Electronic signature

The choice of the certificate depends mainly on the security level of the chosen electronic signature (simple, advanced, or qualified). The higher the signature level, the more demanding the certificate is.

There are two main repositories responsible for defining lists of organizations that issue trust certificates with qualified statuses:

• The Référentiel Général de Sécurité (General Security Framework): valid at the national level with 3 levels of verification (RGS*, RGS**, RGS***)
• The eIDAS Regulation: valid at the European level with different degrees (LCP, NCP, QCP, QCP-n-QSCD). 

To create an electronic signature, you must first find a trusted service provider to acquire a packaged solution (accessible from a computer, tablet, or mobile device). Then, you need to:

1. Choose a type of signature (simple, advanced, or qualified) based on your needs (security requirements for signer authentication, budget, customer experience).
2. Upload your documents (contracts, quotes, etc.) to the chosen electronic signature solution.
3. Define the recipients/signatories of the documents.
4. Initiate the electronic signature process.

Nothing could be simpler for many benefits: reduced administrative costs, complete traceability, document integrity, easy access to information, quick communication with customers and partners, compliance with the eIDAS regulation. 

Several steps are required to do this easily:

1. Equip yourself with an electronic signature solution like Docaposte's.
2. Obtain an electronic signature certificate issued by a certification authority.
3. Upload the PDF to the solution, place a signature field on the document, and save it.
4. Send the document directly through one of Docaposte's electronic signature solutions so that your recipient receives it via email.

Today, the vast majority of files exchanged are digitized in PDF format, making it a fast and legally valid way to sign documents simply and effectively. 

An electronic signature has the same legal value as a handwritten signature. It is admissible as evidence in legal disputes. However, it must still comply with a strict identification process:

1. Authenticate the signatory's identity.
2. Ensure the document's integrity (it must not be altered).
3. Comply with French/European standards and legal usage rules.

A qualified electronic signature (the highest security level) is presumed to be reliable in the event of a dispute or legal proceedings. Its legal effect is equivalent to a handwritten signature. 

With the need to digitize business processes in recent years, companies are now opting for electronic signatures over handwritten signatures.

The handwritten signature, while still relevant, has its limitations: the need to print documents, initial each page, and the geographical constraint of being in the same location as the document. In contrast, electronic signatures offer unparalleled flexibility. They allow you to sign documents anywhere, anytime, and on any type of device. Furthermore, the electronic signature process is fast, simple, and secure, while maintaining the same legal value as a handwritten signature.