Sample Email Request to Sign NDA (5 Copy-Paste Templates)
Need to Sign or Edit a PDF Right Now?
Use our 100% free browser tools. Your documents stay on your device with zero server uploads and no account required.
⚡ Quick Answer
When asking someone to sign an NDA, be direct, polite, and explain why the NDA is necessary. Keep the email short and provide a secure, easy way to sign the document online (such as a link to Sign NDA Online Free). Choose from our 5 copy-paste templates below depending on your situation.
Sending a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) can sometimes feel awkward. You want to protect your intellectual property, but you don't want to come across as overly aggressive or untrusting before a business relationship even begins.
The secret is in the delivery. A professional, clear email request sets the right tone and dramatically speeds up the turnaround time. Below are 5 copy-paste email templates you can use to request an NDA signature in various scenarios.
Template 1: The Standard Professional Request (Best for General Business)
Use this template for new clients, potential partners, or vendors. It's polite, clear, and explains the reason for the NDA without being defensive.
Subject: Non-Disclosure Agreement for [Project Name / Upcoming Discussion]
Hi [Name],
I'm looking forward to our upcoming discussion about [briefly mention the project or topic].
Before we dive into the details and share proprietary information, could you please review and sign the attached Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)? This is a standard procedure on our end that allows us to speak freely about our internal processes.
You can securely sign the attached PDF online for free using this tool: https://mydigitsign.com/tools/sign-nda-online (no account required).
Please let me know if you have any questions about the agreement.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Template 2: Mutual NDA (Best for Strategic Partnerships)
When both parties will be sharing confidential information, a mutual NDA is required. This email emphasizes that the protection goes both ways.
Subject: Mutual NDA for [Partnership / Discussion]
Hi [Name],
To ensure both of our companies are protected as we explore this potential partnership, I've attached a Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement for your review.
Since we'll both be sharing sensitive information, this agreement ensures confidentiality on both sides. I have already signed my portion.
If the terms look good to you, please add your signature and send it back. If you prefer to sign electronically without printing, you can use MyDigitSign's free NDA signer.
Looking forward to our conversation.
Best,
[Your Name]
Template 3: Freelancer or Contractor Request
This is a slightly more casual template suited for freelancers, consultants, or independent contractors before you hand over access to your systems or codebase.
Subject: NDA for [Project Name] Onboarding
Hi [Name],
We're excited to get you onboarded and started on [Project Name]!
As a final step before I grant you access to our [codebase / client list / internal systems], I just need you to sign our standard contractor NDA. It simply states that you won't share our internal data publicly.
Could you please sign the attached document and return it to me by [Date]? You can sign it right in your browser here: Sign NDA Online.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Template 4: The Gentle Follow-Up
If a few days have passed and they haven't signed, use this template. It assumes they are busy, not malicious, and gives them a gentle nudge.
Subject: Following up: NDA for [Project Name]
Hi [Name],
I hope you're having a great week.
I'm just following up on the NDA I sent over on [Date]. I know things get buried in the inbox, so I've re-attached it here for your convenience.
Let me know if you have any questions or concerns about the terms. Once we get this signed, we can move forward with [next step].
Best,
[Your Name]
Template 5: Post-Verbal Agreement Confirmation
Sometimes you agree to an NDA verbally during a call, and you just need to formalize it over email immediately afterward.
Subject: NDA Document (As Discussed)
Hi [Name],
Great chatting with you today! I'm really looking forward to working together.
As discussed on our call, I've attached the standard NDA for you to sign before I send over the [spec sheet / financials / pitch deck].
Please sign and return at your earliest convenience. You can easily add an e-signature using MyDigitSign if you don't have a printer handy.
Talk soon,
[Your Name]
3 Tips for Getting Your NDA Signed Faster
1. Remove the Friction of Printing and Scanning
The number one reason people delay signing an NDA is that they don't have a printer or scanner readily available. By providing a link to a free, secure electronic signature tool like MyDigitSign's NDA Signer, you remove that friction entirely.
2. Explain the "Why"
Don't just demand a signature. Explain that the NDA is necessary so you can "speak freely," "grant system access," or "share the technical specs." When people understand the reason, they are much less likely to push back.
3. Keep It Standard
If your NDA is full of incredibly restrictive, non-standard clauses (like unreasonable non-competes), the recipient will likely send it to their legal team, delaying the process by weeks. Use a standard, reasonable NDA template to ensure quick turnaround times.
For more advice on the mechanics of getting the document signed, check out our guide on How to Ask Someone to Sign an NDA.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I politely ask someone to sign an NDA?
Be direct, professional, and explain the reason for the NDA (e.g., 'so we can speak freely about our proprietary processes'). Provide a link to a free electronic signature tool so they don't have to print and scan the document.
Can I send an NDA via email?
Yes, sending an NDA via email as a PDF attachment is the standard business practice. The recipient can sign it electronically and email it back. Under the ESIGN Act, electronically signed NDAs sent via email are legally binding.
What happens if they refuse to sign the NDA?
If someone refuses to sign an NDA, you should politely decline to share the confidential information. Ask them specifically which clauses they object to; sometimes it's just a misunderstanding that can be resolved by modifying a single paragraph.