Personal signature is an advanced electronic signature that is embedded in the electronic layer of the Polish identity card (the so-called. e-Card). It is obtained free of charge when making a new ID card, as long as we agree to store the personal signature certificate in the card. Such a certificate confirms our basic data (name, surname, PESEL, citizenship, etc.) and enables electronic signatures. In practice, a personal signature allows a citizen to sign electronic documents addressed mainly to public institutions - when dealing with the office, it is legally equivalent to a handwritten signature.
Outside of public administration, a personal signature (e-Government) can only be used with the consent of both parties.
This means that in private transactions, the other party must accept the signature so affixed in order for it to be valid. As a result, the scope of applications of a personal signature is limited primarily to official matters and less formal activities.
Qualified signature is the highest type of electronic signature that meets the stringent requirements of the EU regulation eIDAS. It is legally equivalent to a handwritten signature in all contexts - both in dealing with public and private entities, at home and abroad.
A qualified signature is based on a qualified certificate issued by a a certified trust service provider (an independent, accredited institution). Obtaining such a certificate requires confirmation of the identity of the user (e.g., in person or remotely via video verification), so that the submitted signature is reliably assigned to a specific person.
As a result, a document bearing a qualified signature has the same legal force as a document signed by handand not only in Poland, but throughout the European Union. The qualified signature is considered the standard for signing important contracts and legal actions, and importantly, it is not linked to an ID card - it can be acquired independently of having an e-card (also by foreigners or people who have not yet replaced their ID with a new one).
Using a personal signature requires appropriate tools and software, as it is necessary to read the e-card and authorize operations with a PIN.
To sign a document using a personal signature from an e-card:
Using an in-person signature is sometimes technically less convenient - it requires the physical presence of proof to sign each document and a special reader or smartphone with NFC.
If you often sign documents electronically, it is worth considering the more convenient solution of a qualified signature.
The two types of electronic signatures differ significantly in their capabilities and range of applications:
The personal signature does not use an independent provider - the certificate is embedded in the state-issued ID card, without additional external verification. The lack of such a trusted intermediary means that a personal signature does not meet the highest security standards and cannot be used in situations that require maximum legal certainty (such as the execution of notarial deeds or other important contracts). In these cases, it is the qualified signature that is required.
In contrast, the use of a personal signature is sometimes limited to less formal documents. For example, while we can sign an official letter with an e-ID, entering into a contract with a contractor or making a statement of intent requiring an electronic form will be effective only with the use of a qualified signature (as reflected in civil law regulations). In short - qualified signature provides full freedom and legal certainty in all situations where a personal signature could prove insufficient.
No - The personal signature from the e-Proof does not contain a qualified time stamp. This means that it is not able to provide a so-called. date certain in the sense of civil law. While such a signature confirms the identity and integrity of the document, it does not provide proof of when exactly it was made. This is an important difference, especially in the context of court or tax requirements or when verifying the timeliness of legal actions.
Qualified signature + time stamp = full protection
In the case of a qualified electronic signature, the time stamp can:
Services offered by podpisano.pl make it possible to use a qualified signature in combination with a qualified timestamp. This gives each signed document an extra layer of security and legal credibility - not only is it known, who signed, but also when exactly he or she did it.
Since qualified e-signature offers the most possibilities, it is worth knowing, how it can be made. Unlike a personal signature (which is issued with an ID card), a qualified signature is purchased from a selected trust service provider. The process is simple and increasingly user-friendly. Read more about it here.
Summary, if you want a comprehensive, secure and legally recognized electronic signature, qualified signature is an unbeatable choice.
A personal signature from an e-Evidence can be used for basic domestic applications, but will not replace a qualified signature in business or official legal transactions.
By choosing a qualified e-signature, you gain the confidence that your electronic signature will be respected in any situation - from official matters, through the conclusion of civil law contracts, to contacts with contractors around the world. Thanks to this, you will be able to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by digital identification and electronic signing of documents without fear.
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!
