Most of the time you use SignZA to send a document to someone else for signature. But sometimes you just need to sign a PDF yourself— a form, a declaration, a contract you've already agreed to — and get a signed copy to file or forward. SignZA's self-sign feature does exactly that, without you having to email the document to yourself or create a signing link.
When would you use self-sign?
Self-sign is for any document where you are the only person who needs to sign. Common examples for South African businesses and individuals include:
- Signing a supplier or service agreement you've already negotiated.
- Completing a declaration, indemnity, or consent form.
- Counter-signing your own copy of a contract for your records.
- Adding your signature to an internal approval, letter, or form before filing it.
If more than one person needs to sign, use the normal send-for-signature flow or multi-signer instead — self-sign is specifically for signing your own documents.
How do you sign your own document on SignZA?
The whole process takes under a minute once your PDF is ready. Here's exactly what to do:
- 1Log in to signza.app and open your dashboard.
- 2Click "Sign your document" — it sits next to the "Send Document" button (on mobile, tap the "Sign" button).
- 3Upload the PDF you want to sign (maximum 10 MB). If your file is a Word document, save it as a PDF first.
- 4You land in the field editor. Drag signature, initials, or date fields onto the correct spots on the page — exactly as you would when preparing a document to send.
- 5Click "Sign now" to move into signing mode.
- 6Tap each field and draw or type your signature. Your name is filled in from your account, so usually you just sign.
- 7Click "Sign & Download" — SignZA stamps your signature into the PDF and gives you the signed copy to download immediately.
The signed document is saved to your dashboard alongside everything else, so you can download it again any time.
Does a self-signed document use one of my monthly documents?
Yes. A self-signed document counts as one document from your monthly allowance — the same as sending one for signature. The credit is only taken at the moment you sign, so if you upload a document and don't finish signing it, it costs nothing. Free accounts get 5 documents a month; Pro gives you 50.
Is a self-signed document legally valid?
Your electronic signature carries the same legal weight whether you signed your own document or a counterparty signed one you sent. Electronic signatures are recognised under the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002. For the full detail on what makes an electronic signature enforceable in South Africa, read our guide on whether e-signatures are legally valid in South Africa.
As always, a few document types still require a hand-written “wet ink” signature under the ECT Act (Schedule 2) — property sale agreements (offers to purchase), wills, and bills of exchange. Self-sign is ideal for everything else.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to email the document to myself to sign it?
No. That's the whole point of self-sign — you upload the PDF, sign it directly in your browser, and download the signed copy. No email round-trip and no signing link are involved.
Where does the signed copy go?
It downloads to your device immediately, and it's also saved to your SignZA dashboard so you can download it again whenever you need it.
Can I place initials and dates as well as a signature?
Yes. The self-sign editor is the same one you use when preparing a document to send, so you can place signature, initials, and text fields anywhere on the page before you sign.
Is self-sign available on the free plan?
Yes. Self-sign is available on every plan, including Free. Each self-signed document counts as one of your monthly documents when you sign it.