# Changing the subscription's external reference identifier

Keeping your subscription data synchronized across various platforms and systems is imperative for operational efficiency and accuracy. Occasionally, you may need to update a subscription's [external reference identifier (ERID)](https://docs.digitalriver.com/commerce-api-references/commerce-api-reference-guide/api-structure/product-external-reference-identifier-erid) to ensure this synchronization. This guide walks through updating an existing subscription's external reference identifier. Such updates help maintain the integrity of your data across systems and enable a more streamlined management of subscriber information. Whether you're integrating new systems or need to adjust for accurate tracking, this guide will assist you in making the necessary changes with ease.

send a [`POST /v1/subscriptions/{subscriptionId}/reference-id`](https://docs.digitalriver.com/commerce-api-references/admin-apis/subscription-mangement/modify-the-subscriptions-external-reference-id#v1-subscriptions-subid-reference-id) request to change the subscription's external reference identifier. Replace `{subscriptionId}` with the actual ID of the subscription you're looking to update. Make sure to replace `{YOUR_AUTH_CREDENTIALS}` with your actual encoded API credentials. Replace `{NEW_EXTERNAL_REFERENCE_ID}` with the new identifier you want to assign.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="cURL" %}

```javascript
curl --location --request POST 'https://api.digitalriver.com/v1/subscriptions/{subscriptionId}/reference-id' \
--header 'Authorization: Basic {YOUR_AUTH_CREDENTIALS}' \
--header 'Content-Type: application/json' \
--data-raw '{
  "externalReferenceId": "{NEW_EXTERNAL_REFERENCE_ID}"
}'
```

{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

Upon successfully making the request, you will receive a `202 Accepted` response indicating that updating the external reference identifier is underway. The new plan will go into effect immediately.


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.digitalriver.com/commerce-api/admin-apis/subscription-management/immediately-change-the-subscription/changing-the-subscriptions-external-reference-identifier.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
