Strong Authentication, Passport ID, and Simple Signature in EpicSign

In EpicSign, you can choose an identification method that suits the contract's risk level and the signer's location. In Finland, strong electronic identification with bank credentials and Mobile ID is available. Internationally, passport verification and a simple signature with email confirmation are used. The service supports 16 languages, and the signature process works in a browser without a heavy setup.

What does this mean in practice?

The same service is suitable for both domestic and international contracts. In Finland, strong electronic identification provides the highest current level of assurance. When a signer does not have a Finnish identification method, passport verification and a simple signature are available. Passport and ID document verification, as well as a simple signature, work internationally everywhere, including in cross-border situations.

Signature Levels in EpicSign

The EU's eIDAS regulation divides electronic signatures into three levels: simple electronic signature (SES), advanced electronic signature (AES), and qualified electronic signature (QES). The higher the level, the stronger the link to the signer and the stronger the technical evidence.

1. Strong electronic identification

Strong electronic identification means bank credentials and Mobile ID. According to the Finnish Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV), a signature made with bank credentials or Mobile ID is an advanced electronic signature (AES). This makes strong electronic identification EpicSign's strongest publicly described signature method in Finland.

2. Passport verification

Passport verification is an NFC or non-NFC based international identification method that works with most passports and identity documents. A signature made with passport verification in EpicSign is an AES-level electronic signature. Passport verification serves as an identification method to uniquely identify and authenticate the signer, and the signature is linked to the document in such a way that subsequent changes are detectable.

3. Simple signature with email confirmation

A simple signature is a hand-drawn or typed signature with email confirmation. This falls into the SES level: the signer indicates their consent electronically, but it is not at the AES/QES level. According to EU Commission and DVV sources, a simple electronic signature can be, for example, a name typed in an email, but its evidentiary value is weaker than that of an advanced or qualified signature.

Evidentiary Value in EpicSign

The evidentiary value doesn't come just from seeing a signature on a document. What matters is what can be proven afterwards. EpicSign records an audit trail, locks the signed document to make it immutable, offers a public status check with a unique identifier, and supports an optional eIDAS seal. According to EU and DVV sources, this information is key when assessing the technical validity, integrity, and legal standing of a signature. A PDF signed with EpicSign displays a link to verify the document, as well as a separate SIGNATURES page at the end. This page shows the document ID, signers' names and identifiers, timestamps, the identification method used, and any handwritten signature.

Which method suits which situation?

Strong electronic identification is suitable for situations where the signer is in Finland and you want to verify their identity as strongly as possible. Typical uses include employment contracts, engagement letters, procurement agreements, and other important business contracts. Passport verification is suitable for international contracts when the signer does not have a Finnish strong identification method, but a stronger identity check than email confirmation is needed. A simple signature with email confirmation is suitable for lower-risk approvals and contracts where the most important factors are speed, ease of use, and the ability to sign anywhere. According to EU sources, even a simple electronic signature can be used as valid evidence, although its evidentiary value is weaker than that of AES or QES.

Getting Started with EpicSign

Onboarding is quick. Register, upload a document, add signers, and send the invitation. The signer does not need their own user account; they receive a link by email, identify themselves using the chosen method, and sign in their browser. Supported formats include .docx, .xlsx, .pptx, .pdf, .jpg, and .png, and non-PDF files are automatically converted before signing.

Summary

The simple rule is this: use strong electronic identification when the signer is in Finland and you need strong identity verification. Use passport verification when the signer is outside Finland and you want a stronger check than email confirmation. Use a simple signature when smoothness and low friction are most important. In all cases, the evidentiary value is enhanced by the audit trail, document locking, status check, and, if necessary, an eIDAS seal.

Sources

This article is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.