Require an invitation code before accepting a submission.

The first form issues a reference code and emails it to the recipient. The second checks that the code exists before accepting a submission.

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Claim your place Code required

Reference code

RUNE-40817

rowan@moonbeam.example

Checked against the first form before it submits.

Code Valid

The form checks the code, not identity

Illustrative experience

A code per registration
Delivered by email
A wrong code fails validation

The finished experience

A valid code opens the next step.

Anyone can find the second form, but only a code you issued will get past its validation.

A good fit for
Referral schemes, warranty claims and applications that are invitation only.

1

Issue the code

A Unique ID field on the first form stamps every registration with a reference of its own.

GP Unique ID
2

Send it to them

The field’s merge tag drops the code into a notification, so the person keeps a copy rather than reading it once on screen.

Gravity Forms
3

Check it on the way in

The second form asks for the code, and the free Value Exists Validation snippet refuses anything that is not in the first form’s entries.

GP Unique ID

Written up, step by step

How to Generate and Validate a Reference Number for Gravity Forms with GP Unique ID Tutorials · January 2015 Generate a reference number on Form A and require this reference number on Form B in order to submit the form. Read the tutorial

What you’ll need.

Start with Gravity Forms. Add the capabilities this solution needs, then make the experience your own.

GP Unique ID

Generates the reference code on the first form and gives it the merge tag the email and the check both read.

Explore GP Unique ID

Before you start

A form that issues the code and a second form that asks for it.
The free Value Exists Validation snippet, configured with the form and field IDs at both ends.
An invitation code is transferable. Code validation does not authenticate the submitter or prove they are the person who received the invitation.

Get this built.

A plan covers how many of our plugins you run at once, and on how many sites. Here is what this one needs.

Required

GP Unique IDPerks

Gravity Perks Basic $59 /year

Covers this on one site. More sites need Advanced or Pro.

See plans for this solution

Every plan renews at the same price, and you can upgrade any time for the difference.

Make it fit
your project.

Do people see the code on the first form?

No. The Unique ID field is hidden, so the code only appears where you put its merge tag — the email, the confirmation, or both.

What happens when the code is wrong?

The field shows the validation message you wrote and the form does not submit.

Can one code be used twice?

The existence check alone allows repeat use. Enable Gravity Forms’ No Duplicates setting on the code field to reject a value already submitted on that form. This limits reuse of a code; it does not prove the submitter’s identity.

Does a valid code prove who is submitting?

No. Anyone with the code can pass the check, including someone it was forwarded to. Use separate authentication and authorization when access must belong to a particular person.