How can I find my permissions password

[roberts6036934]

Dear Sir I have version of Acrobat Pro DC but have mislaid my permissions password. Is it possible to find out what it was. If not can I purchase a new version and get a new permissions password.  Thanks you,  Robert F Salamonsen

[Test Screen Name · Accepted solution]

The permissions password is part of a PDF file. It isn’t part of your Acrobat or of your system.  No Adobe software will help you if you lose it, or never has it (someone else’s file).

[ana paulam]

I just downloaded the Pro version. There was nothing about a permission password and now I can´t open any files. Where can I find this password, please?

[gary_sc]

Hi Ana,

I think you might be confusing two different things: a password is something that is associated with a document. You need the password to open that individual file (the same password can be attached to multiple files depending on the whim of the PDF creator).

If you downloaded a new copy of Acrobat (or about any software for that matter), you need a serial number to access the application's functionality. Adobe software is now a bit unique in that you purchase a release from the Adobe Creative Cloud application that will let you open specific application(s).

Lastly, there is no software available that will automatically let you open all password protected documents.

Does any of that help you?

[Eddie25379341sddx]

Hi, where is this serial number? I wasn't given any permissions password. Thank you!

[Test Screen Name]

The permission password was chosen when the files were made.

[Iurii274933413s0j]

It's not. After I create a document and sign it never has it asked me to set a password. When I need to make changes - it won't let me until I enter a password that I didn't set for my document. 

[Lynne23103325qgmb]

Did you find an answer to this as I am having the same issue

[Bernd Alheit]

You can't change a signed document.

[Lisa38321114zfwp]

It's asking me for a permission password to make changes to a file - VERY frustrating!! where is this permission password anyone?

[edwina_1306]

I am also having the same problem and it just started about a month or so ago.  It just started asking me for a security permission for a document that I created!  I have never set a document security password or permission.  Where is Adobe Support personnel on this and why aren't they giving some guidance?  This is ridiculous!

[Brian28320520mapw]

Having the same issue. A password was never requested (nor did I enter one) when the document was created, but now I cannot access my document that I just created.

[behren$]

My document is not signed, but the setting is "read only". Adobe AI says I need to change the security setting. When I go to do that, I am asked for a permission password. I never set that up.

[Caron5555]

I am having this same issue, I have not signed the document but have saved it to work on later and need a permissions password which I do not have. Having to start all over again with a new document. HUGE waste of time and seriously aggravating. You can't even turn off the security for a document before you even fill it in without the permissions password that I don't have and can't be located.

[S. S]

Hi @Caron5555,

Hope you are doing well. Sorry for the trouble with working with documents.

Is the file in question created by you? If that's the case, it shouldn't behave the way unless you set up some security to disable editing on the document.

If the file is not created by you, there are high chances that the creator later added a security layer in order to prevent any further changes. In such scenarios, reaching out to the original creator for the file is the best course of action.

Some basic info on how to work with forms can be found here: https://adobe.ly/3EAwNZT

Also, would you mind sharing the file with us for further investigation and to reproduce this in-house? Along with the file, a screen recording of what you see in the entire event would be great to understand. 

Please ensure you are on the latest version of the application (2025.001.20467) for the best experience.

To do so, go to Menu > Help > Check for Updates.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,
Souvik.

[mandy_7986]

I'm having the same issue.  I downloaded a credit card statement, and opened it in Adobe so that I could redact parts of it to send it in for an expense report, but I can't edit it.  I never set up a password, and my system password doesn't work so I have literally no idea what password it could be.  

[Tariq Ahmad]

Hi @mandy_7986, 

Banks and financial institutions often secure PDF statements with:

• Owner password (permissions password) – prevents editing, copying, or printing, but still lets you view.

• Sometimes encryption, so the restrictions can’t be bypassed without the correct key.

This is why Acrobat is prompting for a password when you try to redact:

• The password it’s asking for isn’t your Adobe ID or your computer login — it’s the document’s permissions password, which only the PDF creator (the bank) would have.

• Even if you can view the file, redaction is considered an edit, so Acrobat requires those restrictions to be lifted.

What you can do:

1. Check permissions in Acrobat:

   • Open the file in Acrobat.

   • Go to File > Properties > Security tab.

   • Look at Document Restrictions Summary — it will list if editing, printing, or content copying is allowed.

   • If “Editing: Not Allowed” is shown, the PDF is locked.

2. Contact your bank and ask if they can provide an unrestricted version of the statement for business purposes.

3. If your company has an internal process for expense reports, you might upload the original and let them handle redaction securely.

Trying to bypass the restrictions without authorization would likely violate laws or agreements — so the safest route is to go through the issuing institution or your finance department.

Best regards,
Tariq | Adobe Community Team