How to request a signature from someone using a Hanko stamp

Signers in Japan use a red personal seal, known as a Hanko stamp, to sign paper documents. With HelloSign, Japanese signers can upload an electronic version of their Hanko stamp to sign documents. To simplify future requests, users can also choose to upload their Hanko as a saved signature.

To enable the use of Hanko stamps, HelloSign now supports colored signatures for HelloSign users who have their language set to Japanese or have data residency set to JA. A signer without a HelloSign account can add a Hanko stamp if the requester meets these requirements.

Note: Previous versions of HelloSign converted Hanko stamps colored images to black and white.

To add a Hanko stamp as a signer

1. Open the email from HelloSign informing you of the signature request.
2. Click Get started in the blue box.
3. A new window will open your document. Click Get started.
4. A green box will indicate where your signature is required.
5. Click the green box. You’ll be asked how you’d like to add your signature.
6. Click the camera icon and follow the prompts to upload an image of your Hanko stamp.
   
   Note: Uploaded images must be in PNG, JPG, JPEG, BMP, or GIF format and under 40 MB.
   
   
7. Follow the prompts to finish signing the document.

How to upload a Hanko stamp as a requester

Requesters can upload their Hanko stamp as a saved signature. Once it’s been saved, you can use it whenever you have to sign a document or request.

1. Sign into your account.
2. Hover over your initials in the top-right corner.
3. Select Create a signature.
4. Click the camera icon to upload your Hanko stamp.
5. Click Save to save your signature.
   
   Note: Uploaded images must be in PNG, JPG, JPEG, BMP, or GIF format and under 40 MB.