What is a Qualified eSignature (QES)?

Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) is the highest level of eSignature available through Signable. It provides extra assurance about who’s signing by verifying the signer’s identity before their signature is applied and securely linking their signature to the document.

Under the electronic Identification, Authentication and Trust Services (eIDAS) regulation, QES has the legal equivalent of a handwritten signature. You might need to use QES where a legal or regulatory process requires it, or where the organisation you’re dealing with has specifically asked for one.

Not sure whether you need QES?

It depends on the document you’re signing and the rules that apply to it. Signable can’t provide legal advice, so check with your legal adviser or the organisation requesting the signature if you’re unsure.

How is QES different from a standard eSignature?

Most documents can be signed using Signable’s usual eSignature process. QES adds identity verification and a qualified certificate, provided through Evrotrust, Signable’s Qualified Trust Service Provider (QTSP).

That means a couple of extra steps for the signer, but they provide greater assurance that the person signing is who they say they are.

Once signing is complete, the document can also be checked to see whether any changes have been made after it was signed.

When should I use QES?

You may need QES when:

• A regulator, solicitor, lender, or another third party has asked for it.
• Your signing process requires the highest available level of assurance about the signer’s identity.
• QES is a requirement for the process or document you’re signing.

An important document doesn’t automatically need QES. The right type of eSignature depends on the document, the process, and any legal or regulatory requirements that apply.

What does the signer need?

There are a few extra steps for the signer. They’ll be asked to:

1. Review the final version of the document.
2. Verify their identity using the free Evrotrust app.
3. Confirm the signing request in the app.

To complete identity verification, signers need a valid NFC-enabled passport, a UK mobile number, and a smartphone that can run the Evrotrust app.

Once verified, their identity can be reused for future QES signing for up to two years, so they won’t necessarily need to repeat the full verification process every time.