📖 Table of content
Step 1: Documents review
Step 2: Information validation
Step 3: Video identification
You have received a signature request with Qualified Electronic Signature or you want to learn more about how this level of signature works? In this article, we detail all the necessary steps for signing documents with Yousign's Qualified Electronic Signature:
Read the documents to be signed
Information validation
Identification (video verification of your ID document and face)
Signature
Save identification (optional)
In the case of a signature request with Qualified Electronic Signature (often referred to as QES), signer identification is strengthened by various video verification operations (ID document and face). These operations are necessary for signing documents and help strengthen the legal value of the signatures.
To sign documents with Yousign's Qualified Electronic Signature, make sure you have:
Your physical ID document (valid)
A mobile device (smartphone or tablet) with a camera
Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to sign your documents.
Step 1: Documents review
Start by reviewing the documents to be signed:
In the invitation received by email, click on the "Access document" button that allows you to view the document(s) to be signed.
Ensure you are in a well-lit environment and have your physical identity document and a mobile device with a camera, then click "Continue."
Click "Start."
On the left side of your screen, you will find all the documents to be signed as well as any attachments. Once you have reviewed the documents (scroll down), and potentially provided the required information (checkboxes, text to be copied, etc.), click the "Sign" button at the bottom right of the page.
Step 2: Information validation
Check the information provided by the request sender (it should match the information on your ID document):
Your First Name
Your Last Name (make sure it’s your legal Last name and matches your ID)
Your email address
If the provided information is correct:
Check both checkboxes (required to proceed to the next step).
Click "Validate information" to move on to the video identity verification step.
Note: If the provided information is incorrect, the document cannot be signed. Click on the "Report an error" button and specify the necessary changes. The invitation sender will receive an email inviting them to make the necessary modifications. Once the changes are made, you can restart the procedure.
You cannot make these changes by yourself for security reasons.
👉 If you have already completed a Qualified Electronic Signature with Yousign and have saved your digital identity on a mobile device, follow this guide to sign more quickly.
Step 3: Video identification
At this stage, you need to have your mobile device (phone or tablet) with a camera ready to verify your identity:
Click on "Start verification."
If you are signing from a computer, choose one of these two options:
Scan a QR code (see how in this article)
Receive a text message (only if you have a smartphone)
Make sure to select the language you want to use for your video identity verification (choose the language you are most comfortable with to follow instructions on your mobile device).
If you are signing directly from a smartphone, proceed to this step directly.
If you are signing from a computer and have selected "Scan a QR Code":
A QR code will appear on your screen.
Open your mobile device's camera.
Position your mobile device in front of the QR code.
Click on the link that appears on your mobile device.
If you are signing from a computer and have selected "Receive a text message":
Verify the provided phone number and make changes if necessary.
Click "Text me."
Open the Yousign SMS.
Click on the link in the SMS.
The verification of your identity will then be completed entirely on your mobile device.
To begin, click "Start verifying" and:
Check both checkboxes (mandatory to proceed to the next step).
Click on "Okay."
Wait for a few moments while your equipment is being checked (we are verifying if your browser is compatible, if your camera is accessible, and if your internet connection quality is sufficient for identity verification).
Then select the type of identity document you have, which can be one of the following:
National ID card
Passport
Residence permit
Travel document (only if issued by the state that has recognized refugee or stateless status)
Some identity titles are not accepted (because considered as not enough secured) :
Italian paper identity cards
Indian and Malaysian passports
Tunisian passports
Haitian titles
North Korea titles
Russian titles (however a VPN can be used)
Follow the instructions on your mobile device:
Select the issuing country of your identity document.
Click on "Continue verifying"
Click on "I am holding my document" (make sure you have it physically with you).
Allow access to your camera.
Follow the instructions at the bottom of your screen.
Video verification of your ID document
You will be asked to make several movements with your identity document.
For each request, validate the request and then execute it. Wait for the green progress bar to finish and a green checkmark to appear on your mobile device's screen.
Video verification of your face
Once the different videos of your identity document are complete, the verification of your face will begin.
You will be asked to make several movements with your face; follow the instructions.
For each request, validate the request and then execute it. Wait for the green progress bar to finish and a green checkmark to appear on your mobile device's screen.
Wait for a few moments while your data is transmitted and verified.
Attention: Do not close the page during the data transfer, or you will have to start over from the beginning.
If you are signing from a computer, your identification is complete when you see the following message on your mobile device: "The phone step is complete." Then, return to your Yousign tab.
I have an error, my identity has not been validated
Make sure that the information validated in step 2 is correct and matches the information on your ID. 👉 Read this article to check the identity validation rules
Make sure your ID has not expired.
Make sure your ID is in good condition.
In the event of presumed identity theft, identity verification cannot be validated in the following cases:
Use of a false identity document
Alteration of identity data on a genuine identity document
Use of an identity document reported stolen or lost
Modification of the photograph on an identity document
Step 4: Sign documents
Once your identity has been submitted, all that's left is to sign! To do this, swipe to the right or hold down the Enter key.
The signature will be added to the document only if the identity verification is successful (this can take up to 15 minutes).
Remember to keep this page open without refreshing it: this way, you can save your digital identity for faster signing of your next qualified signatures with Yousign (so you don't have to repeat the video identification steps).
Once the identity verification is complete and validated, you can download the signed document.
Step 5: Save identification
Once your identity is validated and completed, you can save your digital identity on the device of your choice. This step is optional but highly recommended if you regularly sign with Yousign.
Saving your digital identity will allow you to sign your next Qualified Electronic Signatures with Yousign up to 10 times faster.
For security reasons, you have only 15 minutes to save your identity (once successfully verified).
To save your digital identity:
Click on "Save my identity."
Click on "Reveal secret QR code," only if you are signing from a computer (you will be redirected directly to step 4 if you are signing directly from your mobile device).
Scan the QR code with the mobile device of your choice (see how in this article).
Click on "Save my identity."
Your identity will be linked to this device for a period of 3 years. Therefore:
Use a personal mobile device.
Make sure no one else scans the QR code on your behalf.
Please note: we do not recommend storing two different digital identities on the same device, as the device is the “key” that enables the digital identity to be used.
👉 Learn more about Yousign's digital identity in this dedicated article.
I can't save my digital identity on my mobile device:
Make sure your mobile device's operating system is up to date.
For Android devices version 7.0 or higher
For iOS devices version 14.1 or higher
Check that you are using a compatible browser, and update it to its latest version:
For Android devices (Chrome only)
For Apple devices (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Brave)
If you are unable to perform any of the above actions, you will not be able to save your digital identity on your mobile device (as it is not compatible). You can use a more recent mobile device.
Sign more quickly with your digital identity
Have you already saved your digital identity with Yousign? You're in the right place 😊
After validating your personal information (first name, last name, and email), you can authenticate with your previously recorded digital identity with Yousign.
To do this:
If you are signing from a computer, scan the QR code with the mobile device that contains your digital identity (see how in this article), then click on the QR code link to open it.
Click on "Sign in".
Confirm your identification using the strong authentication method set up on your mobile device (fingerprint, facial recognition, pattern, etc.).
Wait a few moments.
Swipe to sign, then click "Download the document"!
Your digital identity allows you to save a significant amount of time in your future signings with Yousign's Qualified Electronic Signature.