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Is there a way to void or cancel an envelope when first signer "declines" - received error message

Forum|Forum|6 months ago
February 12, 2026
4 replies
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We use DocuSign to route for signature directly out of our Database (there is a DocuSign link in the database to click/send to DocuSign). Recent user was unable to void or cancel envelope that first signer “declined”. Error message read, “Only envelopes in the ‘Sent’ or ‘Delivered’ state may be voided.”

Signing

Best answer by Melanie.Panguito

Hi @LindaT— I’m sorry you’re running into this issue.

To confirm, did the recipient actually click Decline to Sign? If they did, that automatically voids the envelope, which explains the error.

You can only void envelopes that are still in an In‑process state: Created, Sent, or Delivered. Once it's in a terminal state: Completed (signed), Declined, or already Voided, it can no longer be voided. For reference:

Decline To Sign an Envelope

How do I Correct or Void a completed envelope?

If the signer declines, no further void action is needed.

Hope this helps clarify things. Let us know if you have questions—we've got you!

Sincerely,

Melanie | Docusign Community Moderator
If this helped, feel free to Like👍and click "Best Answer"

M

Melanie.Panguito

Answer

Docusign Employee

Hi @LindaT— I’m sorry you’re running into this issue.

To confirm, did the recipient actually click Decline to Sign? If they did, that automatically voids the envelope, which explains the error.

You can only void envelopes that are still in an In‑process state: Created, Sent, or Delivered. Once it's in a terminal state: Completed (signed), Declined, or already Voided, it can no longer be voided. For reference:

Decline To Sign an Envelope

How do I Correct or Void a completed envelope?

If the signer declines, no further void action is needed.

Hope this helps clarify things. Let us know if you have questions—we've got you!

Sincerely,

Melanie | Docusign Community Moderator
If this helped, feel free to Like👍and click "Best Answer"

M

Melanie.Panguito

Docusign Employee

Hello @LindaT,

How are you? We'd like to know if my previous response addressed your questions. If so, we hope you could consider selecting it as Best Answer ✅," so others can find it too.

Otherwise, if you still require further assistance, please don't hesitate to let us know. We are always happy to help!

Sincerely,

Melanie | Docusign Community Moderator

L

LindaT

Author

New Voice

It answered my question as it clarified that the envelope was indeed voided. It sounds like it is best for the recipient to contact the sender rather than “decline” as it automatically voids the envelope, which is then stuck in that status in our database. Thank you!

M

Melanie.Panguito

Docusign Employee

Thanks for the update @LindaT and you make a great point. I’d suggest adding a reminder for recipients not to decline and to reach out to the sender first. You can include that note directly in the email message or add a comment.

I also came across another thread mentioning that it may be possible to hide the “Decline to Sign” option using Docusign Signing resource file:

Can someone confirm if the Decline to Sign option can be hidden under the Other Actions menu? | Community

DocuSign Signing Resource File Guide

I also wanted to mention that there’s already an Idea (feature request) related to this, and it’s currently under review 👉 Not allowing clients to void an envelope | Community

Feel free to upvote it to show your support as it could help us prioritize requests and focus on updates that have the biggest impact on our customers.

Thanks again for your engagement here in the Community! You’re always welcome to check back in if you have more questions. Have a great day!

Sincerely,

Melanie | Docusign Community Moderator
If this helped, feel free to Like👍and click "Best Answer"

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