You've Received a Signing Request, What Now?
You don't need a DottSign account to sign. Everything happens through a secure link sent to your email (or WhatsApp). Here's exactly what to expect.
Step 1: Open the Email
Look for an email with a subject line similar to:
"[Name] has sent you a document to sign"
The email will include:
- The sender's name and organisation
- The contract name
- A button that says Review and Sign
Click the button. It will open a secure page in your browser.
Didn't get the email? Check your Spam or Promotions folder. If you still can't find it, contact the person who sent you the contract and ask them to resend.
Step 2: Verify Your Identity (OTP)
To protect the integrity of your signature, DottSign will ask you to confirm your identity before you can access the document.
- A 6-digit code will be sent to your email address (or phone, if WhatsApp was used)
- Enter the code in the box on screen
- Click Verify
The code expires after 10 minutes. If it expires, click Resend code to get a new one.
Step 3: Read the Document
The document will open in a full-page viewer. Scroll through all pages to review the content before signing.
You can zoom in on any section for a closer look. You cannot edit the document, you can only sign it or decline it.
Step 4: Sign
DottSign will guide you to each spot that requires your action. A banner at the bottom of the screen shows your progress (e.g., "2 of 3 spots remaining").
For each Signature spot, you have three options:
- Draw, use your mouse, trackpad, or finger (on mobile) to draw your signature
- Type, type your name and choose a handwriting font
- Upload, upload an image of your handwritten signature (PNG or JPG with transparent or white background)
Click Apply to confirm each spot.
Step 5: Complete Signing
After filling all required spots, click Finish Signing.
You'll see a confirmation screen:
"Your signature has been submitted successfully."
Step 6: Receive the Signed Document
Once all signers on the contract have completed their signatures, everyone, including you, will receive the final signed PDF by email. The email will come from DottSign and the PDF will be attached directly.
If only your signature is required and you're the last signer, the email arrives within seconds.
Signing on Mobile
The signing flow is fully mobile-optimised. Open the link on your phone or tablet, draw your signature with your finger for a natural result.
For the best experience:
- Use Chrome, Safari, or Firefox (latest version)
- Allow the browser to load the full PDF, this may take a moment on slower connections
Declining a Contract
If you don't agree to sign:
- Click the Decline button at the bottom of the signing page
- Optionally, enter a reason for declining
- Click Confirm decline
The sender will be notified immediately and the contract status will update to Declined. You cannot undo a decline, the sender will need to cancel and resend the contract.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my signature legally valid? Yes. DottSign signatures comply with eIDAS (EU), LGPD / MP 2.200-2 (Brazil), and the U.S. ESIGN Act. Each signature is backed by a full audit trail.
Can I sign on behalf of someone else? No. Each signer must sign using their own unique link. Signing with someone else's link is not permitted and would invalidate the audit trail.
I accidentally closed the tab, is my progress saved? Yes. If you completed some spots, they are saved automatically. Open the original email and click the link again, your progress will be there.
Can I download the document before signing? Yes. Look for the Download icon in the viewer toolbar to save the unsigned PDF.