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Legacy User
March 3, 2021
Solved

What does this mean? "Each recipient must have an authentication type specified." I have never had this come up before. How do I get rid of it?

  • March 3, 2021
  • 14 replies
  • 1887 views
What does this mean? "Each recipient must have an authentication type specified." I have never had this come up before. How do I get rid of it?
Best answer by Community Expert

Hi,

I think you should check in the Settings menu >>>> Security settings >>> Authentication Settings

>>>Recipient Authentication Settings

If the option "Any recipient must authenticate on every envelope sent from this account" is set, each time you are sending the envelope, you have to choose any of three authentication method (sms, phone call, knowledge base).

more info here: https://support.docusign.com/guides/ndse-admin-guide-security-settings

Regards

14 replies

Newcomer
August 26, 2025

I’ve got this problem too. I want to include authentication but even when the security settings require recipient authentication, there is no option under the customize dropdown. I’ve been trying to set up authentication for months and support has been so unhelpful. Their emails don’t make any sense.

Docusign Employee
August 28, 2025

Hi ​@Sinead, thanks for reaching out!

I understand your frustration regarding the authentication options and the challenges you faced with support. We're sorry for the experience, and we're here to provide guidance to help you move forward.

Could you please share a screenshot of the dropdown menu where you are not seeing the authentication options? (Please hide any Personally Identifiable Information in the screenshot)

Additionally, could you please specify which type of recipient authentication you're looking to implement from the following:

  • Access Code: The recipient must enter a code that you provide them separately from your Docusign communications.
  • Phone Authentication: This method requires the recipient provide a passcode received by either a phone call or SMS text message in order to view their documents. Learn more...
  • Knowledge-Based (KBA): This method requires the recipient to answer detailed questions about themselves, based on data available in public records (such as their current and former addresses).
  • ID Verification: The recipient must provide a government ID or European eID. Learn More

Note: Phone Authentication, KBA and ID verification incur a per use fee. See your account administrator or contact customer support for details.

We look forward to your update.

 

Sincerely,

Melanie | Docusign Community Moderator

Docusign Employee
September 5, 2025

Hi ​@Sinead,

How are you? I'm checking in to see if you still have questions or need further assistance. We’re here for you!

 

Sincerely,

Melanie | Docusign Community Moderator

Newcomer
January 26, 2026

I have the same problem. Authentication is required per security settings. but I can’t choose a method for the recipients. the drop down looks like this

 

Since this didn’t work, I turned of the authentication but still get the error message, that I have to choose a authentication method (which I can’t).