If you're new to the world of electronic signing, the terms e-signature, e-seal, and timestamp can sound a little confusing at first. Each one has a specific role in making digital documents secure, trustworthy, and legally valid. In this article, we'll explain what these terms mean, how they differ, and where they're commonly used.
What is an electronic signature
According to the Electronic Identification and Trust Services (eIDAS) Regulation (EU No. 910/2014), an electronic signature is "data in electronic form which is attached to or logically associated with other data in electronic form and which is used by the signatory to sign." In simple terms, it's the digital equivalent of a handwritten signature.
There are four main levels of electronic signatures, each offering different levels of security and legal standing:
Simple Electronic Signature (SES)
- The most basic form of an e-signature.
- The equivalent of typing your name, ticking a box, or pasting an image of your signature.
- Easy to create, but also easier to forge.
- Suitable for low-risk documents like online forms or internal approvals.
- Legally valid, but provides weak evidence in case of disputes.
Advanced Electronic Signature (AdES)
- Uniquely linked to the signer and can identify them.
- Uses cryptographic methods to ensure the signature is valid and the document hasn't been altered.
- Provides strong security and non-repudiation.
- Commonly used for business contracts, HR documents, and supplier agreements.
- Stronger legal standing than SES.
Advanced Electronic Signature with a Qualified Certificate (AdES/QC)
- An AdES enhanced with a qualified digital certificate from a trusted third party (QTSP).
- The certificate confirms the signer's identity and adds an extra layer of assurance.
- Increases credibility, trust, and compliance, especially in regulated industries.
- Recognized across the EU under eIDAS.
- Often required for sensitive or high-value business transactions.
Qualified Electronic Signature (QES)
- The highest level of electronic signature.
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Requires both:
- A qualified certificate issued by a QTSP, and
- A qualified signing device (like a smart card, USB token, or secure mobile app).
- Legally equivalent to a handwritten signature under EU law.
- Extremely secure and trusted.
- Typically used in banking, real estate, government filings, and legal acts (like notarial deeds).
What is an electronic seal
An electronic seal is the digital version of a company stamp. Unlike an e-signature, it is used only by legal entities (such as companies, not individuals).
Electronic seals are used to ensure the origin and integrity of data. For example, by guaranteeing that a document was created or issued by a particular company.
An electronic seal can be issued in the form of a cryptographic USB token or deployed in special Hardware Security Modules (a specific type of server). For large-scale use, such as invoices or statements, e-seal certificates are typically stored only on HSMs.
To make things easier, we have partnered with SK ID Solutions to help you get a qualified e-seal certificate by hosting it on our HSM, in which case you could use the issued e-seal in the Dokobit portal or via a developer-friendly API.
What is an electronic timestamp
An electronic timestamp proves that a document's signature was valid at a specific date and time.
As defined in eIDAS, Article 3, it is "data in electronic form which binds other data in electronic form to a particular time, establishing evidence that the latter data existed at that time."
In simple terms, it's a digital "timestamp" that shows when a document was signed and ensures the information hasn't been changed since.
Compliance with eIDAS
All electronic identification and trust services in the EU must comply with the Electronic Identification and Trust Services (eIDAS) Regulation (EU No. 910/2014).
Dokobit by Signicat follows all of these requirements, so you can be confident that your electronic signatures, seals, and timestamps are legally valid and meet the highest standards of trust and security.