Does DocuSign use your actual signature?

Asked by: Danial Jacobi  |  Last update: June 8, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (51 votes)

Docusign features a set of predefined signature styles to choose from. You can also draw your signature with a mouse to use in all of your signing sessions. When you sign for the first time in Docusign, you're asked to adopt a signature, but this can be changed at any time.

Does DocuSign use your real signature?

Yes. If you want to use your handwritten signature and initials in eSignature, upload a scanned image of them. You can also create a signature and initials in eSignature using a stylus or your finger on a touchscreen device.

How does DocuSign know my signature?

By default, DocuSign uses the signer's email address as a form of identity validation. If you have access to the email inbox, this is one way of proving identity.

What type of signature does DocuSign use?

Electronic Signature

Electronic Signatures are the most common type of e-signature. The majority of Docusign customers use them. Electronic signatures do not require ID proofing to complete and do not add digital certificates to the transactions.

Is an electronic signature just typing your name?

Digital signatures employ robust encryption techniques to ensure the authenticity and integrity of the signed document, while electronic signatures encompass a broader range of methods, including typed names, initials, and even clicking "I agree."

DocuSign eSignature Technical Overview | Developer Education

18 related questions found

Should your electronic signature match your full name?

It doesn't have to be your full name — unless you're specifically trying to match a previous authorized signature. You can choose to use just your initials instead, as one example.

Is there a difference between a digital signature and an electronic signature?

A digital signature is always electronic, but an electronic signature is not always digital. A digital signature works with encryption technology using a cryptographic mechanism that provides additional security for the document and guarantees its integrity.

How does DocuSign verify signatures?

Photo ID upload – Signers are verified using their government-issued photo IDs such as passport, driver license or residence permit. Electronic or bank-based IDs – Signers submit their login credentials for existing bank or government accounts to prove their identity.

How to use your own signature in DocuSign?

Select Signatures.
  1. Select Actions > Delete to remove an existing signature, or ADD SIGNATURE to create a new signature.
  2. Enter your name and initials exactly as you want them to appear in your signature, then select one of the following options:

Is DocuSign an advanced electronic signature?

DocuSign is a Trusted Service Provider of Advanced Electronic Signatures (AES) and Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES)

What is the difference between DocuSign and digital signature?

Docusign offers simple, advanced and qualified electronic signatures. QES requires face-to-face identity verification or the virtual equivalent. It's the only form of digital signature that European Union law considers as the equivalent of a handwritten signature.

Does everyone who signs a DocuSign get a copy?

@sgreen - Yes, by default, all recipients in an envelope workflow get either a link to the completed envelope in DocuSign or the PDF of the completed document. Welcome to the DocuSign Community! Your feedback is highly valued.

Can DocuSign be traced?

By default, Docusign will include a signer's IP address in the Certificate of Completion as part of the full audit trail of a document. The location of a signer can only be roughly determined with this information.

Can a DocuSign signature be forged?

A common question people have is “Can my digital signature be forged, misused or copied?” The reality is, wet signatures can easily be forged and tampered with.

Can I change my signature in DocuSign?

You can change an existing signature and initials from your Docusign Account at any time. From your Docusign account, select your account icon and select Manage Profile. Select Signatures and choose: Edit to display all available signatures.

Do DocuSign signatures hold up in court?

Electronic signatures hold up in court since they are legal signatures. The Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, otherwise known as the E-Sign Act, states that electronic signatures shouldn't be considered invalid simply because they're electronic.

How do I add an actual signature to DocuSign?

Add and Manage Signatures
  1. Select your profile image and Manage Profile.
  2. Select Signatures.
  3. Select ADD SIGNATURE to create a signature.
  4. Select ACTIONS > Edit to edit a signature.
  5. Select ACTIONS > Delete to change or delete a signature.
  6. In the signature dialog box, enter your name and initials and do one of the following:

Is it possible to change your signature?

When it comes to legal documents, you can't simply start signing with a new signature without proper authorization. Depending on your jurisdiction, you may be required to inform relevant authorities, such as banks, government agencies, or legal representatives, about the change.

Is there a free alternative to DocuSign?

Are there free alternatives to DocuSign? Yes, there are free alternatives such as HelloSign, SignRequest, Adobe Sign, PandaDoc, eversign, and SignNow.

How do I know if a DocuSign signature is legit?

What Are the Steps to Verify a DocuSign Signature?
  1. Step 1: Check the Email Notification. ...
  2. Step 2: Open the Document. ...
  3. Step 3: View the Signature Details. ...
  4. Step 4: Compare the Signature to the Sender's Name. ...
  5. Step 5: Check the Timestamp. ...
  6. Using an Authentication Code. ...
  7. Using a Digital Certificate.

How can a signature be verified?

Signature validity is determined by checking the authenticity of the signature's digital ID certificate status and document integrity. To verify authenticity, the validator checks if the signer's certificate or its parent certificates are trusted.

Do people get notified when you correct a DocuSign?

If a new email is generated, it contains a new link to the envelope. If your corrections do not modify any recipient information, then no new notifications are sent. So if, for example, you correct an envelope to replace or add a document or fields, then no new notifications are sent. Access while correcting.

Is DocuSign a digital or electronic signature?

Docusign supports all levels of signature

Combine the power of eSignature and Identify to easily and quickly complete digital signatures.

Does a digital signature need to be handwritten?

No, an electronic signature does not have to be identical to an handwritten signature.

Is a PDF signature an electronic signature?

A PDF signature can be an electronic signature or a digital signature. Creating an electronic signature in a PDF file is easy and fast and can usually be implemented with a simple click. Digital signatures can also be used to sign a PDF, but they require a digital certificate, also called digital ID.