How to e-sign with QES/AdES
For documents requiring the highest level of security, you may need a Qualified (QES) or Advanced (AdES) Electronic Signature—a secure, legally binding method that verifies your identity. Below, we explain the difference between QES and AdES and guide you through the signing process.
Covered here:
Qualified and Advanced electronic signatures (QES/AdES), explained
Qualified electronic signature (QES) ensures compliance with the highest standards of electronic signatures, meeting the requirements set forth by European regulatory bodies (eIDAS). QES has the same legal value and effect as a handwritten signature.
Advanced electronic signature (AdES) functions similarly to QES and follows the same process in your client portal. However, unlike QES, AdES does not use a qualified certificate to verify the signatory's identity. As a result, AdES is generally considered to be less legally binding than QES.
How to e-sign with QES/AdES
If your firm enabled QES/AdES, you will be notified that the document requires a QES/AdES and you will need to verify your identity before signing.
Once you click the Sign document button:
- Select your country from the drop-down.
- Choose an authentication provider and follow the authentication process.
Depending on the selected provider, you might be required to use your personal identity code number, provider's website or app.
To learn more about the authentication process of the selected provider, click the link at the bottom of the Select your country and the authenticator app page.
Once the document is signed, you will see the signature stamp at its bottom:
