Signature Statuses
When you send a document for signing, it goes through different stages, like 'draft', 'in progress', 'completed'. Each person signing also has their own status. Knowing these statuses helps you track where things are in the process, like checking if someone has signed yet or if it's done.
The signature request lifecycle involves two parallel state machines: one for the Request itself, and one for each individual Recipient.
Request Status Flow
Request moves from draft to in-progress when sent, and completes when all recipients have signed.
Status Definitions
Draft
When a signature request is in Draft status, it means the document has been created but hasn't been sent out for signatures yet. This is the initial phase where senders can still make changes to the document, add or remove recipients, and configure signing options. For senders, this status allows full editing capabilities— they can modify the document content, adjust field placements, and update recipient information. Recipients don't see draft requests yet, as they haven't been notified. This status ensures that everything is properly set up before the request becomes active.
In Progress
In Progress status indicates that the signature request has been sent to recipients and is actively being worked on. At least one recipient has received the notification, and the signing process is underway. For senders, this means they can monitor progress, view who has signed, and see which recipients are still in progress. Recipients in this status have different experiences based on their role—if they're the active signer, they can view and sign the document; others can only view it.
Done
Done status signifies that the signature request has been fully completed, with all required signatures collected and the document finalized. This is the successful end state of the workflow.
Canceled
When a signature request is Canceled, it means the sender has manually stopped the process before completion. This could happen for various reasons, such as changes in requirements or errors in the original setup. This status preserves the request history while preventing further progress, allowing senders to learn from and potentially restart similar workflows.
Expired
Expired status occurs when a signature request reaches its deadline without being completed. This happens automatically when the expiration date set by the sender is reached, and not all required signatures have been collected. This status helps enforce time-sensitive workflows and provides a clear indication that the original request timeline was not met, prompting senders to take follow-up actions if needed.
Standard Lifecycle
Creation Phase
User creates request
POST /signature-requests
The request is initialized. Documents are uploaded. Recipients are created but not yet notified.
- Request Status: DRAFT
- Recipient Status: IN_PROGRESS
Processing Phase
User sends request
POST /send
Emails sent. Status changes from Draft to In Progress.
- Request Status: IN_PROGRESS
Completion Phase
All recipients signed
System Event
All parties have signed. Audit trail finalized.
- Request Status: COMPLETED
Request Management Actions
Allowed actions based on the current status of the request.