‍What is an electronic signature?

An electronic signature, also known as an e-signature, is the digital counterpart of a handwritten signature. It consists of electronic data that the signer uses to electronically sign a document or transaction. Its main advantage is the ability to efficiently and quickly sign documents without the need for printing, manual initialing, scanning or physical transmission.

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What does a digital signature need to comply with?

A digital signature must meet certain conditions to be considered valid and legally valid. These conditions can vary depending on the type of signature, but some criteria include:

• Authenticity: The signature must accurately reflect the identity of the signer.
• Integrity: The signature must guarantee that the signed document has not been altered since it was signed.
• Uniqueness: The signature must be unique to the signer and not easily reproduced.
• Verifiability: It must be possible to verify the validity of the signature.

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SES, AES, QES - What do these terms mean?

In the world of electronic signatures, different terms are used to denote different levels of signature:

• ‍SES(Standard Electronic Signature): This is the simplest form of electronic signature, where the signer accepts a document, for example, by clicking a button. Although it offers fewer guarantees of authenticity and integrity, it still has legal value.
• ‍AES(Advanced Electronic Signature): An advanced electronic signature provides higher levels of guarantees, such as identity verification and traceability of changes to the document. This type of signature is often used for legal documents.
• ‍QES(Qualified Electronic Signature): This is the highest level of an electronic signature. A QES requires specific hardware or software and comes with a qualified certificate. It has the same legal value as a handwritten signature.

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How do you create a diigital signature?

The process of creating a digital signature can vary depending on the tools and software you use. Generally, the process involves uploading the document to be signed, designating the parties to sign, selecting the desired signature type (SES, AES or QES), and finally sending the document. Once all parties have signed, you will receive a confirmation and the document will be marked as "Signed."

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What regulations apply to electronic signatures?

In the European Union, Regulation EU No. 910/2014, known as "eIDAS," has been in effect since 2014. This regulation regulates electronic identifiers and trust services for electronic transactions. eIDAS provides a common basis for secure electronic transactions within the EU and recognizes electronic signatures as valid, provided they meet certain criteria.

It is important to emphasize that although electronic signatures are recognized in principle, they can still be questionable. Therefore, if possible, it is advisable to opt for advanced or qualified electronic signatures for greater certainty.

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Efficiency and security with electronic signatures

Electronic signatures offer the self-employed, small SMEs and accountants an efficient and secure way to sign documents and conduct transactions without a physical presence. Understanding different signature types and applicable regulations is essential for effective use in the modern business world. With the right knowledge and tools, electronic signatures can speed up and simplify business processes while maintaining legal validity. Learn more about electronic signature capabilities on our page. As a product of Unifiedpost, recognized as a Trusted service provider for eIDAS, Billtobox is the smart solution for smooth electronic document signing and transmission.