How to sign Google Docs

eSignatures are now accessible for Google Workspace customers on any of the following plans: Business Standard and Plus, Enterprise Starter, Standard, and Plus, Enterprise Essentials and Essentials Plus, as well as Education Plus. This is a guide on how to send a document requesting signature in Google Docs.

How to sign Google Docs

• Open Google Docs and select a document
• Click on Tools and select eSignature
• Add the required fields to your document for the first signer
• Click on "Insert Fields For" and select "Manage Signers"
• Add a new signer in the pop-up window
• Add fields for the second signer
• Click on "Request eSignature" to send the document for signature
• Enter document name, email addresses, and language for the audit trail
• Confirm the eSignature request
• Receive email notifications when signers complete the document

Step 1

Open your web browser and navigate to drive.google.com. Next, select the Google Doc you wish to use for an eSignature request. If you do not have an existing Google Doc, create a new one.

Step 2

In the menu bar you can find Tools. Clicking on Tools will result in a drop down menu. You can find the eSignature option in the menu.

Step 3

Add the required fields to your document. In this example text, date and signature fields were added for Signer 1. You can drag and drop the fields for them to be added.

Step 4

To add fields for Signer 2, click on Insert Fields For. In the drop down menu click on Manage Signers.

Step 5

In the pop-up window that appears enter a name or a role for the second signer. In our example we have simply named the second signer Signer 2 and click on save.

Step 6

Click on Insert fields for from the right panel and choose Signer 2 to add fields for them. Notice that the fields for Signer 1 are highlighted in different color compared to that of Signer 2 fields.

Step 7

When the document is ready to request signatures click on Request eSignature in the right side panel.

Step 8

Under Document name, input a new title for the document.

Enter the email addresses of those required to sign the document to send the eSignature request. You may also include an optional message in the request email to the signers.

Select the language for the audit trail that will be created once the eSignature request is completed. Finally, click on Request eSignature to proceed.

Step 9

Google Drive creates a new PDF from the Google Doc with a pending eSignature request and shares it with the signers. You can follow the link to view this PDF and monitor the eSignature request's progress.

Both you and all signers will receive an email containing a link to the PDF, informing everyone involved of the eSignature request.

Note: While the eSignature request is pending, the PDF file cannot be updated. However, modifications to the Google Doc are permitted at any time, and it can be used as a template for future eSignature requests.

Step 10

When a signer completes their part of the document, you will receive an email notification that includes a PDF copy of the signed document.

Once all signers have finished signing, you will receive a final updated PDF copy of the fully signed document.