01
Open your PDF
Choose it from Mail or Files.
When you should still print
Some offices ask for a pen signature on paper. For example, one insurer's help page tells members to print, sign, scan, and then send their forms. If your form or the email says the same, follow it.
In the US, most everyday forms can be signed electronically, but if the sender asks for ink, do what they ask. If you are not sure, you can ask them: "Can I sign this on my phone?"
Skip the printer in 3 steps
1
Open the form
Tap the PDF in your email. Tap the Share button (the square with the arrow) and choose eSign PDF.
2
Sign and fill it in
Draw your signature with your finger. Put it on the line. Add the date and any boxes the form asks for.
3
Send it back
Tap Share and choose Mail. Send it to the person or office that asked for it.
If they can't see your signature
Some computers do not show a signature added with the iPhone's built-in tool. The office sees a blank line. eSign PDF locks the signature into the page (this is called flattening), so it looks the same everywhere.
The free way
The iPhone's built-in Markup tool can sign a simple one-page form. Open the PDF, tap the pen icon, tap +, then Add Signature. Not sure which to use? Read Apple Markup vs a signing app.
The easier way
eSign PDF lets you sign and fill in a form on your iPhone so it shows up on any computer. $59.99 one-time (US). No account. Nothing is uploaded.
FAQ
Why do they tell me to print, sign, and scan?+
Some offices have always done it that way. Many will accept a PDF signed on your phone, but if they ask for ink, do what they ask.
Can I just take a photo of the signed page?+
You can, but photos are often crooked or hard to read. Signing the PDF on your phone gives them a clean copy.
Do I need a scanner app?+
Not if the form came as a PDF. You can sign that file directly on your iPhone.