Can you change your signature? Here's why and how

Your signature isn’t permanent. Whether you’re rebranding yourself professionally, updating your name, or just over the squiggle you’ve been using since 2003, changing your signature is totally fair game.

So, yes: You can change your signature.

In this article, we’ll walk through what a signature actually is, how (and when) you can change it, what to watch out for legally, and a few tips on crafting a signature you won’t regret five documents later.

What counts as a signature?

First things first: a signature is just a mark you make to show agreement or identity. It can be your full name, your initials, a symbol, or even a drawing — so long as it’s made with the intention to sign something.

And no, it doesn’t have to be cursive. It doesn’t even have to be handwritten anymore. In today’s world, your signature might be typed, drawn on a screen, or digitally generated.

Can you actually change your signature?

Yes. You can change your signature whenever you want. There’s no legal form you have to fill out or an official process to go through. You don’t need to notify a government office. You just start using a new one.

That said, consistency matters. Once you begin using a new signature — especially on important documents — it’s best to stick with it. A mismatch between old and new can raise red flags, slow down approvals, or worse, call the legitimacy of your signature into question.

Why would someone change their signature?

People change their signatures for lots of reasons. Maybe you:

• Changed your name
• Got married or divorced
• Want something more professional-looking
• Want something more you
• Are just bored of your old one

Whatever the reason, it’s your decision. Your signature should feel like it represents you  —  because that’s exactly what it’s meant to do.

Things to consider before changing your signature

Changing your signature isn’t illegal — but it does come with some practical baggage. Here's what to think about:

• Legal documents: If your new signature is drastically different, you might be asked to provide extra ID or clarification when signing contracts, banking documents, or immigration forms. It's rare, but it happens.
• Financial institutions: Banks sometimes keep signature cards on file to verify identities. If you’re changing your signature significantly, it might be worth popping in to update your records.
• Ongoing agreements: If you’ve signed long-term contracts with your old signature (employment contracts, leases, etc.), don’t worry — you don’t need to resign everything. Just be mindful of using your new signature consistently moving forward.
• Fraud protection: In some rare cases, a drastically different signature might raise questions if someone challenges a document you signed. This is mostly a concern for major legal or financial matters.

Bottom line: you're legally allowed to switch it up. Just make sure you're not confusing the people or systems that rely on verifying your identity.

What about digital signatures?

Digital signatures are even easier to update. Most e-signing tools let you create, upload, or edit your signature whenever you like.

Plus if you’re signing anything in a business setting today, chances are it’s happening digitally. Whether you’re approving contracts, onboarding new hires, or closing deals, signatures are less pen-and-paper and more clicks and taps. It’s faster, easier to track, and way more secure.

That’s the beauty of digital signatures: they don’t need to be a perfect replica of your handwritten scrawl. In fact, they might not be a hand drawing at all. A digital signature can be typed, drawn with your finger or mouse, or auto-generated by the platform you’re using. Behind the scenes of good digital signature software, there's encryption and verification tech making sure it's secure, valid, and uniquely tied to you.

It’s fast, safe, and increasingly the norm — especially in business, where speed and traceability matter. Instead of chasing paper or scanning PDFs, you sign once, and it’s done.

Tips for creating a signature you’ll actually like

If you’re going to update your signature, don’t just wing it. Here are a few tips:

• Make it legible (or not): Some people like a clean, readable signature. Others go full scribble. There's no rule here — just consider how you'll feel about it showing up on contracts or formal documents.
• Keep it consistent: Practice a few versions and then stick with the one you like most. Repetition builds muscle memory.
• Think about speed: Can you sign it quickly without looking like you're drawing a sketch? That’ll help when you’re signing multiple docs in a row.
• Avoid unnecessary flair: A smiley face or flourish might feel fun now, but could feel out of place on serious documents.

Try it out digitally: Sign a blank PDF a few times and see how it looks. Sometimes things that feel stylish on paper look messy onscreen.

The final word

Can you change your signature? Yes — anytime you want.

But like any change, it helps to be thoughtful. Stay consistent, stay intentional, and if you're signing digitally, choose a tool that lets you update your signature easily.

Need a fresh, professional way to sign your documents? GetAccept’s digital signatures are easy to create, legally binding, and always ready when you are.