📄 How to Scan and Sign Documents (Without Printing or Mailing)

To keep the appraisal process moving quickly and securely, we ask clients to submit clean PDF copies of documents—not photographs. Here’s how to scan paperwork and sign electronically, all from your phone or computer.

📱 How to Scan a Document to PDF

iPhone Users – Using the Notes App

  1. Open Notes and start a new note

  2. Tap the camera icon

  3. Select “Scan Documents”

  4. Align the document and scan (revise to Black & White to reduce file size)

  5. Adjust if needed and save the scan as a PDF

  6. Share/export the file via email or cloud.

Android Users – Using Google Drive

  1. Open Google Drive

  2. Tap the “+” icon and select “Scan”

  3. Capture the document using your camera

  4. Adjust the image and choose PDF format

  5. Save and share or cloud.

✍️ How to Electronically Sign a PDF

You do not need to print or scan again after signing- just use one of these options, or your preferred method.

✍️ Sign a PDF Directly from Your Phone (Using Built-In Markup)

iPhone (using Mail or Files app):

  1. Tap to open the PDF from your email or Files app

  2. Tap the pen icon or Markup option (top or bottom right)

  3. Tap “+” > Signature, then add or draw your signature

  4. Drag it into place and tap Done

  5. Use “Save to Files” or “Share” to send the signed version as a PDF

Android (using Google Drive or built-in PDF viewer):

  1. Open the PDF in Google Drive, Files, or Docs

  2. Tap the pen or edit icon (some devices show it under “Markup” or “Annotations”)

  3. Use the drawing tool to sign with your finger

  4. Tap Save or Done, then share/export as PDF

No need to print, scan, or download extra software. Or try an option below:

Adobe Acrobat Reader (Free Version) – PC or Mac

  • Open PDF in Acrobat Reader

  • Click Fill & Sign

  • Choose “Sign Yourself” > Add Signature

  • Type, draw, or upload your signature

  • Place and save the file

  • Download Reader

DocHub (Web-Based)

  • Go to dochub.com

  • Upload your PDF

  • Use the “Sign” tool to add your signature

  • Download the signed PDF

  • Free with account (limited uses per month)

Smallpdf (Web-Based)

  • Go to smallpdf.com/sign-pdf

  • Upload your PDF

  • Add your signature (draw, type, or upload)

  • Place it, then download the signed file

  • Free for a few documents per day

Preview App (Mac Only)

  • Open the PDF in Preview

  • Click the Markup icon

  • Click Sign and add or select your signature

  • Drag it into place and save

PDFescape (Web-Based)

  • Visit pdfescape.com

  • Choose Free Online PDF Editor

  • Upload your PDF

  • Use Insert > Freehand to draw your signature

  • Save/download the signed file

  • Free for documents under 10MB or 100 pages

💳 Paid Services (Optional)

If you already use any of these, they work great—but note they may require a subscription after a free trial:

  • DocuSign

  • HelloSign

  • SignNow