How to Send a Contract for Signature Online

Sending a contract for signature online should be fast, simple, and reliable. Whether you are closing a client deal, onboarding a new hire, or finalizing a vendor agreement, the right e-signature tool eliminates the delays of printing, scanning, and mailing.

In this guide, we will walk through how to send a contract for signature online using VivoSign, step by step.

Step 1: Prepare the Contract

Before uploading, make sure your contract is final. Review the terms, confirm the details, and ensure the content is ready for signing. Once a document is sent, you want to avoid having to recall it and start over.

Common contract types you might send:

• Service agreements
• Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
• Consulting agreements
• Employment contracts
• Vendor or supplier agreements
• Client proposals and statements of work
• Contract renewals

Step 2: Upload the Contract

Log in to VivoSign and upload your contract. VivoSign accepts PDF, DOC, and DOCX files up to 50 MB. Drag and drop the file or browse to select it. The document will load into the visual editor where you can prepare it for signing.

If you don't have an account yet, you can use Quick Send to upload and send a contract without signing up.

Step 3: Add Signature Fields and Other Required Fields

Place fields on the document where signers need to take action:

• Signature — the main signing field (draw, type, or upload)
• Date — auto-filled with the date of signing
• Initials — for pages that need to be initialed
• Text — for names, titles, or other information the signer fills in

Drag fields to the correct positions on the document. If you have multiple signers, assign each field to the right person so everyone knows exactly where to sign.

Step 4: Add the Signer or Signers

Enter the name and email address of each person who needs to sign the contract. If there are multiple signers, you can set the signing order:

• Sequential — signers sign one after another in a defined order
• Parallel — all signers can sign at the same time

Sequential signing is useful when one party's signature depends on another's approval. Parallel signing is faster when all parties are independent.

Step 5: Send the Contract

Click send. Each signer receives an email with a secure signing link. They click the link, review the contract in their browser, and sign. No account creation, no software download, no friction.

You can also add a custom message to the email to give signers context about the contract.

Step 6: Track the Contract in Real Time

After sending, track the contract's status from your VivoSign dashboard:

• See when each signer opens the contract
• See when each signer completes their signature
• Get notified when the contract is fully signed
• Access a complete audit log with timestamps, IP addresses, and device details

Once all signatures are complete, everyone receives a copy of the signed contract automatically.

Why Sending Contracts Online Is Better

Switching from paper-based contract signing to online signing provides clear advantages:

• Faster turnaround — contracts can be signed in minutes, not days or weeks
• Less administrative work — no printing, scanning, mailing, or chasing signatures
• Easier tracking — know exactly where your contract stands at all times
• Better signer experience — signers click a link and sign in the browser
• Cleaner records — every signed contract is stored digitally with a full audit trail

What Types of Contracts Can You Send Online?

Almost any contract that requires a signature can be sent and signed electronically:

• Service agreements and statements of work
• Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
• Vendor and supplier contracts
• Client engagement letters
• Employment offer letters and onboarding agreements
• Consulting and freelance contracts
• Lease agreements and renewals

If you are a freelancer or consultant, see how VivoSign fits your workflow on our freelancer use case page.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When sending contracts online, watch out for these common pitfalls:

• Sending the wrong version — always double-check the document before uploading
• Missing signature fields — make sure every required field is placed and assigned
• Wrong recipient details — verify email addresses to avoid sending to the wrong person
• Making signing harder than it needs to be — use a tool that doesn't require recipients to create accounts
• Not following up — use real-time tracking to send reminders to signers who haven't completed

Why Use VivoSign?

VivoSign makes sending contracts online fast, simple, and affordable:

• Unlimited documents on every plan, including the free plan
• No per-envelope fees — send as many contracts as you need without extra charges
• Free plan with no credit card required — start sending contracts immediately
• Quick Send — send a contract without creating an account
• Full audit trail — legally compliant records on every signed contract
• Affordable paid plans starting at $8/month — view pricing

Looking for an alternative to your current e-signature tool? See how VivoSign compares in our VivoSign vs DocuSign comparison.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I send a contract for signature online?

Upload your contract to VivoSign, place signature fields, add your recipients, and click send. Each signer receives a secure link by email to review and sign the contract in their browser.

Do signers need an account to sign a contract?

No. Signers click the link in their email and sign directly in the browser. No account, download, or software is required.

Is an electronically signed contract legally binding?

Yes. Electronic signatures are legally binding under the ESIGN Act and UETA in the United States and Canada. VivoSign is fully compliant with both.

Can I send a contract to multiple people?

Yes. Add multiple signers and choose sequential or parallel signing order. Each signer receives their own secure link.

Can I send a contract without creating an account?

Yes. Use VivoSign's Quick Send to upload and send a contract for signature without signing up.