DEFINITION
The first level of electronic signature defined by the EU eIDAS regulation. With Clivio (Pro), the signer gets a link, enters a six-digit code received by email, then signs without creating an account. A proof page keeps the document’s SHA-256 fingerprint and a log of each step.
The three eIDAS levels
The EU’s eIDAS regulation defines three levels of electronic signature: simple, advanced and qualified. A simple signature can’t be denied legal effect or refused as evidence just because it’s electronic. An advanced signature must be uniquely linked to the signer and reveal any later change to the document. A qualified signature is an advanced one made with a certified device and a qualified certificate, and it’s the only level with the same legal effect as a handwritten signature across the EU.
What backs up a simple signature
If a simple signature is disputed, what counts is the evidence around it: who received the signing link, how they confirmed who they were, and whether the document changed afterward. For everyday documents such as quotes, that’s often enough. For higher-stakes documents, check which level your situation calls for.
How it works in Clivio
With Pro, you send a signature request for a document. The signer gets a link, enters a six-digit code received by email and signs without creating an account, even on a phone. The signed PDF comes back with a proof page. It keeps a log of each step and the document’s SHA-256 fingerprint, a code that changes completely if a single character of the file changes.
Frequently asked questions
Is a simple electronic signature legally valid?
Yes. Under eIDAS, an electronic signature can’t be denied legal effect or refused as evidence solely because it’s electronic. If it’s challenged, you have to show who signed, which is what the proof page and its log are for.
What is a SHA-256 fingerprint?
It’s a short code calculated from the exact content of a file. Change one character and the code changes completely, so comparing fingerprints shows whether a signed document has been altered.