diff --git a/bookwyrm/models/user.py b/bookwyrm/models/user.py
index ecfc3459..ac729fd3 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/models/user.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/models/user.py
@@ -199,6 +199,7 @@ def execute_after_save(sender, instance, created, *args, **kwargs):
 
     instance.key_pair = KeyPair.objects.create(
         remote_id='%s/#main-key' % instance.remote_id)
+    instance.save()
 
     shelves = [{
         'name': 'To Read',
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/test_signing.py b/bookwyrm/tests/test_signing.py
index 58e8cb7f..7427dbdf 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/test_signing.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/test_signing.py
@@ -138,10 +138,10 @@ class Signature(TestCase):
         )
 
         # Second and subsequent fetches get a different key:
-        new_private_key, new_public_key = create_key_pair()
+        key_pair = KeyPair(*create_key_pair())
         new_sender = Sender(
-            self.fake_remote.remote_id, new_private_key, new_public_key)
-        data['publicKey']['publicKeyPem'] = new_public_key
+            self.fake_remote.remote_id, key_pair)
+        data['publicKey']['publicKeyPem'] = key_pair.public_key
         responses.add(
             responses.GET,
             self.fake_remote.remote_id,