Electronic signatures are an everyday occurrence nowadays - more and more documents are being signed without printing, a pen and a visit to the office. But is it possible to sign an important document electronically without access to the Internet? The answer may surprise you: yes, it is possible - but under certain conditions.
Sometimes yes, but not always. It all depends on which electronic signature solution you use.
Qualified signature offline works when you have your certificate hardware (i.e., a card or USB token) with you. The most popular solutions are:
Certum Mini
It's a kit consisting of a cryptographic card and a USB reader.
How it works:
This is very convenient, for example, when traveling, on a train or in a place without coverage. You have full control over the signature - you do everything locally.
The signed document can be verified for the validity of the certificate. Although you will sign the document without a network, the person who will later check it (e.g., an official, a contractor) may need an Internet connection, to confirm whether the certificate was valid at the time of the signature.
An important element that requires an Internet connection, is qualified timestamp. This is a digital stamp that precisely confirms the moment when the document was signed. Thanks to it, the document acquires the so-called. date certain - that is, confirmation that it existed and was signed at a specific moment.
Without a time stamp, a qualified signature has no evidentiary value as to the date of the signature. It can then be challenged in court or official proceedings if the exact date is relevant (e.g., timeliness of a statement, meeting a deadline in an administrative procedure). However, once you have Internet access, you can add such a timestamp - just reopen the signed document in the signature application (such as proCertum SmartSign), select the option to add a qualified timestamp and approve the operation. The system will connect to the server of the TSA (Time Stamping Authority) service, which will assign a time stamp, confirming when this operation was performed. It is advisable to do this as soon as possible after signing the document to preserve the full evidentiary value of the signature.
Electronic signatures can take many forms - from simple to advanced. But if you want full legal force, compliance with EU law and acceptance in public institutions, choose a qualified signature. It is qualified certificate makes your digital signature fully equivalent to a handwritten signature.
When:
SimplySign is a mobile solution that works through an app. It's fast, flexible and great for people who travel a lot or work remotely.
To sum up. YES! - you can use a qualified signature without the Internet, if you choose the right solution, such as Certum Mini. This is a great option for people who want to be sure to sign a document in any situation - even without Internet access.
However, it is worth remembering that full evidentiary value document gains only after the addition of a qualified time stamp, which confirms the date and time of the signature. And this - regardless of the chosen solution - requires access to the Internet.
In turn SimplySign is the ideal tool for those who value mobility and flexibility, but always have access to the Internet.
If you do not know which signature will be better for you -. contact us. As podpisano.pl - authorized partner Certum (Asseco Data Systems) - we will advise you, show you the differences and help you choose the best solution.
Do you want to learn more about a specific digital trust requirement or service? We would be happy to help!
