In the event that the DigiDoc4 application displays an access certificate expiration message, you need to update the ID software!

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Digital signing

Electronic signing allows you to sign document files in a paper-free manner. But did you know, however, that all signatures given electronically are not digital signatures and their legal validity does not correspond to the handwritten signature?  Here is where you can learn more about electronic and digital signing in Estonia.

  • BDOC file format

    BDOC file format and its use.

  • DigiDoc4 digital signing and signature validation with a test ID-card, mobile-ID and Smart-ID

    In order to verify signatures given with test certificates in the DigiDoc4 client, you need to configure the test certificates manually. Otherwise the signature validation check will return the status “Unknown”.

  • Digital signing with ID-card, mobile-ID, Smart-ID and e-Seal

    In order to make it easier to add signing support to web applications, we recommend using a JavaScript library with a unified API that allows different plugins to be used in a similar way (independently of the operating system and the browser).

  • Recommended data file formats for digital signing

    Nowadays, nearly all file formats are suitable for digital signing. There are no restrictions on digitally signed documents exchanged between information systems, but if a signed document is sent to an end-user, the most common and standard file formats should be preferred.

  • BDOC2.1 – New Estonian digital signature standard format

    The new version of the Estonian digital signature standard EVS 821:2014 can be purchased from the Estonian Centre for Standardisation. The new standard is valid from 5 June 2014.

  • DigiDoc container format life cycle

    An overview of DigiDoc container formats supported by different versions and components of the ID-sofrware.

  • BDOC, CDOC and ASICE DigiDoc file formats

    An overview of DigiDoc container formats supported by different versions and components of the ID-software can be found on the DigiDoc container format life cycle page. There is also a sample file for each format.

  • Digital stamping

    Digital stamping means digital signing with an e-Stamp designed for legal persons. The service is offered by SK ID Solutions AS. There are two methods of digital stamping: stamping individual documents with DigiDoc4 and mass stamping with the DigiDoc4j utility program.

  • Electronic signatures and addressing them in Europe

    eIDAS (electronic IDentification, Authentication and trust Services) is the regulation on e-identification and e-transactions effective in the European Union, which is aimed at simplification of the use of cross-border e-services through harmonised standards and operating principles.

  • Informing user of unsuccessful signing

    Upon electronic use of an ID-card, setup related errors may occur with the browser. To avoid problems, we recommend doing an automated check-up of the signing plugin in the e-service and display to the user as precisely a formulated error message as possible.