Digital signature

What is the Digital signature

The digital signature - or qualified electronic signature (QES) - is the digital equivalent of a traditional handwritten signature on paper and has the following features:

• Authenticity: guarantees the identity of the signatory
• Integrity: ensures that the document has not been modified since signing it
• Legal validity: gives full legal value to the signed document

The use of the digital signature therefore allows to significantly simplify relations between Public Administrations, citizens or businesses, drastically reducing the management of documents in paper form. It is possible to digitally sign any electronic document, such as invoices, communications to PAs, chamber of commerce certificates, contracts, etc.

All natural persons can have a digital signature: citizens, directors and employees of companies and of public administrations.

The necessary requirements to apply for a digital signature device are:

• to be at least 18 years old;
• to be in possession of a tax code;
• to be in possession of a valid identity document.

How to request a digital signature

It is possible to contact one of the qualified trust service providers authorized by AgID who guarantee the identity of the subjects using the digital signature, shown at the following link: https://www.agid.gov.it/en/platforms/qualified-electronic-signature/qtsp-ceased

The digital signature can be used both with connected devices (smart card or USB token) or through OTP (acronym for One Time Password). The devices are shipped quickly, usually within 24 hours of receipt of the necessary documentation and it has a cost that is usually between 25 and 70 euros.

Once the digital signature has been purchased, it is necessary to be identified by a public official: at the Municipality, remotely at home or at any post office (the method of identification depends on the chosen service provider).

The use of the digital signature

The digital signature can be used in two ways:

• "locally" - the digital signature is generated by a tool that is physically possessed by the holder: a smart card and the relative smart card reader (an electronic card to insert in the reader in order to add the digital signature) or a USB token (a USB key equipped with an internal SIM card to connect to a computer).
• "remotely" - the digital signature is generated using authentication tools (typically user ID + password + OTP or mobile phone) that allow the generation of the signature on a device (HSM) held by the provider.

Verify a digitally signed file

You can check documents digitally signed in accordance with CAdES, view their content and provide information regarding the signatory at this link: https://webapps.comune.trento.it/verifica-firma/.

Renew the digital signature

The digital signature is valid for three years; its renewal can take place starting from 90 days prior to and up to the day before the expiry date.

For more information check https://www.agid.gov.it/en/platforms/qualified-electronic-signature