Feature Guide · 31 March 2026

In-Person Signing:
When and How to Use It

Not every signature happens remotely. For client meetings, site visits, and onboarding sessions, in-person signing lets you collect legally binding signatures on the spot.

What Is In-Person Signing?

In-person signing is a mode where the document sender and one or more signers are physically in the same location. Rather than emailing a signing link, the sender opens the document on their own device (laptop, tablet, or phone) and passes it to each signer in turn.

Each signer reviews the document, fills in their fields, and applies their signature. The device is then passed to the next signer or returned to the sender. SignAndGo tracks each signer individually in the audit trail, with timestamps and device information.

This combines the convenience of electronic signatures with the immediacy of face-to-face business. No printing, no scanning, no waiting for email replies. The signed document is available instantly.

When to Use In-Person Signing

Client Meetings

Close deals on the spot. Present the contract, walk through the terms, and collect signatures before the meeting ends. No waiting for email follow-ups.

Example Scenario

A financial advisor meets a new client, reviews the service agreement together, and gets it signed on a tablet before the client leaves.

Site Visits

Construction, property inspection, and maintenance teams sign off on documents at the job site. No paper forms that get lost or damaged.

Example Scenario

A building inspector completes an inspection report on-site, and the property owner signs the acknowledgement on the inspector's tablet.

Onboarding Sessions

New employees or tenants complete all their paperwork in one sitting during the onboarding meeting. Multiple documents, one session.

Example Scenario

HR walks a new hire through their employment contract, NDA, and superannuation choice form. All signed on an iPad during orientation.

Trade Shows and Events

Capture partnerships and agreements at events. Sign NDAs, partnership agreements, or service contracts while the momentum is there.

Example Scenario

A vendor at a trade show signs an exhibitor agreement on the organiser's phone, with a copy emailed to both parties immediately.

How In-Person Signing Works

1

Prepare the Document

Upload your document and add signature fields for each signer. You can prepare this in advance or create it on the spot.

2

Select In-Person Mode

Choose "In-Person Signing" when adding recipients. This tells SignAndGo that signers will be present rather than receiving email links.

3

Pass the Device

Open the signing session on your device. The first signer reviews the document, completes their fields, and signs. Hand the device to the next signer.

4

Complete and Distribute

Once all signers have completed their sections, the document is sealed. Every party receives a copy via email, along with the audit certificate.

Legal Validity and Audit Trail

In-person electronic signatures are legally valid under the Electronic Transactions Act 1999. The audit trail provides stronger evidence than a wet signature.

Precise Timestamps

Every action is timestamped to the second -- when the document was opened, when each field was completed, and when the signature was applied.

Signer Identity

Each signer's email is recorded and verified. The audit trail distinguishes between multiple signers on the same device.

Tamper Evidence

The signed document is sealed with a digital certificate. Any modification after signing is detectable and invalidates the certificate.

Best Practices for In-Person Signing

Use a tablet for the best experience

iPads and Android tablets give signers a natural signing surface. The larger screen makes it easier to review the full document.

Prepare documents in advance

Set up your document with all signature fields before the meeting. This keeps the signing process smooth and professional.

Ensure good internet connectivity

While SignAndGo works well on mobile data, a stable connection ensures the fastest experience. If connectivity is a concern, prepare the document in advance.

Allow time for review

Give each signer adequate time to read the document before signing. Rushing signers can create legal challenges later.

Send copies immediately

SignAndGo automatically emails a copy to all parties. Confirm that each signer has received their copy before ending the meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is in-person electronic signing legally valid in Australia?

Yes. In-person electronic signatures carry the same legal validity as remote electronic signatures under the Electronic Transactions Act 1999. The audit trail actually provides stronger evidence than a traditional wet signature because it records timestamps, device information, and IP address.

How does the audit trail work for in-person signing?

SignAndGo records the exact time of each signature, the device used, IP address, geolocation (if permitted), and creates a tamper-evident certificate. Each signer's identity is verified through their email, and the signed document is sealed with a digital certificate.

Can multiple people sign on the same device?

Yes. In-person signing mode allows multiple signers to take turns on the same device. Each signer completes their fields, and the device is handed to the next person. SignAndGo tracks each signer individually in the audit trail.

Do signers need a SignAndGo account to sign in person?

No. Signers do not need a SignAndGo account. The sender opens the document on their device and passes it to each signer. Signers only need to enter their name and apply their signature — no account creation required.

Close Deals on the Spot

Start using in-person signing today. 5 free envelopes included. No credit card required.

Published 31 March 2026. This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.

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