Does the date and time appear by default next to the signature?

No. A signature alone displays neither date nor time. You must add a Date field, then choose a "+ time" format in its settings.

Which clock gives the signature time?

The clock on our servers, recorded at the moment the signer validates. The clock on their phone or computer is not used, so a badly set device does not distort anything.

Can the signer modify the date and time?

No, when the format includes the time: the field fills itself and is not editable. With a format without time, the signer chooses the day themselves.

In which time zone is the time displayed?

In the signer's: a person who signs in Paris at 16:32 reads 16:32. The difference with universal time is preserved in the proof.

Where to find the exact time, to the second?

In the proof certificate attached to the signed document: each signature appears there with its exact date and time.

Do you need one field for the signature and another for the time?

Two fields in total: the signature and the date. The time is included in the Date field format, there is no separate Time field.

Practical guide

Display the date and time of signature on a contract

Do you want to read « customer signature », then the exact date and time, below the signature? It's not automatic, but all it takes is a Date field set to a format with the time.

Updated on 7 October 2026

What the date and time really prove

A manually entered date proves what its author wrote, not when they signed. The time displayed by Certyneo is different: it is read from our servers' clock at the instant of signature, and the signatory's device clock does not come into play. It is then taken up, to the second, in the certificate of proof attached to the document.

To move from theory to practice, discover the Certyneo electronic signature solution and its offer dedicated to your sector (Sign a document online, step by step) — eIDAS compliant, no installation required.

With a format « + time », the date and time are filled in automatically at the moment of signature.
The signatory can neither enter nor correct them: even a poorly set device changes nothing in the signed document.
The time is displayed in the signatory's time zone, with the offset to universal time preserved in the proof.
Without time, the Date field leaves the signatory free to choose the day: this is useful for an effective date, not for proving the moment of signature.

When it's useful

A service contract where the customer signs under a « Customer signature » mention.

A quote or purchase order where the time of acceptance matters.

Minutes or an inventory of condition signed on the same day, at a precise time.

A certificate of delivery of keys or equipment.

An agreement to be returned before a time deadline.

An amendment whose order must be established in relation to another document.

How to display the date and time in 4 steps

1
Write the mention in the contract
The label "Customer Signature" is part of your document: write it in the text, just above the space reserved for the signature. Certyneo does not generate it.
2
Place the Signature field
At the field placement stage, choose "Signature" from the palette, then click on the document below your mention.
3
Add a Date field next to it
Choose "Date" from the palette and place it to the right or below the signature, for the same signer (same color).
4
Choose a format with the time
In "Date format", take a format ending with "+ time", for example "Day/Month/Year + time". One field is enough: there is no Time box to place.

Frequently asked questions

Does the date and time appear by default next to the signature?: No. A signature alone displays neither date nor time. You must add a Date field, then choose a "+ time" format in its settings.
Which clock gives the signature time?: The clock on our servers, recorded at the moment the signer validates. The clock on their phone or computer is not used, so a badly set device does not distort anything.
Can the signer modify the date and time?: No, when the format includes the time: the field fills itself and is not editable. With a format without time, the signer chooses the day themselves.
In which time zone is the time displayed?: In the signer's: a person who signs in Paris at 16:32 reads 16:32. The difference with universal time is preserved in the proof.
Where to find the exact time, to the second?: In the proof certificate attached to the signed document: each signature appears there with its exact date and time.
Do you need one field for the signature and another for the time?: Two fields in total: the signature and the date. The time is included in the Date field format, there is no separate Time field.

→ The complete guide to electronic signature · → Sign a document online, step by step · → eIDAS rules for signature

Try it on your own contract

Create a free account, add a signature and a Date field « + time », and send yourself the contract to see the result.

Certyneo Community

A question about electronic signatures?

Join the Certyneo community: ask your questions, share your answers and connect with thousands of users and our team.