FAQs: Sending Signature Requests via SMS in BoldSign

BoldSign’s SMS delivery feature enables you to send eSignature requests and notifications directly to recipients’ mobile numbers, offering a fast, secure, and convenient way to get documents signed.

Below, we address frequently asked questions to help you understand and use this feature effectively.

1. What is the SMS signature request feature?
   The SMS signature request feature allows you to send eSignature requests via SMS, complementing email and WhatsApp options. It’s ideal for recipients who are more responsive on mobile texting or when email delivery is unreliable, ensuring faster response times with a secure signing link.

2. How does SMS delivery work in BoldSign?
   When preparing your document in BoldSign, select SMS as the delivery method under Delivery Options. Enter the recipient’s name, phone number (with the correct country code), and preferred language if applicable. Once sent, the recipient receives an SMS message with a secure link to review and sign the document in their preferred browser platform. For detailed steps, see our article on How to send signature requests via SMS?

3. How much does SMS delivery cost?
   Each SMS notification costs $0.20, charged per notification sent (e.g., signature requests, manual reminders, expiration warnings, or completion notices). An active paid subscription and SMS add-on are required to use this feature.

   Cost breakdown table

   Notification type	Details	No. of Signers	SMS Credit per notification	Total SMS Credit
   Signature Request	Alert sent to signer to notify them they need to sign the document	1	$0.20	$0.20
   Manual Reminder	Reminder sent manually to signer to prompt them to sign the document	1	$0.20	$0.20
   Completion Alert	Notification sent to signer confirming they have signed the document	1	$0.20	$0.20
   Total	Total cost based on notifications sent	-	-	$0.60

4. Is SMS delivery available on all BoldSign plans?
   No, SMS delivery is only available on Business and higher plans. Free and Growth plans do not support this feature, but you can upgrade during setup to unlock it. Check the BoldSign pricing page for details.

5. Can I send SMS notifications to international numbers?
   Yes. BoldSign supports SMS notifications to international numbers in 26 countries. Make sure the phone number includes the correct country code (for example, +1 for the US or +44 for the UK).
   For the complete list of supported countries, check our article: What are the countries that support BoldSign SMS features?
   If your country code isn’t supported, contact BoldSign support for assistance.

6. Is the SMS message secure?
   Yes, the SMS message contains an encrypted link to the document, ensuring only the intended recipient can access and sign it. BoldSign uses authentication protocols to maintain security and ensure legally binding signatures.

7. Can I customize the SMS notification message?
   Yes, API users can customize the SMS notification message using the BoldSign API. However, from the web app, users cannot edit or customize the text. The standardized notification includes the sender details, signer’s name, signature request link, and document title for personalization.

8. What types of notifications are sent via SMS?
   SMS notifications include:

   • Signature requests (sent to notify signers to sign the document).
   • Expiration warnings (if the document’s deadline is nearing).
   • Deletion warnings (if the document is scheduled for deletion).
   • Manual reminders (sent to prompt or remind signers to sign the document).
   • Completion notices (when signing is complete).

9. Can signers opt out of SMS notifications?

   Yes, signers can typically opt out by replying with STOP or UNSUBSCRIBE to pause SMS notifications (standard for SMS compliance). To resume, they can reply with START or SUBSCRIBE. SMS is for outgoing notifications only. If signers have questions about the document, they should contact the sender directly using the email provided in the SMS signature request message, instead of contacting BoldSign Support through the Support portal.

10. What are the limitations of SMS delivery?

    • It’s a standalone delivery method (cannot be combined with email or WhatsApp).
    • Email OTP authentication is not supported.
    • No automatic reminders, group signing, or document reassignment.
    • No advance alerts for sequential signing.
    • Notifications are sent only to signers, not CC recipients.
    • Notification text cannot be customized in the web app (customization available via API only).

11. Which countries support SMS delivery?
    Supported countries include the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Contact BoldSign support for updates on additional countries.

12. What happens if the recipient’s phone number is invalid or not registered for SMS?
    If the phone number is invalid or not registered for SMS, the message will not be delivered. Check the phone number and country code for accuracy in the document overview page. You can resend the request or switch to another delivery method (e.g., email or WhatsApp) to ensure the signer receives the notification.

13. Can I track the delivery status of SMS notifications?
    Yes, BoldSign provides delivery status tracking in the document overview page, where you can see if the SMS was sent, delivered, or failed. This helps you monitor the progress and take action (e.g., resend or change delivery method) if needed.

14. Is there a limit to the number of SMS notifications I can use?
    You can use SMS notifications without a fixed limit unless you set a budget cap. If a budget cap is configured, SMS usage will stop once that limit is reached. To continue using SMS notifications, you’ll need to increase or remove the cap.

For additional help, reach out to BoldSign support at Support portal.