How to sign an electronic document

There's a wealth of information and methods available online for obtaining an electronic digital signature (EDS) for working with electronic documents, but we've created the simplest instructions available, so even a grandmother can obtain an EDS and sign a document without the help of her children or grandchildren.

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Why and who needs an electronic digital signature?

An electronic digital signature is essential for citizens who are protecting their health by avoiding visiting various organizations during the pandemic. An electronic digital signature allows for signing documents without leaving home. The legal force of a document signed with an electronic digital signature is confirmed by the Law of Ukraine "On Electronic Documents and Electronic Document Exchange" No. 851-IV of May 22, 2003.

How to obtain an electronic digital signature and sign an electronic document?

Since we stated that our instructions would be understandable to everyone, even a person of a respectable age, we will form the article using a real example.

Imagine you need to sign a document without leaving home. You received the file via email and saved it to your computer. You can sign it using a digital signature. You have a logical question: "How do I do this and where can I get a digital signature?"

Obtaining a certificate through the ACSC JSC KB PrivatBank

The first step in the process is obtaining a certificate through an accredited center. Every PrivatBank client can obtain a certificate for an electronic digital signature in minutes. Occasionally, there may be system failures, and completing the necessary steps may take time due to the large number of users.

Important: We provide an example of obtaining a certificate through an accredited center of JSC KB PrivatBank, but you can choose any other.

Go to the PrivatBank JSC CB ACSC page. Enter your information as you would for Privat24. Click "Get Certificates" in the "For Clients" list. A field with your personal information will appear—click "Data is correct." Now create a password for the keystore, remember it, and click "Next."

A field will appear on the screen asking you to enter a code—it will be sent to the phone number linked to Privat24. Enter it, click the checkbox to agree to the terms, and then click "Next."

You should see information indicating that your application for a signature key certificate has been successfully processed, along with the serial number and expiration date. The certificate file (storage) itself has been saved on the device.

How to sign a document?

You've learned how to obtain an electronic digital signature certificate, which will allow you to sign electronic documents without any barriers.

Let's move on to the process of signing the required document. To do this, go to the "Diya" portal. Register or log in if you're already registered. Click "Services" and select the "For Citizens" section. Please note that the website separates services for citizens and for businesses. Select "Sign a document" and click the corresponding button. A window will appear in which you need to upload the key file. You've already saved it in storage and remembered the password. Click "Select from your storage" or simply drag the file into this window.

A new window will appear. Drag the document that requires your signature into it. Then click the "Sign Document" button.

Everything is ready, the signed document has downloaded to your computer. Find it in your Downloads folder. If it doesn't, click the "Save File" button and check for the file.

To check the signed document, go tofollow this linkDrag the saved file into the window and click "Check." Information about the presence or absence of an overlaid signature will then be displayed.

Congratulations! You've completed the process of signing a document with an electronic digital signature. It's convenient, fast, and free. No need to visit any authorities, stand in lines, or risk your health. Electronic document management allows you to manage the entire workflow at your enterprise or company. You can also access government services without leaving home.