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Guide for first-time signers

This page is written for people who have received a signing request from someone using Permissio. If a sender shared this link with you, read on — it covers everything you need to know before you open the signing link.

Is this legitimate?​

Yes. Permissio is a document signing platform used by businesses and individuals to collect legally binding electronic signatures. When someone sends you a signing request through Permissio, you receive an email on their behalf containing a secure link that takes you directly to the document they want you to sign.

Permissio signing links are unique to you and expire after use. The email will show the sender's name and a brief description of what they are asking you to sign. If you are unsure whether a request is genuine, contact the person or organisation who sent it to you directly — do not use any contact details inside the email itself if you have doubts; use contact information you already have for them.

What do you need?​

Nothing special. You do not need to:

  • Create a Permissio account
  • Install any software or app
  • Purchase anything

All you need is a modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge) and the signing link from the email. The signing experience works on desktop, tablet, and mobile.

What to expect in the email​

The email you receive will come from Permissio's sending infrastructure on behalf of the person requesting your signature. It will include:

  • The sender's name — the individual or organisation asking for your signature
  • The document title — so you know what you are signing
  • An optional message from the sender explaining the context
  • A "Review and sign" button — click this to open the document

If the email has not arrived, check your spam or junk folder. If it is still missing, ask the sender to resend the notification from their Permissio account.

How to complete the signing​

Once you click Review and sign, you will see the document in a secure, browser-based signing interface. Here is what to expect:

  1. Read the document. Scroll through it before filling anything in. You are not committed until you click Submit at the end.
  2. Complete each field. Fields assigned to you will be highlighted. The interface will guide you through them one at a time. Common field types include:
    • Signature — draw, type, or upload an image of your signature
    • Initials — a smaller version of your signature
    • Full name / Text — type your response
    • Checkbox — tick to confirm
    • Date signed — filled in automatically with today's date
  3. Review your entries. Once all required fields are complete, you will see a summary screen. Check everything looks correct before continuing.
  4. Submit. Click Submit to finalise. Your signature is now recorded.

What happens after you sign?​

Once you submit:

  • You will see a confirmation screen stating that your signature was received.
  • If there are other signers, the document waits for them. You do not need to do anything else.
  • Once all signers have completed, everyone — including you and the sender — receives a copy of the fully signed PDF by email.

You do not need a Permissio account to receive or open that email. The signed PDF is a standard file you can save, print, or forward.

What does signing mean legally?​

An electronic signature collected through Permissio carries the same legal weight as a handwritten signature in most jurisdictions, including under the US E-SIGN Act and the EU eIDAS regulation. The completed document includes an audit certificate — a final page that records each signer's name, email address, IP address, and the exact time of signing. This provides a tamper-evident record of the signing event.

If you have legal questions about the specific document you are being asked to sign, consult a qualified legal professional. Permissio cannot provide legal advice.

Can you decline to sign?​

Yes. You are never obligated to sign. Inside the signing interface there is a Decline option. If you choose to decline, you can optionally leave a brief reason, and the sender will be notified. Once declined, the envelope is closed and cannot proceed.

How to contact the sender​

If you have questions about the document — its content, what you are agreeing to, or why you received the request — contact the person or organisation that sent it to you. Their name appears in the signing email and on the signing screen. Permissio is the platform that facilitates the signing; we do not have information about the specific document or the business relationship between you and the sender.