How to Send a Docusign Signing Request via Text Message with SMS Delivery

With SMS delivery of Docusign eSignatures, you can reach signers through real-time notifications sent directly to their mobile devices.

Studies show that SMS notifications achieve an open rate of ~98% opens in a new tab, far exceeding email, and 95% of messages are read within minutes.

This is why Docusign developed eSignature with SMS delivery: to help organizations get contracts signed faster. SMS Delivery is simple to use and requires no integrations. All you need is your Docusign account, the signer’s email address, and their phone number.

Read on for a detailed explanation of how to set it up.

Before you send a Docusign document by text

To send agreements by text, your organization must have the Multi-Channel Delivery add-on for Docusign eSignature. The feature must also be available on your account and enabled for your permission profile (equivalent to user profile).  

Before preparing the envelope, make sure you have the recipient’s email address or a valid mobile phone number with the correct country code. 

Recipients can receive the initial SMS without opting in, but they must consent to messages from the sending account when they open the envelope link. They can opt out of future SMS notifications at any time. Make sure the recipient expects to receive text notifications and follow any consent requirements that apply to your organization and jurisdiction.

How to send a Docusign document by text message

Once SMS delivery is enabled for your account in both the admin and permission profiles, follow these steps to send an agreement through email and text message.

These instructions cover the “Email + SMS” delivery option, which sends the recipient both an email notification and a text message. However, SMS can also be a standalone method. Other delivery methods may be available depending on your account configuration.

1. Start a new envelope

From your Docusign homepage, select the option to start a new envelope. Upload the document you want the recipient to review and sign.

2. Add the recipient’s details

Enter the recipient’s name, email address, and mobile phone number. Check the phone number carefully and make sure you have selected the correct country code.

3. Choose Email + SMS delivery

In the recipient’s delivery options, select the SMS checkbox so the signing notification is sent by text message as well as email. This avoids relying on a single channel.

If you can’t see this option, confirm that the Multi-Channel Delivery add-on is active and that SMS delivery has been enabled for your account and permission profile.

4. Confirm the delivery information

Review the recipient’s email address and mobile number before continuing. When prompted, the sender must also acknowledge the TCPA consent notice that appears when adding fields or sending the envelope.

Confirm the information and consent before moving on. This helps ensure that the signing link reaches the intended recipient without unnecessary delays.

5. Add the required fields

Select “Next,” then add and assign the signature, date, initials, and any other fields the recipient must complete.

For documents likely to be opened on a phone, use responsive signing where available. 

Preview the document’s mobile signing experience where possible. For responsive HTML documents, smart sections can be used to collapse noncritical content and make longer agreements easier to navigate on a phone.

6. Review and send

Check the document, recipient information, delivery method, and required fields. When everything is correct, select “Send.”

What happens after you send a Docusign text message?

The recipient receives both an email notification and a text message containing a secure link to the envelope. They can open the agreement through either notification, reviewing and signing it in the Docusign mobile app or a supported web browser.

After completing all assigned fields, the recipient selects “Finish” to submit the signed document.

Troubleshooting Docusign SMS delivery

If you encounter problems when sending a Docusign document by text, check the account settings and recipient information before preparing a new envelope. Typical issues include:

• Email + SMS is not available: Confirm that your organization has the Multi-Channel Delivery add-on and that SMS delivery is enabled for your account and permission profile. Contact your Docusign administrator if the option doesn’t appear in the Deliver menu.

• The recipient didn’t receive the text: Check that the mobile number and country code are correct. Although SMS Delivery is available in 180 countries globally, delivery may depend on the recipient’s network coverage, phone number, and mobile provider. The recipient can still open and sign the envelope through the email notification.

• The recipient previously opted out: Recipients who opt out of Docusign SMS notifications will not receive further text messages until they opt back in. Ask the recipient to follow Docusign’s opt-in instructions before resending the notification.

• The signing link doesn’t open: Ask the recipient to check their internet connection and try opening the envelope in a supported browser or the Docusign mobile app. They can also use the link in the email notification.

If the problem continues after checking these details, contact your Docusign administrator or Docusign Support for help with the account configuration or envelope delivery.

Using SMS delivery in a variety of industries and functions 

Many different types of teams can benefit from a multi-channel communications approach. HR teams can use SMS Delivery to act quickly opens in a new tab on offer letters and new hire paperwork. Sales professionals can move service agreements and work orders forward while signers are on the go. Finance teams can get invoice and expense processing done quickly and efficiently. The possibilities of SMS notifications are also endless across many industries:

• Insurance: Call center agents sending text messages containing policy information or renewal notices.

• Healthcare: Teams handling new patient intake forms.

• Banking: In-branch account openings and new account onboarding.

Check out this video to see SMS Delivery in action:

FAQs: How to send Docusign via text message

How do you handle Opt out/Opt in for SMS notifications?

Before using the SMS service for the first time, recipients need to opt in. When a recipient provides their phone number to a Docusign user, we will send them an SMS welcome message. They can cancel the SMS service at any time by texting "STOP" to 21093. We will send a confirmation message that they have unsubscribed successfully.

After this, they will no longer receive SMS messages from us. If a recipient wants to rejoin, text "START" to 21093, and we will resume sending SMS messages. Message and data rates may apply. 

Read more about the terms of service and FAQs regarding legality, security and privacy of SMS Delivery.

How many notifications are sent for SMS Delivery?

The number varies according to the envelope’s recipients, reminders, and activity. An envelope with one or more SMS recipients can generate up to 50 SMS notifications, including signing requests, reminders, expiration notices, completion confirmations, comments, and purge communications. After that limit is reached, email notifications may continue, but no additional SMS notifications are sent.

To learn more, check out our Docusign eSignature with SMS Delivery support guide.