Articles on: Electronic signature

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.

2. Review the document

A new browser tab opens showing the document to be signed. Read it through before going further.

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.

4. Check your signature and agree

Check your signature. Then accept the Dropbox Sign terms and conditions with "I agree" — that completes your signature.

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.

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. If you were sent a QES, follow QES Signing Process (Recipient) – Step by Step 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.

Updated on: 10/27/2026

Was this article helpful?

Thank you!