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Bottom line: countersignature is a signature made on an already existing signature. This is not a simple „second signature to the document” (co-signature), but a acknowledgement of someone else's signature - For example, when a supervisor, legal counsel or CFO formally approves the signature of an employee or board member.
In corporate circulation, more often than not, a simple co-signature under the document, but where the procedure requires a „signature on the signature,” you use the countersignatures.
If the company's articles of incorporation simply refer to joint representation (two signatures), in the PDFs (PAdES) is usually used second independent signature. Countersignature is sometimes a natural choice when XAdES/CAdES (external signatures) and specific confirmation procedures.
proCertum SmartSign supports both solutions - you can countersign regardless of whether you use a card (Certum Mini) or a mobile signature (SimplySign).
The diagram below is according to the official instructions Certum.
Practical note: in PDF (PAdES) business you usually use second signature under the document (co-signature), because it is more legible in the signature panel.
Counter-signature is more often used in XAdES/CAdES (external signatures).
Qualified signature by itself does not guarantee perpetual verifiability. The certificate will expire (usually after 1-3 years), and verification sources are not maintained indefinitely. Therefore, for a long retention period, the key qualified time stamp. He is the one who confirms, that specific document existed at the time and was not altered - Even when the signer's certificate has already expired.
Our guide here
Does the countersignature require another certificate?
No. You use of the same qualified certificate - on Certum Mini either in SimplySign. SmartSign itself will recognize the previous signature and propose an action „Counter-sign.”.
Is it necessary to do a countersignature in PDF (PAdES)?
In business practice - rarely. Most often you add second signature Under the document (co-signature). Counter-signature is more common in XAdES/CAdES (external signature) and where the policy requires proof of specific signature.
How to add a time stamp after signing?
For the signature internal (e.g., PAdES) – add another signature With a timestamp.
For external (XAdES/CAdES) - you can replace signature version with a marker, add another signature with a marker or countersigned by containing the tag. Podpisano.pl
Is it possible to sign and archive „fully offline”?
Yes - alone signature you can submit offline (Certum Mini + SmartSign). Timestamp requires an Internet connection - you can add it later, as another operation. Podpisano.pl
If you have any concerns or questions, please contact us
We'll answer your questions, find a time that works for you, and match you with an advisor at one of our locations throughout Poland.
You can also write an email from us [email protected].
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