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R
roberts6036934
Participant
October 27, 2018
Answered

How can I find my permissions password

  • October 27, 2018
  • 3 replies
  • 25900 views

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

    Correct answer Test Screen Name

    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).

    3 replies

    T
    Test Screen Name
    Legend
    April 30, 2019

    The permission password was chosen when the files were made.

    I
    Iurii274933413s0j
    Participant
    January 31, 2023

    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. 

      T
      Tariq Dar
      Legend
      August 14, 2025

      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.  


      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

      ana paulam
      ana paulam
      Participant
      April 30, 2019

      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
        Community Expert
        gary_scCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        April 30, 2019

        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?

        E
        Eddie25379341sddx
        Participant
        July 25, 2022

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

          T
          Test Screen NameCorrect answer
          Legend
          October 27, 2018

          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).

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