English law since 2002. And despite Brexit, they are also covered by the EU’s eIDAS regulation that was introduced in 2016. The creation of eIDAS helped eliminate ambiguity around the legal value of an electronic signature in the EU, allowing electronic signatures to be admitted in court as evidence and confirming that they cannot be denied legal effect because they are in electronic form. Many foreign jurisdictions also recognise the legal effect and admissibility of electronic records, such as the U.S. ESIGN Act and UETA. An electronic signature, like those supported by DocuSign eSignature, is typically all that is needed to create a legally enforceable document. There are laws that demand certain requirements for e-signatures to be deemed legally enforceable. Using a safe, secure service like DocuSign eSignature can help you meet these requirements.

  Read more about the legality of electronic signatures.