Can recipients sign documents without an email address in BoldSign?

In BoldSign, recipients typically require an email address to receive and sign documents, as most signing workflows rely on email to deliver secure signing links, notifications, and status updates. However, BoldSign also supports a specific signing method that allows recipients to sign documents without using an email account.

This article explains when an email address is required and when it is not.

When an email address is required?

In standard signing workflows, a recipient’s email address is required to send and sign documents.

This is because:

• Documents are delivered to recipients via email.
• Secure signing links are sent to the recipient’s email address.
• Signing notifications, reminders, and status updates are communicated through email.

As a result, recipients must have access to an email address to complete the signing process when using standard email‑based workflows.

When an email address is not required?

In‑person signing

BoldSign supports in‑person signing, which allows senders to collect signatures without requiring recipients to access or use an email account.

In this workflow:

• The sender opens the document directly from the BoldSign application.
• The recipient signs the document on the sender’s device (such as a tablet or laptop).
• The recipient does not receive or access the signing link via email.

This option is well suited for onsite signings or situations where recipients do not have immediate access to an email account.

Recommended approach

Email‑based signing remains the default and recommended workflow for most use cases, as it provides better tracking, automated notifications, and a smoother signer experience.

For scenarios where email access is unavailable, in‑person signing offers a reliable alternative.

For more information, visit the following articles

Learn how to add a recipient as an in-person signer when preparing a document?

Learn how to host In-person signing on mobile apps