diff --git a/frontend/src/surfaces/operations/sponsor-docs.js b/frontend/src/surfaces/operations/sponsor-docs.js
index 9ff3ce9f..24310c99 100644
--- a/frontend/src/surfaces/operations/sponsor-docs.js
+++ b/frontend/src/surfaces/operations/sponsor-docs.js
@@ -242,6 +242,9 @@ export function createSponsorDocPage({
       } else if (err.status === 429) {
         phase = "gate";
         gateError = `Too many failed access code attempts. Please wait ${err.retryAfter || 60} seconds and try again.`;
+      } else if (err.status === 403 && err.code === "staff_only_document") {
+        phase = "gate";
+        gateError = "This document is for staff only. Use \"Staff sign in\" above with your DataTalks.Club account; an access code cannot open it.";
       } else if (err.status === 403) {
         saveStoredCode(docId, "");
         phase = "gate";
diff --git a/frontend/test/sponsor-docs.test.mjs b/frontend/test/sponsor-docs.test.mjs
index 560363fa..bd4d4992 100644
--- a/frontend/test/sponsor-docs.test.mjs
+++ b/frontend/test/sponsor-docs.test.mjs
@@ -737,3 +737,16 @@ test("guest portal shows dual zones and saves a time choice before required mate
   assert.equal(JSON.parse(ordinarySave[1].body).timeChoiceIntent, undefined, "ordinary biography/material saves do not reconfirm the stored slot choice");
   h.controller.destroy();
 });
+
+test("a valid code on a staff-only doc says it is staff only and keeps the stored code", async () => {
+  const h = harness({
+    request: async () => {
+      throw Object.assign(new Error("This document is for staff only."), { status: 403, code: "staff_only_document" });
+    },
+  });
+  await h.controller.start();
+
+  assert.match(h.root.textContent, /for staff only/);
+  assert.ok(!/Invalid access code/.test(h.root.textContent));
+  h.controller.destroy();
+});