What is a SEPA direct debit mandate form?

Published on 2026-01-04 · Updated on 2026-05-17

What is a SEPA direct debit mandate form?

It is the standard form that captures the debtor’s authorisation to the creditor to issue SEPA direct debits. It’s the SEPA mandate in physical or electronic format.

TL;DR

Document signed by the debtor.
Standardised by the EPC SEPA Direct Debit Rulebook.
Kept by the creditor.
Must include creditor, debtor, type and signature.

Minimum content

Creditor data (name, address, CID).
Debtor data (name, address, IBAN, optional BIC).
Unique Mandate Reference (UMR).
Type: recurring / one-off, CORE / B2B.
Legal text and debtor signature.

Download the official template from our SEPA mandate generator.

Conclusion

Without a signed mandate there’s no valid SEPA direct debit. Look after it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the direct debit form the same as the mandate?: Yes. 'Direct debit form' is a common name for the SEPA mandate.
Can it be signed online?: Yes, with advanced or qualified e-signature. Keep the identification log.
Is a generic email authorisation enough?: No. The document must include the minimum data and a traceable signature. A plain email doesn't prove identity or informed consent.