> ## Knowledge Base Index > Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://support.contracthero.com/sitemap.xml > Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further. > Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash). # FES Signing Process (Recipient) – Step by Step # FES Signing Process (Recipient) – Step by Step You have received an email asking for your signature — and you are wondering whether the link is genuine and what happens next. This article walks you through the five steps of the **advanced/simple electronic signature (FES)**, from the request email to your signed copy. ## Your benefit * **No account, no software.** You sign directly in your browser — you need neither a ContractHero login nor an installation. * **Done in a few minutes.** No printing, no scanning, no post. * **Your copy arrives automatically.** Once everyone has signed, you receive the finished PDF by email. ## Is the email genuine? Yes, if it has these characteristics: * **Sender:** `notifications@contracthero.com` * **Subject:** "Signature request for the document …", followed by the document name * The email shows the **name and email address of the person** requesting the signature, along with their message to you The signature itself is handled via **Dropbox Sign**. A second provider name appearing during the process is therefore normal, and not a sign of a scam. > **A note on language:** the sender decides whether the signing process runs in **English** or **German**. The labels in your email and in the signing window may therefore differ from the ones named here. ## How it works **1. Open the request email** Open the email with the signature request and click **"Sign now"**. It is safe to follow the link. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/2/5/2/12522a019f980500/step1-signature-request-email_1qvldzn.png) **2. Review the document** A **new browser tab** opens showing the document to be signed. Read it through before going further. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/2/5/2/12522a019f980500/step2-review-the-document_1ehce4t.png) **3. Fill in and sign** Place your signature in the designated spaces and complete the other required information — typically **name**, **title** and **date**. Required fields are marked. You start the signature field via **"Click to sign"**. The process then guides you onward automatically. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/2/5/2/12522a019f980500/step3-fill-in-and-sign_b8ftt0.png) **4. Check your signature and agree** Check your signature. Then accept the **Dropbox Sign terms and conditions** with **"I agree"** — that completes your signature. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/2/5/2/12522a019f980500/step4-check-and-agree_jfdc0t.png) **5. Receive your signed copy** Once **all parties** have signed, you receive an email from ContractHero with the **fully signed document attached**. The subject reads along the lines of "Signing process for … has been completed". That is it — the process is complete for you. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/2/5/2/12522a019f980500/step5-signature-completed_18xkn6p.png) ## Frequently asked questions **Do I need a ContractHero account to sign?** No. The whole process runs through the link in the email — no account, no registration, no installation. **I clicked "Sign now" but nothing happened** The link opens a new tab or window. If nothing happens, check your browser's **popup blocker** or open the link in a different browser. Also check whether the tab has already opened in the background. **Why does "Dropbox Sign" appear during the process?** Because ContractHero handles the simple electronic signature technically via Dropbox Sign. The request comes from ContractHero, the signing itself happens at Dropbox Sign — that is the intended flow. **When do I get my copy?** Only once **everyone** has finished — not immediately after your own signature. Where several people are involved, time may pass between your signature and the final email. **Do I have to save my own copy?** Yes. ContractHero archives the finished document on the sending organisation's side. As the recipient, you should file the confirmation email with the PDF attachment yourself. **I can't find the email — what now?** Check your **spam folder** for messages from `notifications@contracthero.com`. If you find nothing, ask the sender to send the request again — they can cancel and restart the signing process at any time, or send a reminder. **I abandoned the process — can I continue later?** Simply open the link from the original email again. Until then, your signature shows as pending for the sender. **What is the difference between FES and QES?** Briefly: with FES nobody verifies your identity, with QES they do. Details in [FES or QES? The difference and when to use which signature](https://support.contracthero.com/en-us/article/fes-or-qes-the-difference-and-when-to-use-which-signature-15bwp2n/). If you were sent a **QES**, follow [QES Signing Process (Recipient) – Step by Step](https://support.contracthero.com/en-us/article/qes-signing-process-recipient-step-by-step-1qrx9fg/) instead — that one includes an ID check. ## Good to know * **No ID check with FES.** Unlike QES, you do not have to identify yourself — no ID document, no SMS code, no smartphone needed. * **Don't switch browsers.** Stay in the open tab while signing, otherwise you may have to start again. * **Reminders are normal.** The sender can send reminder emails while your signature is outstanding. * **Ask if in doubt.** If anything about the request looks odd to you, check with the person named as the sender in the email — their address is given there. ## Related articles * [QES Signing Process (Recipient) – Step by Step](https://support.contracthero.com/en-us/article/qes-signing-process-recipient-step-by-step-1qrx9fg/) * [FES or QES? The difference and when to use which signature](https://support.contracthero.com/en-us/article/fes-or-qes-the-difference-and-when-to-use-which-signature-15bwp2n/) * [How to Request an Electronic Signature in ContractHero (FES & QES)](https://support.contracthero.com/en-us/article/how-to-request-an-electronic-signature-in-contracthero-fes-qes-1kbch7s/) * [FES Signatures: How Does the Yearly Volume Work?](https://support.contracthero.com/en-us/article/fes-signatures-how-does-the-yearly-volume-work-aijtss/)