# Open-source alternatives to DocuSign

> Open-source alternatives to DocuSign that run locally, allow commercial use and need no paid API include pyHanko (certificate-based digital signatures (PKI); MIT). None of the 13 projects we track covers all 6 DocuSign jobs, so most people combine two or more.

DocuSign: Paid e-signature service (DocuSign eSignature) for sending documents to be signed, routing them between signers, tracking status with an audit trail, reusing templates and embedding signing in other apps through an API. Pricing: See pricing page (checked 2026-10-15). Facts checked 2026-10-16.

## Projects

| Project | Jobs | Runs locally | Commercial use | Paid services | Hardware |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Stirling PDF](https://repoquarry.dev/projects/stirling-pdf) | pdf-editing, certificate-signatures | Yes; self-hosted server (Docker or JAR) or desktop client | MIT core is fine; proprietary parts (incl. engine and desktop client) need a paid licence for production use | Free plan for up to 5 users on a self-hosted server; Team, Enterprise and Stirling Cloud are paid | Not documented in the README |
| [Documenso](https://repoquarry.dev/projects/documenso) | send-for-signature, signing-order-reminders, signing-audit-trail, signing-templates, esignature-api | Yes, self-hosted with Docker, Docker Compose, Kubernetes or manual install; hosted plan also offered | Internal use and API-only SaaS fine under AGPL; private modifications, white-label and Enterprise features need a paid licence | None required; Enterprise licence optional for SSO, 2FA reauthentication, 21 CFR Part 11, email domains, embed editor | Minimum 1 CPU core, 1 GB RAM, 10 GB storage; 2+ cores and 2+ GB RAM recommended |
| [DocuSeal](https://repoquarry.dev/projects/docuseal) | send-for-signature, signing-templates, esignature-api | Yes, self-hosted with Docker or Docker Compose; hosted version also offered | Yes under AGPL-3.0 copyleft terms; DocuSeal attribution must be kept in the UI; white-label is a Pro feature | None required; Pro adds reminders, SMS verification, bulk send, SSO, white-label and embedding | Not documented in the README |
| [OpenSign](https://repoquarry.dev/projects/opensign) | send-for-signature, signing-order-reminders, signing-audit-trail, signing-templates, esignature-api | Yes, self-hosted with Docker Compose; free cloud-hosted version also offered | AGPL-3.0 copyleft for most code; licence of the customRoute directory is unclear | None required for self-hosting; README describes a free cloud-hosted version | Not documented in the README or Docker guide |
| [DSS (Digital Signature Service)](https://repoquarry.dev/projects/eu-dss) | certificate-signatures | Yes, Java library you embed in your own application | Yes; LGPL-2.1 conditions apply when you modify and distribute the library | None required | Not specified; README defers to the JVM's own requirements |
| [LibreSign](https://repoquarry.dev/projects/libresign) | send-for-signature, signing-order-reminders, signing-audit-trail, esignature-api, certificate-signatures | Yes, as an app on your own Nextcloud server | Yes, under AGPL-3.0 copyleft terms | None required; needs a Nextcloud server; project asks for optional sponsorship | Not documented beyond the Nextcloud server it runs on |
| [pyHanko](https://repoquarry.dev/projects/pyhanko) | certificate-signatures | Yes, Python library and command-line tool on your own machine | Yes under MIT; the author says it is beta and not yet production-ready | None required; you supply your own certificate or token, and optionally a timestamp server | Not documented beyond Python 3.10+ |
| [JSignPdf](https://repoquarry.dev/projects/jsignpdf) | certificate-signatures | Yes, desktop app and CLI | Yes; MPL-2.0 or LGPL-2.1 conditions apply if you modify and distribute it | None required; you supply your own certificate or token (and optional timestamp server) | Not documented beyond needing Java 21 (bundled in native installers) |
| [DigiDoc4 Client](https://repoquarry.dev/projects/digidoc4) | certificate-signatures | Yes, desktop app | LGPL-2.1 conditions apply; support only for official builds from id.ee | Normal personal signing has a free reasonable-use allowance; business/high-volume signing requires timestamp and validity-confirmation service arrangements. Mobile-ID/Smart-ID services also depend on the chosen identity method; see provider terms and pricing | A smart-card reader when signing with an ID-card; none for Mobile-ID or Smart-ID |
| [Signature PDF](https://repoquarry.dev/projects/signaturepdf) | send-for-signature, certificate-signatures | Yes, self-hosted PHP app (or local PHP built-in server); public instances also exist | Yes, under AGPL-3.0 copyleft terms | None required | Not documented |
| [DottedSign Self-Hosted](https://repoquarry.dev/projects/dottedsign-self-hosted) | send-for-signature, esignature-api | Yes, self-hosted with Docker Compose on your own server or cloud | Yes under AGPL-3.0 terms; signed documents include a free-tier identifier; commercial licence available | None required; commercial licence optional | 8 GB RAM recommended for the full stack |
| [endesive](https://repoquarry.dev/projects/endesive) | certificate-signatures | Yes, Python library used in your own code | Yes; MIT, plus LGPL-3.0 conditions for the bundled pyfpdf code | None required; you supply certificates or an HSM; TSA and OCSP are optional | Not documented beyond Python 3.11+ |
| [open-pdf-sign](https://repoquarry.dev/projects/open-pdf-sign) | certificate-signatures | Yes, command-line JAR or local server mode | Yes; Apache-2.0 plus LGPL-2.1 conditions for the DSS-derived code | None required; works with your own certificate, including a Let's Encrypt certificate; TSA optional | Not documented beyond Java 11+ |

## Common questions

### Is there a free, open-source alternative to DocuSign?

Yes. Documenso, OpenSign, LibreSign, DocuSeal and DottedSign Self-Hosted are free to download and run on your own computer without paid API keys. Each covers only part of what DocuSign does, so check which job you need.

### Can I do send documents for signature locally without a DocuSign subscription?

Yes, with Documenso (AGPL-3.0-only), DocuSeal (AGPL-3.0-only) and OpenSign (Custom licence). Check the hardware notes and licence conditions on each page before you start.

### Can I do signing order and reminders locally without a DocuSign subscription?

Yes, with Documenso (AGPL-3.0-only), OpenSign (Custom licence) and LibreSign (AGPL-3.0-or-later). Check the hardware notes and licence conditions on each page before you start.

### Which DocuSign alternatives can I use commercially?

Confirmed: pyHanko. With conditions: DigiDoc4 Client, Documenso, DocuSeal, DottedSign Self-Hosted, endesive, DSS (Digital Signature Service), JSignPdf, LibreSign, open-pdf-sign, OpenSign, Signature PDF and Stirling PDF. This is not legal advice; read each licence.

### Does any open-source project replace all of DocuSign?

Not as of 2026-10-16. Send documents for signature, signing order and reminders, audit trail and completion certificate, reusable signing templates, eSignature API and embedded signing and certificate-based digital signatures (PKI) are covered by different projects.

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Source: RepoQuarry (https://repoquarry.dev/alternatives/docusign). Data licence: CC BY 4.0. Quotes are from project documentation and belong to their authors.