eIDAS recognises three types of electronic signatures, i.e. simple, advanced, and qualified.
Simple Electronic Signature: A simple electronic signature must meet the following three basic requirements for signing:
- Used by the person related to the signature
- Used in a fashion that demonstrates the intent of the signer
- Associated with the document or data the signer intended to sign
Advanced Electronic Signature: An advanced electronic signature goes beyond the essential e-signature by tying authentication to the signature and thus the document. An advance electronic signature, in addition to complying with the requirements of an SES, must also require to be:
- Associated with the person using the signature
- Able to spot the signer
- Created in a way that the signer is confident it’s under their sole control
- Linked to the document, so any changes made afterward are identifiable
Qualified Electronic Signature: A qualified electronic signature is a complicated electronic signature that also requires a private digital certificate additionally to all or any other standard requirements. Qualified electronic signature must comply to the requirements of both electronic signatures and advanced electronic signatures, and also be:
- Created employing a professional electronic creation or signature creation device.
- Supported by qualified certificate (issued by knowledgeable trust service provider)
- Like a sophisticated e-signature, it is recognized as a handwritten signature. A QES requires no additional evidence by the court if the validity of the same is questioned during a dispute.
A qualified e-signature reverses the burden of proof that generally is created during a digital transaction. With qualified e-signature, the signer must produce the digital certificate used to authenticate the signature.