Is PDF Verified legally binding?

Yes. PDF Verified signatures comply with the US ESIGN Act, UETA, EU eIDAS regulation, and equivalent eSignature laws in 190+ countries. Every signed document includes a cryptographic SHA-256 fingerprint and a complete audit trail with timestamps and signer hash chain — admissible in court.

How is PDF Verified different from DocuSign?

PDF Verified offers unlimited documents on the $15 Business plan with REST API included. DocuSign charges $40+/user for Business and gates the API behind a $720/month add-on. PDF Verified also includes unique features: public QR verification page on every signed PDF, eStamp designer, AI field auto-detection, and mobile-first signing without requiring an app.

Can I use PDF Verified without a subscription?

Yes. The pay-as-you-go option lets you sign or send one document or envelope for $1.50 without a monthly subscription. Monthly paid plans include a 7-day free trial.

Which file types can I sign with PDF Verified?

Upload PDF, DOCX, TXT, PNG or JPG files. Non-PDF formats are automatically converted to PDF on upload so signers always receive a clean signing-ready document.

How do recipients verify a signed document is authentic?

Every signed PDF includes a QR code on every page. Anyone — even without a PDF Verified account — can scan it to land on a public verification page showing the document status, completion date, SHA-256 fingerprint, and tamper-evidence proof.

Does PDF Verified work on mobile?

Yes — PDF Verified is mobile-first by design. The signing portal uses a native bottom-sheet pattern with touch-optimized canvas signing, sticky CTAs in the thumb zone, and 44px+ touch targets following Apple Human Interface Guidelines. No app download required.

Can I add a company stamp or seal to a document?

Yes. PDF Verified includes a stamp designer for company seals, official seals, approval stamps (APPROVED, PAID, RECEIVED), date stamps, and certified-true-copy marks. Place a stamp on any document like a signature field. On Business plans, the verified stamp library adds auto-incrementing serial numbers, locked metadata, workspace sharing, revocation, and a public QR verification link for every stamp applied.

How do I verify a stamp is genuine?

Each stamp PDF Verified applies mints a unique verification token at /verify-stamp/:token. Scan the stamp's QR code or open the link from the document's audit certificate to see the stamp's name, serial number, the document it was applied to, and whether it has been revoked — so anyone can confirm a company seal or approval stamp is authentic and current.

How do I verify a signature on a PDF is real?

Open the verification page at pdfverified.com/verify and scan the QR code on the signed PDF, paste the verification code, or upload the file. PDF Verified recomputes the document's SHA-256 fingerprint and compares it against the sealed value — if a single byte changed since signing, verification fails. You also see every signer, their timestamps, and the full tamper-evident audit trail. No account is required to verify.

How do I add a digital stamp to a PDF online?

Upload your PDF, open the editor, add a Stamp field, and pick a stamp from your library — a company seal, an APPROVED or PAID approval stamp, a date stamp, or a certified-true-copy mark. The stamp is baked into the sealed PDF with an optional auto-incrementing serial number and a QR code that links to its public verification page. No printer, ink pad, or scanner needed.

eSignature law in Kenya

Electronic signatures are legally binding in Kenya under the Kenya Information and Communications Act (KICA) and the Business Laws (Amendment) Act 2020.

Governing law: Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998 (KICA) + Business Laws (Amendment) Act 2020 (1998)

Kenya recognized electronic signatures in 1998 under the Kenya Information and Communications Act (KICA), with substantial modernization through the Business Laws (Amendment) Act 2020, which removed witnessing and stamp duty barriers for electronic signing of most commercial contracts. KICA Section 83G grants electronic signatures the same legal effect as handwritten ones provided the signature method reliably identifies the signer and indicates approval. Advanced Electronic Signatures under KICA Section 83Q are admissible as evidence and carry a strong rebuttable presumption of authenticity. The Communications Authority of Kenya licenses Certification Service Providers (CSPs) for digital signatures and operates the National Root Certification Authority.

What makes an eSignature valid in Kenya

Reliability — method capable of identifying the signer and indicating approval
Signer identity — attribution through email, ID, or biometric method
Integrity — content unaltered since signing
Consent — both parties agreed to use electronic means
For Advanced Electronic Signatures: certificate from CCK-licensed CSP

Where eSignatures are not valid

Wills and testamentary instruments
Negotiable instruments under the Bills of Exchange Act
Trust documents under the Trustees Act
Documents requiring registration under the Land Registration Act (most land transfers)
Sworn statements and affidavits

FAQ

Are electronic signatures legal in Kenya?

Yes. Under KICA Section 83G electronic signatures have the same legal effect as handwritten signatures for nearly all commercial contracts.

Does Kenya require an Advanced Electronic Signature?

For most contracts a Simple Electronic Signature is sufficient. Advanced signatures (from a CCK-licensed CSP) carry stronger presumption of authenticity, useful for high-value or disputed transactions.

Can I sign an employment contract electronically in Kenya?

Yes. Employment contracts, NDAs, vendor agreements, and lease agreements are all valid with electronic signatures under KICA.

What about stamp duty on electronic contracts?

The Business Laws (Amendment) Act 2020 confirmed that electronic documents can be stamped electronically, and stamp duty is payable on dutiable contracts whether wet-ink or electronic.