✍️ Step-by-step guide

How to sign a PDF online

Sign a PDF in your browser in under five minutes — draw or type your signature, add a date, and download the signed document. Free, no software, no signup required for the basics.

⏱️ ~5 minutes 💸 Free 🌐 In your browser 🔒 No upload required for one-off signing
1

Open the signature tool

Head to the document signing tool. Everything runs in your browser — there's nothing to download and nothing to install.

2

Upload your PDF

Choose the PDF you need to sign and upload it. If you just want to try the flow first, start from the included sample document instead.

Tip: check the file is the latest version before signing — the signature applies to the whole document, not just the signing line.
3

Create your signature

Two easy options:

Draw it — sketch your signature with a mouse, trackpad, or touchscreen. On a phone or tablet, your finger works great.

Type it — type your name and pick a handwriting-style font. It looks natural and takes about ten seconds.

Save your signature once, and it's ready to reuse on every future document.

4

Place signature and date fields

Drag your signature onto the signing line. Add a date field next to it — dated signatures are more convincing and easier to verify later. Add a text field too if the document has a blank line that needs filling in.

Tip: line the signature up with the printed signing line and keep it in the signature block — no need to sign every page unless the document says so.
5

Download the signed PDF

Download the finished PDF. You get a clean, flattened document with your signature baked in — ready to email back, file away, or print.

6

Send for signature (optional)

If other people need to sign too, use the send for signature flow instead of signing yourself. Signers verify their identity with a one-time password (OTP), sign on any device, and you can watch the status move from waiting to completed — with a full audit trail throughout.

Is a PDF signed this way legally valid?

Yes, in virtually every jurisdiction that recognizes electronic signatures — including the EU under eIDAS and the US under the ESIGN Act. The key requirements are that the signer clearly intends to sign and that the document's integrity is preserved. A timestamped audit trail, which Signed Docs Republic records for every signing, is what proves both.

Frequently asked questions

Can I sign a PDF without printing it?

Yes. Upload the PDF to a browser-based tool like Signed Docs Republic, add your signature and a date, and download the signed file. No printing, scanning, or software required.

Can I type my signature instead of drawing it?

Yes. If drawing with a mouse or trackpad feels messy, type your name and pick a handwriting-style font — it looks natural and takes seconds.

Is a typed signature legally valid?

In most jurisdictions, including the EU under eIDAS and the US under the ESIGN Act, any electronic signature is legally valid when the signer intends to sign and the document's integrity is preserved. The audit trail proves intent and integrity.

How do I sign a PDF on my phone?

Open the tool on your phone's browser, upload the PDF, and draw your signature with your finger. Everything works on mobile — no app required.

How long does it take to sign a PDF?

Under five minutes for most documents. Signing a single-page PDF usually takes one to two minutes from upload to download.

Can I save my signature for next time?

Yes. Your signature is saved so future documents only take a couple of clicks to sign.

Ready to sign your first document?

Sign a single PDF for free, or create an account to send documents for signature and track completion.

Sign a document now → Create a free account

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