Explore Your Digital Signature – Questions Answered: Get a Digital Signature Certificate

Quick-start guide on how to get a digital signature certificate

Every organization requires signatures, and every organization wants to enhance the process of gathering them. Get professional document managing with airSlate SignNow. You can get a digital signature certificate, generate fillable web templates, set up eSignature invites, send out signing hyperlinks, work together in teams, and more. Discover ways to improve the collection of signatures electronically.

Take the following steps listed below to get a digital signature certificate within a few minutes:

1. Open your browser and visit signnow.com.
2. Sign up for a free trial or log in utilizing your email or Google/Facebook credentials.
3. Click User Avatar -> My Account at the top-right corner of the webpage.
4. Personalize your User Profile with your personal information and altering configurations.
5. Make and manage your Default Signature(s).
6. Get back to the dashboard webpage.
7. Hover over the Upload and Create button and select the appropriate option.
8. Click the Prepare and Send key next to the document's title.
9. Enter the email address and name of all signers in the pop-up screen that opens.
10. Use the Start adding fields menu to begin to edit file and self sign them.
11. Click SAVE AND INVITE when you're done.
12. Continue to configure your eSignature workflow using advanced features.

It couldn't get any simpler to get a digital signature certificate than that. Also, you can install the free airSlate SignNow application to your mobile device and gain access to your profile from any location you are without being tied to your computer or workplace. Go digital and begin signing forms online.

What is the digital signature certificate?

A digital signature certificate is an electronic document that serves as a secure digital equivalent of a handwritten signature. It is issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA) and verifies the identity of the signer. This certificate ensures that the signed documents are authentic and have not been altered after signing. In the context of electronic workflows, a digital signature certificate plays a crucial role in facilitating secure eSignatures, enabling users to sign documents online with confidence.

How to use the digital signature certificate

To use a digital signature certificate, users typically follow these steps:

• Obtain a digital signature certificate from a recognized Certificate Authority.
• Install the certificate on your device or integrate it into your eSignature software.
• Open the document you wish to sign within the eSignature platform.
• Select the option to eSign and choose your digital signature certificate.
• Complete any required fields and apply your signature.
• Save or send the signed document as needed.

Steps to complete the digital signature certificate

Completing a digital signature certificate involves several key steps:

• Choose a Certificate Authority that meets your needs.
• Fill out the application form, providing necessary identification and business information.
• Submit the application along with any required documents.
• Verify your identity as per the CA's requirements.
• Receive your digital signature certificate via email or download it from the CA's portal.
• Install the certificate on your device or integrate it with your eSignature solution.

Legal use of the digital signature certificate

Digital signature certificates are legally recognized in the United States under the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce (ESIGN) Act and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA). These laws affirm that electronic signatures hold the same legal weight as handwritten signatures, provided that both parties consent to use electronic means for signing. This legal framework ensures that documents signed with a digital signature certificate are enforceable in court.

Security & Compliance Guidelines

When using digital signature certificates, adhering to security and compliance guidelines is essential. Key practices include:

• Using certificates from reputable Certificate Authorities.
• Ensuring that your eSignature platform complies with industry standards and regulations.
• Implementing strong authentication methods to verify the identity of signers.
• Regularly updating software to protect against vulnerabilities.
• Maintaining an audit trail of all signed documents for accountability.

Examples of using the digital signature certificate

Digital signature certificates can be utilized in various scenarios, such as:

• Signing contracts and agreements in real estate transactions.
• Finalizing legal documents and court filings.
• Approving financial documents, such as loan applications.
• Signing employee onboarding paperwork in HR processes.
• Securing transactions in e-commerce and online services.