Setting a Signing Password (Access Code) for a Document

An access code turns a signing link into a two-key lock: the email gets them to the door, but only the code you shared separately opens it. Use it whenever the document is sensitive or the recipient's inbox isn't fully trusted. 

Steps 

1.  On the Approvers and Signers step, open the security dropdown next to the signer and choose Access Code. 

2.  Type the code into the field that appears and click the save (tick) button. Once saved, the code is masked — like a password field. 

 3.  Finish and send the request as usual. 

4.  Share the code through a different channel — call, SMS, or chat. Never in the same email thread; that defeats the purpose. 

What the Signer Experiences 

They click the emailed link, and before the document opens they're asked for the access code. Three correct characters short? They can retry. The verification event — attempted and passed — is written to the audit trail. 

Best Practices 

•  Use a code the signer can't guess but can type on a phone: 6–8 characters is right. 

•  One code per signer; don't reuse across recipients. 

•  If the signer loses the code, you can view/reset it from the request and re-share. 

Note: Access codes are available on the Standard plan and above.