Set a default expiry date
Expiry dates are set at template level. This means every contract issued from a specific template automatically inherits the expiry period you define there.
Step-by-step guide
1. Open the template you want to edit.
Click Templates in the left-hand menu and open the template you want to edit. You will find all your templates here.
2. Go to Expiry Settings.
You will find the expiry settings on the right side, below the signing workflow.
3. Enable Set default expiry date.
Tick the checkbox to enable Set default expiry date.
4. Choose the duration – in days, months, or years – and enter the number.
Set the expiration time by selecting either days, months, or years and writing a number.
5. Click Publish changes
This saves the template and makes it available to you and your team members
Every contract issued from this template will now expire after the period you have set.
Good to know
Allow or prevent issuers from changing the expiry date
When editing a template, you can also decide whether issuers are allowed to change the expiry date when issuing a contract. Use the checkbox directly below the expiry date setting in the template editor to enable or disable this.
Enable Allow issuers to override expiry date if:
Different contracts issued from the same template need different durations
You want flexibility at the point of issuance
Disable it if:
Contract duration must stay consistent
The expiry date is part of your compliance setup
Insert the expiry date inside the contract
You can include the expiry date in your contracts and documents using SmartTags. Find the "Contract expiry date" SmartTag in the SmartTag selection under "Contract tags". If added to your template, the expiry date will automatically be added inside the contract document.
Before adding it, consider whether the expiry date is part of the legal agreement itself or only an internal tracking mechanism. In many workflows, expiry is operational rather than contractual. Only include the SmartTag if the date should appear in the signed document.
Monitor expiring contracts
You can track all contracts under Expiring in the left-hand menu. Here you can see:
Contracts that are about to expire
Contracts that have already expired
Contracts whose expiry date you have chosen to ignore
What to do when a contract expires
Click the three dots next to a contract to see your options.
Renew
Creates a duplicate of the original contract with the existing information carried over. You can adjust the details and re-issue it. This is useful for recurring agreements – talent contracts, supplier agreements, location agreements, or rights agreements.
Archive
Moves the contract out of active circulation while keeping it stored.
Ignore
Leaves the contract expired without further action.
Tips & Tricks
Expiry dates are a good fit for fixed-term employment or contractor agreements, location agreements with time limits, talent agreements tied to a production period, and licensing or subscription contracts.
For guidance on expiry reminders and notifications, see Notifications – control what emails you receive.