Detailed Guide About Digital Signature Timestamp

Learn why a digital signature timestamp is vital for security and compliance. Discover simple steps to add and verify one in PDFs.

Part 1. What Is a Digital Signature Timestamp?

A digital signature timestamp is cryptographic evidence of the exact time a digital signature or document existed, issued by a trusted Timestamp Authority (TSA). The time value comes from a reliable, verifiable source, so it holds evidentiary value and preserves long-term validation even if the signer’s certificate later expires.

Why Signature Timestamp Matters

• Makes signatures tamper-evident and non-repudiable.
• Preserves validation beyond certificate expiry (supports LTV).
• Strengthens legal/compliance standing for contracts and records.

Process of Getting a Digital Signature Timestamp

• Sign the document; a hash of its data is generated and sent to a TSA.
• The TSA returns an RFC 3161 timestamp token that includes a trusted time and the document hash.
• The token is bound to the signature; any party can later verify time and integrity.

Key Takeaway: A trusted timestamp binds your signature to an authoritative time source and prevents backdating.

Part 2. Digital Signature Vs. Timestamp Vs. E-Signature

Electronic Signature (E-Signature)

General electronic intent to sign (type/draw/click), focused on convenience; not certificate- or PKI-based.

Digital Signature

PKI/certificate-based signature that signs a document hash with the signer’s private key and verifies with the public key—favored in regulated environments.

Timestamp

Cryptographic proof of “when” a signature/document existed, issued by a TSA; augments auditability and long-term validity.

With vs. Without Timestamp (Comparison)

Part 3. Guide on How to Add a Timestamped Digital Signature in a PDF

Prerequisites

Step 1Get a Signing Certificate

Obtain a personal/organizational certificate (e.g., PFX/P12, token, smart card).

Step 2Contact a Trusted Timestamp Authority (TSA)

Get a TSA server URL (public or enterprise) to supply a trusted time source.

Step 3Use a Compatible PDF Editor

Ensure your editor supports digital signatures with timestamps.

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Step-by-Step: Add a Timestamped Signature

Step 1Create the Signature Field & Select Certificate

Open the PDF → go to Sign/Certificates → place a visible signature → choose your certificate and appearance.

Step 2Enable Timestamp & Sign

Enable Add Timestamp and set TSA URL if needed → click Sign to embed the TSA token → save the PDF.

Part 4. Quick Guide on How to Verify a Digital Signature with Timestamp

Step 1Open Signature Panel

Open the document’s Signature Panel to view signature entries.

Step 2Validate Signature, Timestamp & Chain

Confirm “Signature is Valid” and timestamp is trusted, review the certificate chain/OCSP/CRL status, and ensure no post-sign changes.

Note: If the timestamp or signer certificate is untrusted, import the TSA/root CA to trusted identities or switch to a widely trusted TSA.

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Part 5. Create Digital Signature Timestamp Using PDFelement

PDFelement streamlines adding a certificate-based signature and a trusted timestamp in one guided flow, making signed PDFs compliant, tamper-evident, and defensible.

Key Features

• Guided Signing Flow: Clear steps inside a familiar editor.
• Trusted Timestamp: Embed a certified time during signing.
• Easy Verification: Check validity from the signature panel.
• Certificate Compatibility: Works with personal and enterprise certificates.

How to Create & Verify in PDFelement

Step 1Open the PDF

Launch PDFelement → click Open PDF and import your file.

Step 2Navigate to Digital Signature

Go to the Protect tools and choose Sign Document.

Step 3Place Signature & Save

Set position, select Sign As and certificate info, then save to embed the signature and timestamp.

Step 4Open Signature Properties

Right-click the signature → Show Signature Properties.

Step 5View Certificate & Validate

Click Show Certificate and then Validate Signature.

Step 6Use the Signature Panel

Click the Signature icon to open the panel and review details.

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Part 6. Troubleshoot Digital Signature Timestamp Issues

• Timestamp Failed: Check network, TSA URL/credentials, or try another TSA.
• Untrusted Timestamp: Import TSA root/intermediate certs to trusted identities.
• Expired Signer Certificate: LTV helps, but ensure revocation checks pass.
• Clock Skew: Use TSA time rather than local machine time.
• Archival: Avoid altering the original signed PDF after signing.

Part 7. Compliance to Follow to Make Digital Signature Trustworthy

• Audit Trails: Timestamps improve retention and audit support.
• Long-Term Proof (LTV): Embed revocation data (OCSP/CRL).
• Internal Policy: Standardize on one TSA and a documented workflow.