How to change a signature in DocuSign

DocuSign is arguably the world’s leading cloud service provider for electronic signatures and agreements. But while it can streamline workflows, transactions, and document exchanges, DocuSign isn’t perfect.

One of the main problems that users may encounter involves correcting errors in a signature. The process itself is quite simple. However, there are many cases where it may not work due to various factors.

This article will review the processes for adopting and modifying envelope signatures, the account profile, and why DocuSign will not allow you to change your signature.

Change the account signature in DocuSign

One of the quickest ways to change the signature in DocuSign is to take an account-wide approach. Here’s how you can manage your profile to change, delete or add signatures:

1. Sign in to your DocuSign account.
   
2. Click the user icon.
   
3. Select “Manage Profile.”
   
4. Click “Signatures.”
   
5. Select “Change,” “Delete,” or “Add New” to modify your account signatures.
   

Remember that you can adjust the style and drawing of a signature before uploading it to your account.

Adopt a new signature in DocuSign

You can always adopt a new signature if you want to change the signature when signing a document. Although it is a long process, it is quite simple for most users.

These are the steps you must follow:

1. Use DocuSign to go to the desired document.
   
2. Check the “Electronic Records and Signature Release” box.
3. Press “Continue” to open the document.
   
4. Press “Start” to proceed to the first signature field.
   
5. Click the “Required – Sign Here” field to open the “Adopt Your Signature” box.
   
6. Make your changes.
7. Click the “Adopt and Sign” button.
   
8. Press “Finish.”
   

You have four options when changing and adopting a firm.

First, you can change the style to adjust the appearance of the initials and signature as a whole. Secondly, you can choose to draw a new signature to use on your document.

“Use signature panel” is another solid option.

You can capture a signature in real time from a signature panel. But not everyone has a signature pad or drawing skills.

If that’s you, there is an alternative. The “Upload” option allows you to upload a signature image file. Just remember to confirm your full name and initials in their respective fields before taking a new signature and signing the file.

How to modify envelopes in DocuSign

The document signature may not be the only element that needs a correction or two. The good news is that you can proofread envelopes in DocuSign. However, you won’t be able to do this if the envelope is already full.

If you find an envelope with errors with the status “waiting for others,” here’s what you need to do to make corrections.

1. Sign in to your DocuSign account.
   
2. Navigate to the “Envelopes” tab.
   
3. Click on an envelope marked “waiting for others” and press “Fix.”
   
4. Edit the envelope to correct any errors and click the “Submit” button to confirm the corrections.
   

When editing an envelope, you can correct several fields, such as:

• Documents uploaded
• Recipient information
• The name of the envelope
• The email message to the recipients.
• The signature field

You can also add more recipients to the envelope by clicking the “Add Recipient” button.

Reasons why you can’t change the signature in DocuSign

Just because you can change the signature in DocuSign doesn’t mean you always can. Some scenarios prevent users from changing the signature.

Blocked recipient names

Senders have the option to block recipient names in DocuSign. When they do that, you can’t change the signature at will. It is best to check with the account administrator to find out if this is the problem.

Sometimes it is not possible to get past blocked recipient names to change their signature, especially when there are multiple recipients. In that case, it is best to void an envelope, change the signature, and create a new envelope.

Using the mobile application

If you use DocuSign for Android and iOS, you will find that the mobile apps have limited functionality. Despite DocuSign’s support for iPads, iPhones, Android phones, and Windows devices, you can’t change the signature on the fly.

Only the desktop version of DocuSign allows users to add a new signature. Switch to the desktop version and see if the problem persists. Otherwise, use the standard process to edit or adopt a new signature. The changes will be synced to your devices and you can use the new signature from your DocuSign mobile app.

You are the only signatory

Sometimes you may want to add a signature saved in DocuSign. Unfortunately, this will not work by default if you are the only signer.

To solve this problem, you must first send yourself a new envelope and become the sole recipient. This applies to your default signature. However, you will have the option to select a different saved DocuSign signature.

Account Inactive

Users without active DocuSign accounts cannot change the selected signature. Make sure your account is active before changing the signature. If your account is active, you may be experiencing a different issue.

Other signature change issues may include the following:

• The file contains universal signatures such as those for documents enabled by the Sign Part 11 module.
• Your document has already been signed and returned.
• You used the signature in person.

The full name already has a signature

DocuSign only allows one signature per full name. To change the adopted signature to a full name with a pre-existing signature, you will need to delete the old signature and create a new one from scratch.

If that’s the case, the process is pretty simple. These are the steps to follow:

1. Sign in to your DocuSign account.
   
2. Click the user icon.
   
3. Select “Manage Profile.”
   
4. Click “Signatures.”
   
5. Go to “Delete” and remove a signature from your account.
   
6. Press the “Add New” button to create a new signature for a given full name.
   

Why users need to change a signature in DocuSign

Many scenarios may require a signature change, either on the fly or account-wide. Some of the most common include the following:

• Misspelled names need to be changed.
• The user has changed their name since they last signed in.
• The size of the signature needs to be changed to fit the document.
• Recipients share an email address but have different signatures.

Of course, users may also want to change their DocuSign signatures due to personal preferences and stylistic reasons.

Additional FAQs

Can I edit a DocuSign document after I send it?

DocuSign envelopes marked “Completed” can no longer be modified. The only way to correct errors before the recipient signs the envelope is to void the old envelope and create a new one.

Can I withdraw a signature in DocuSign?

After you sign a document through DocuSign, the envelope is passed to the next recipient on the list to sign. Therefore, you cannot personally retract the signature.

However, the original sender can help you review your signature to modify it or remove it completely from the envelope. The recipient with envelope modification privileges can also help you remove a signature.

How can I cancel a completed and signed DocuSign document?

You cannot correct or cancel (undo) a “completed” document or envelope in DocuSign. The only documents you can edit, to change a signature, for example, are those marked “Created,” “Sent,” or “Delivered.” Even then, you must have the privileges to do so.

How to enable recipient edits in DocuSign

As a sender, you can make recipients able to edit a DocuSign document or envelope. Before sending the envelope, go to the “Advanced Options” menu. From there, go to “Edit” and check the box next to “Allow” to allow recipients to edit the envelope.

This helps other users modify your signatures or make corrections to files, emails, contact information, etc.

Make your signature unique and instantly recognizable

As you can see, DocuSign offers enough flexibility when it comes to signatures. You can draw, capture and change styles practically at will. The app allows you to easily delete, modify and add new signatures to your account and edit the signature field on envelopes.

The only problem is making sure you meet the signature change criteria set by DocuSign policies and account administrators. As long as you meet the conditions, changing a signature should take more than a few minutes.