Participant

Question

Adding a certificate (digital signature) to a fillable PDF form does not provide a check box to lock

Forum|Forum|6 months ago
July 24, 2025
2 replies
343 views

Adding a certificate (digital signature) to a fillable PDF form does not provide a check box to lock the document after signing it. On the fillable form I select the "sign" fillable box and the window pops up to add a signature, which does not give the check box to lock the form.

On the other hand, on a non-fillable form, when selecting "Certificates" and then dragging a custom box after clicking "Digitally Sign", a check box is provided.

I need to know how to lock a fillable form after putting a digital signature on it.

I've added two pictures to show the difference between boxes.

I'm on version 2025.001.20577 using Adobe Acrobat (64-bit)

MikelKlink

Participating Frequently

Have you checked whether the "fillable form" is a true PDF form or a XFA form wrapped in a PDF? Signing options are considerably different for XFA forms than for native PDFs.

And even for native PDF forms with existing signature fields, those fields may have seed value dictionaries that restrict the options a signer has.

R

ReeSmithAuthor

Participant

I haven't checked that and I'm not entirely sure how to do that, but I wouldn't be surprised if that is the case. These FEMA forms are notorious and we've had many issues with them in the past.

How would I even go about checking if it's a XFA form? A quick look in document properties does show "Powered by xmp" and says the application is Designer 6.4, but I'm unsure if that last part relevant.

Bernd Alheit

Community Expert

Designer creates XFA forms.

Meenakshi Negi

Community Manager

Hi ReeSmith,

Thank you for reaching out.

Please confirm whether you are using the same digital signature on both PDFs. Did you check if the same behavior occurs when filling in any alternate PDF form?

Is the PDF form you are filling out created by you or sent to you? Please share a blank copy of the PDF form you are currently filling out. We will try to replicate this behavior and share our suggestions.

Thanks,

Meenakshi

R

ReeSmithAuthor

Participant

Hi Meenakshi,

I am using the same digital signature on both forms.

This is the only fillable form my company uses so I have no reference if it works this way on other fillable forms.

It is sent to us directly by FEMA and is an offical document, so is there a way I can privately send you the blank form so it is not openly avalible to the public?

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