How to Validate a Digital Signature in a PDF

Validating a digital signature answers two questions: is the document unchanged since it was signed, and can the signature be trusted? PDF Verified checks the document fingerprint and the signing record so you get a clear, plain-language verdict.

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Step by step

  1. Open /verify and upload the PDF.
  2. The checker reads the embedded signature record and fingerprint.
  3. See whether the signature is valid and the document intact.
  4. Expand the audit trail for the full chain of custody.

What to look for

Frequently asked questions

Is it free to validate a digital signature?

Yes. Upload the PDF to the PDF Verified checker and get a verdict for free — no account needed. The file is analysed and not shared.

Do I need the original to compare against?

No. If the document was sealed by PDF Verified, the SHA-256 fingerprint is embedded and checked automatically. For any other PDF, the forensic checker inspects the file's own structure, metadata, and revision history.

Is my document kept private?

The file is processed only to produce the verdict and is not published or shared. Verification of a PDF Verified document can also be done with just the QR code or short code — without uploading the file at all.

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