In-person signing
In-person signing allows a host to facilitate face-to-face document signing on a shared device. This is ideal for retail locations, branch offices, service counters, or any situation where the signer is physically present.
How it works
- Host logs in — The account holder (host) signs into Propper Sign on their device.
- Opens the session — The host accesses the in-person signing link sent to their email.
- Hands off the device — The device is passed to the signer, who reviews the document and completes their tags.
- Host confirms — After signing, the host takes back the device and confirms completion.
- Signer receives copy — The completed document is emailed to the signer.
Screenshot: in-person-workflow — step-by-step diagram of the host and signer flow
Setup
Adding an in-person signer
When creating an agreement, select In-Person Signer as the recipient type and provide:
- Signer's name and email — Used to send the completed document after signing
- Host's name and email — The Propper account holder who will facilitate the session
Screenshot: adding-in-person-signer — recipient configuration in the agreement editor
The host must have an active Propper Sign account. They receive the in-person signing link by email and are responsible for facilitating the session.
Starting the session
The host receives an email containing:
- A unique in-person signing link
- Facilitator instructions
- Signer information
When the host clicks the link, they authenticate with their Propper account. After authentication, the signing interface is displayed and the device is handed to the signer.
The signing experience
The signer sees:
- Their name displayed for identity confirmation
- The document viewer with zoom controls
- Highlighted required tags
- Guided navigation using Start and Next buttons
Screenshot: in-person-signer-view — the signing interface as the signer sees it
After the signer completes all required tags and submits, the host takes back the device. The signing session ends and the document is finalized. A completed copy is sent to the signer's email.
Security and compliance
Authentication
By default, the host verifies the signer's identity before handing over the device. Additional verification options can be configured:
- Access Code — Signer enters a code provided by the host
- SMS — Signer receives a one-time code to their mobile number
See Authentication methods for configuration details.
Audit trail
Every in-person signing session is fully audited. The audit record captures:
- Host identity and login time
- Signer identity and completion time
- Device IP address
- All tag entries with timestamps
Screenshot: audit-trail-in-person — audit certificate for an in-person signing session
Multi-party support
Multiple in-person signers
A single host can facilitate multiple in-person signers on the same agreement, either one after another or by routing each signer through the session in sequence.
Mixed signing methods
In-person signing can be combined with email signing in the same agreement. Use routing order to control which recipients sign first. For example, an in-person signer at a branch office can be routed after a remote signer who completes their portion by email.
Best practices
Before handing over the device
- Test that the device and signing interface load correctly
- Verify the signer's identity using a government-issued ID or other accepted document
- Briefly explain what the signer needs to do and confirm they have no questions
During signing
- Remain nearby to assist if needed
- Give the signer privacy to review the document at their own pace
- Do not rush or pressure the signer
After signing
- Confirm the signer receives a copy at their email address
- Log out of the device if it is shared or public-facing
- Explain any next steps (for example, countersignature or processing timelines)
Troubleshooting
Host cannot access the signing link
Verify that the host's email address on the agreement matches their Propper account email exactly. The sender can resend the host notification from the agreement detail page.
Session expired
Signing sessions expire after 7 days. If the session has expired, the sender will need to void the agreement and send a new one.
Drawn signature looks jagged
Use a stylus for smoother lines on touch devices. Alternatively, suggest the signer use the Type signature option to generate a script-font signature from their name.
Related topics
- Authentication — Configure identity verification for in-person signers
- Signature types — Draw, type, or upload signature options
- Email signing — Remote signing alternative
- Sending agreements — Prepare documents for signing
- Audit trail — Review the record of signing activity