An electronic signature, also known as an eSignature, is a digital way to sign documents electronically instead of using a handwritten signature on paper.
eSignatures are commonly used to sign contracts, agreements, approvals and other official documents online. Depending on the type of electronic signature used, they can provide different levels of security, identity verification and legal certainty.
In short:
The higher the level of the electronic signature, the more verification and security measures are applied.
A Qualified Electronic Signature offers the highest level of assurance and has the same legal value as a handwritten signature within the European Union.
Types of electronic signatures
Simple Electronic Signature (SES)
A Simple Electronic Signature is the most basic form of electronic signing.
Examples include:
- Typing your name into a document
- Clicking an “I agree” button
- Drawing a signature on a screen
Please note: Digidentity does not offer this type of signature as it only provides limited legal assurance.
Advanced Electronic Signature (AdES)
An Advanced Electronic Signature provides a higher level of security and verification than a Simple Electronic Signature.
An AdES is uniquely linked to the signer and can help detect whether the document has been changed after signing.
This type of signature is commonly used for business agreements and professional workflows where stronger authentication is required.
Qualified Electronic Signature (QES)
A Qualified Electronic Signature is the highest level of electronic signature under the European eIDAS regulation.
A QES requires identity verification by a Qualified Trust Service Provider (QTSP) and uses a qualified signing certificate.
A Qualified Electronic Signature has the same legal value as a handwritten signature within the European Union.
What is an electronic seal?
Under the European eIDAS regulation, an electronic seal is the organisational equivalent of an electronic signature.
Electronic signatures are used by individuals. Electronic seals are used by organisations.
An electronic seal can be used to:
- Confirm the origin of a document
- Protect documents against tampering
- Digitally seal documents on behalf of an organisation
Digidentity eSignature products
Digidentity offers multiple digital signing solutions, including:
- eSignature+ Advanced (AdES)
- eSignature+ Qualified (QES)
- Qualified eSeal