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 South Africa

Electronic signatures are legally binding in South Africa under the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002.

Governing law: Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002 (ECT Act) (2002)

South Africa recognizes electronic signatures under the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002 (ECT Act). The Act distinguishes between Ordinary Electronic Signatures (Section 13(1) — valid for most contracts where the parties agree) and Advanced Electronic Signatures (Section 13(4) — issued by the South African Accreditation Authority and required for documents where the law expressly demands a signature, such as suretyships and certain notarial documents). The Cybercrimes Act 2020 and the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) 2013 add further evidentiary and data-protection requirements.

What makes an eSignature valid in South Africa

Method identifies the signer and indicates approval (Section 13(1))
Method reliability appropriate to the purpose
Both parties consent to electronic communication
For Advanced Electronic Signature: SAAA-accredited certificate authority
Compliance with POPIA for personal data captured during signing

Where eSignatures are not valid

Wills, codicils, and testamentary trusts (Wills Act 7 of 1953)
Alienation of immovable property (Alienation of Land Act 68 of 1981)
Suretyships and long-lease agreements (where AES is required)
Negotiable instruments under the Bills of Exchange Act

FAQ

Are electronic signatures legal in South Africa?

Yes. The Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002 grants electronic signatures full legal validity for most commercial contracts.

When do I need an Advanced Electronic Signature in South Africa?

AES is required for documents where the law expressly demands a signature — primarily suretyships, long-lease agreements, and certain notarial deeds. Most commercial contracts work with Ordinary eSignatures.

Can I sign a property sale agreement electronically in South Africa?

No. Alienation of immovable property still requires wet-ink under the Alienation of Land Act 68 of 1981.

Is PDF Verified POPIA compliant?

Yes. PDF Verified provides a signed Data Processing Agreement compatible with POPIA, regional storage options, and full data subject rights tooling.