Digital Signatures
A digital electronic signature serves the same purpose as a handwritten signature on paper. It enables identification of the person signing the document.
The University offers two methods for digitally signing documents:
- Using the online service Sunet eduSign.
- Using a PDF application and a personal certificate.
To use digital signatures, you must have an active user account and a valid email address linked to that account.
Like a handwritten signature?
A digital signature is legally equivalent to a traditional handwritten signature. In most cases, contracts and agreements do not require a handwritten signature to be legally valid. Exceptions apply, for example, to agreements concerning the transfer of real property.
Digital Signatures using Sunet eduSign
The eduSign service is available at https://edusign.sunet.se and can be used to quickly and easily upload and digitally sign PDF-documents without installing certificates or any specific software.
Software for Digitally Signing PDF-documents
Several programs have a function for signing a pdf-document digitally. The easiest way is to use "Adobe Acrobat Reader", "PDF-Xchange" or "Libre Office", all of which are free for Uppsala University users.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader can be installed via your client management system using "Software Center" on Windows computers or "Self Service for Mac" on Apple computers.
- PDF-XChange is only available through the "Software Center" on Windows computers.
To sign PDF documents using these clients, you'll need a personal digital certificate. Learn how to create and manage personal certificates here.
External party required to sign digitally
If you need a digital signature from someone who does not have an active University user account, they can use the Sunet eduID service, which is free of charge.
This may include students, company representatives, or job applicants who need to sign documents digitally.
To obtain an eduID, the external party simply needs to visit https://eduid.se/ and follow the instructions to create their digital identity and signature.
Please note that the University does not provide support for eduID.
Certificates from Sectigo no longer available after January 9 2025
The supplier Sectigo has chosen to abruptly terminate the agreement to deliver certificates on January 9, 2025. Read more here.
New provider for personal certificates is Harica. Learn how to create and manage personal certificates here.