How to sign documents using SignicatID
SignicatID video-based identification (previously known as ElectronicID) is an internationally available document signing method that can be used in the Dokobit by Signicat portal when other eID tools cannot be obtained. This signing tool produces QES-level signatures and can be used with PDF files only. To get started, you will need a stable internet connection; a valid passport (for some citizens, an ID card is also accepted); a mobile phone; and a device with a working web camera.
In this article:
An Introduction to SignicatID
A brief overview
Here are some of the key characteristics of SignicatID:
→ It produces QES-level e-signatures and can only be used to sign PDF files.
→ There's a one-time onboarding process for verifying your identity. Once a person successfully goes through the video-based identification, the results are valid for either 1 or 2 years, depending on when the certificate was registered, and as long as the passport or ID card that was used does not expire sooner. What this means is that the signing process for every following document will be quicker and easier since re-identification will not be required for each signature.
→ We offer some citizens the ability to use SignicatID in a self-registered Dokobit account that is created with an OTP (One-Time Password). This allows more freedom for these users by offering them the chance to upload and sign documents themselves without needing a third party to send them signing invitations through accountless signing.
→ The cost of this signing method is covered by the document owner, who is financially responsible for all signatures from all invited signing participants. Check out our price guide here.
Supported countries
In the Dokobit portal, SignicatID can be used in combination with accountless signing to collect signatures from citizens of the following countries:
Albania, Andorra, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam.
Countries in bold: capable of also registering a Dokobit account using OTP, if necessary.
How to enable or disable the option to sign with SignicatID when sharing documents with others
Summary: Users of the Dokobit portal who have purchased a paid plan subscription can enable or disable the option for added participants to sign documents through accountless signing by using SignicatID. This can be done by adjusting the settings of a document before it gets sent out for signing. Follow the steps below to find out how. ↓
1.0. At the top right side of the screen (right under your name), press the "Upload document" button.
1.1. Fill out all of the necessary information in the first three steps of the document uploading process.
Note: Just a reminder that this document signing method supports PDF files only. Files that have been shared in a container format instead will stop the added participants from being able to sign using SignicatID or Swisscom.
1.2. When you reach the fourth step, you will be given the choice to set several document settings, as seen in the image example below.
At the bottom of these settings, the last two options are checkboxes for enabling or disabling accountless signing and video-based identification. Add or remove the checkmarks to set the desired setting.
Note: The setting for accountless signing must also be enabled to allow participants to sign with SignicatID.
1.3. When you're done filling out all the steps, press "Send" at the bottom of the page to share the document with your added participants.
Note: Don't forget – paid plan users are financially responsible for all signatures from all invited signing participants. Check out our price guide here.
How to sign documents using SignicatID
2.0.There are two ways to start the signing process of a document when using SignicatID video-based identification.
Option 1:
In a Dokobit account that has been registered with an OTP (see limitations here), prepare a PDF document for signing. Then, at the bottom of the page, choose the "Sign with QES" tab and press "Sign".
Option 2:
Open a Dokobit email invitation that you received and press "Review and sign".
2.1. Once you are redirected to the document's signing page, in the first drop-down menu, select the issuing country of your ID, and in the second one, choose the SignicatID signing method.
Note: This signing method will not be available to you if your document was issued by a country that is not listed in the drop-down menu.
2.2. Choose the country of your mobile network, enter your phone number, and press "Continue".
2.3. Accept the terms of service by marking the checkbox and then pressing "Continue".
2.4. Read the Privacy Policy agreement and press "Agree".
Note: The contract must be scrolled to the bottom for the "Agree" button to become active.
2.5. Read the Terms and Conditions agreement and press "Agree".
Note: The contract must be scrolled to the bottom for the "Agree" button to become active.
2.6. Once again, choose the issuing country of your ID and the type of document you plan to use, and then press "Start".
2.7. Get familiar with the requirements to ensure that you can successfully sign the document, and then press "Start."
2.8. The camera on your device will turn on and ask you to position the front of your document to fit the frame. Follow the prompts to make sure you do it correctly.
2.9. Once your document has been accepted, follow the prompts to capture your face to ensure a successful identity verification process.
2.10. Once the recording is completed, you will receive a text message with a verification code. Enter the code in the provided boxes and press "Continue."
2.11. Please wait for your identity to be verified.
Note: The verification process is supposed to take up to 5 minutes. However, don't worry if you exceed this waiting time — sometimes, it can take longer.
2.12. Press "Continue" to agree to the certificate issuance contract.
2.13. Read the Certificate issuance contract and press "Agree".
Note: The contract must be scrolled to the bottom for the "Agree" button to become active.
2.14. You will receive a text message containing your PIN and a link to confirm its reception. Press the link in the text message and then press "Continue" on the signing page.
Important! The PIN is used during all SignicatID signings. If it is lost or forgotten, you must revoke the certificate and create a new one by repeating the steps in these instructions.
2.15. Enter the PIN in the provided boxes and press "Continue".
2.16. You will receive another text message with a verification code. Enter the code in the provided boxes and press "Submit."
2.17. Once the document is successfully signed, a message similar to the one in the image example below will be displayed.
Note: If the document is waiting on signatures from other participants, the link for downloading the file will not be available. Once every participant has signed the document, you will receive the link to your email address.
How to revoke a SignicatID certificate
Summary: If you've forgotten your SignicatID PIN or need to revoke your qualified certificate for other reasons, follow the instructions below.
3.1. Go to your email account and search for the letter containing the issued contract that was sent to you. The sender of this letter is "Signicat Spain" and its subject line is "Qualified Certificate - emission information".
3.2. This message will include your username, ERC, and a link to revoke the certificate. Press on the included link.
3.3. A new page will open. Enter your username (a.k.a. "Scratchcard number") and ERC, and press "Check".
3.4. Here, you will see information regarding your issued certificate. Press "Revoke".
3.5. Specify a reason for revoking the certificate, enter your ERC once again, and press "Confirm".
