May 2, 2026 · Developer Guide
E-Signature API Webhooks: Get Notified the Instant a Document Is Signed
Don't poll. Don't check. Get a webhook the moment a document is signed, viewed, or declined — and trigger your next workflow automatically.
Founder, Signbee
TL;DR
Webhooks replace polling. Instead of checking document status every 30 seconds, you receive a POST request the instant something happens. Register a URL, verify the signature, and trigger your workflow. Works with any app that sends documents for signature.
How e-signature webhooks work
200 OKCommon webhook events
| Event | When it fires | Common action |
|---|---|---|
| document.sent | Document sent to recipient | Log in CRM |
| document.viewed | Recipient opens the document | Notify sales team |
| document.signed | Recipient signs | Trigger onboarding, payment |
| document.declined | Recipient declines to sign | Alert account manager |
| document.expired | Signing deadline passes | Resend or escalate |
Webhook handler example
// app/api/webhooks/signing/route.ts
import { NextRequest, NextResponse } from "next/server";
export async function POST(req: NextRequest) {
const body = await req.json();
const { event, document_id, signer_email, signed_at } = body;
switch (event) {
case "document.signed":
// Update your database
await db.contract.update({
where: { documentId: document_id },
data: { status: "SIGNED", signedAt: signed_at },
});
// Trigger next workflow
await startOnboarding(signer_email);
break;
case "document.viewed":
await notifySalesTeam(document_id, signer_email);
break;
case "document.declined":
await alertAccountManager(document_id);
break;
}
return NextResponse.json({ received: true }, { status: 200 });
}Webhook security checklist
- Verify the signature — check the HMAC signature in the request header
- Use HTTPS — never expose a webhook URL over HTTP
- Respond quickly — return
200 OKwithin 5 seconds, process async - Handle retries — webhooks may be sent multiple times; make handlers idempotent
- Log everything — store raw payloads for debugging and audit
Frequently Asked Questions
What are e-signature webhooks?
HTTP callbacks that notify your app in real-time when signing events occur. They replace polling and enable automated workflows.
Which providers support webhooks?
DocuSign (Connect), HelloSign, PandaDoc, BoldSign, and Signbee all support webhooks. Implementation complexity varies significantly — see our full API comparison.
Real-time signing webhooks — 5 free docs/month.
Last updated: May 2, 2026 · Michael Beckett is the founder of Signbee and B2bee Ltd.