How to Verify a Digital Signature on PDF Documents

In today’s digital world, documents are often signed electronically to ensure security, authenticity, and efficiency. A digital signature is a secure way of verifying the identity of the sender and ensuring that the document has not been altered. But how do you check if a digital signature on a PDF document is valid? This guide will explain everything in simple terms.

What is a Digital Signature?

A Digital Signature is an electronic fingerprint that ensures a document is genuine and has not been tampered with. It is created using encryption technology and is legally recognized in many countries. Businesses, government organizations, and individuals use digital signatures for contracts, invoices, agreements, and official documents.

Why Digital Signatures Are Important:

Ensures document authenticity
Provides security and protection against fraud
Saves time and effort compared to physical signatures
Legally valid in many countries

How to Verify a Digital Signature

To check if a digital signature is valid, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Visit Our Website

Go to our website to start the process.

Step 2: Fill in Your Details

User Type: Choose if you are an individual or an organization.
Certificate Type: Pick if you need it just for signing documents or for both signing and encryption.
Validity: Choose how long you want the certificate to last.
Personal Info: Enter your name, phone number, email, and address.
Agree to Terms: Check the box to agree to the terms.
Submit: Click the submit button.

Step 3: Choose Token Option

Already Have a Token?: If you have a USB token, choose "No." If you need a new one, choose "Yes."

Step 4: Make Payment

Payment: Enter your payment details and choose how you want to pay (net banking, credit card, debit card, or UPI).

Step 5: Complete the Process

Review: Make sure all your information is correct.
Submit: Click submit and wait for a confirmation email.

Troubleshooting Signature Verification Issues

Sometimes, digital signatures may not be verified due to certain issues. Here’s how to fix them:

1. “Signature validity is unknown” Warning

Ensure that your PDF reader supports digital signature verification.
Update Adobe Acrobat Reader to the latest version.
Click on Validate Signature to manually verify it.

2. Expired Certificate

If the certificate has expired, ask the sender for a newly signed document.
Some PDFs may still be valid if they were signed when the certificate was active.

3. Untrusted Certificate Authority

Some digital signatures require adding the Certificate Authority (CA) to your trusted list.
Go to Signature Properties > Show Certificate > Trust and add the CA to your trusted sources.

4. Modified Document Warning

If the document was altered after signing, it is no longer secure.
Ask the sender for the original signed version.

Legal Validity of Digital Signatures

Digital signatures are legally recognized in many countries, including India, the USA, the UK, and the European Union. In India, the Information Technology Act, of 2000 governs digital signatures, making them valid for legal and official documents.

When is a Digital Signature Legally Valid?

Issued by a licensed Certificate Authority
Not expired or revoked
The document has not been modified after signing
The signer’s identity is verified

Benefits of Verifying Digital Signatures

Verifying digital signatures is crucial for ensuring document security and authenticity. Here are the key benefits:

Prevents fraud: Ensures that the document is signed by the right person.
Saves time: No need for physical verification.
Legally secure: Provides legal evidence in disputes.
Enhances trust: Builds credibility in business and government transactions.

Suggested Read – Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate For eTender

Conclusion

Verifying a digital signature on a PDF document is a simple but important process. It ensures that the document is authentic, unaltered, and legally valid. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily check and confirm the validity of a digital signature in a few clicks.

Always use trusted PDF readers, update them regularly, and ensure that recognized Certificate Authorities issue digital certificates. This will help you stay secure and confident in handling electronically signed documents.

By understanding how to verify a digital signature, you can protect yourself from fraud, ensure compliance with legal requirements, and maintain a seamless workflow in your business or organization.