Signature électronique
Signature électronique vs manuscrite : le comparatif
Valeur juridique, rapidité, traçabilité, coût : comparaison honnête entre signature électronique et signature manuscrite papier.
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Guide to legal value
The handwritten signature scanned
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Pasting the image of your handwritten signature onto a document is common practice — but its legal value is weak and easily contestable. Here is what the law says, why a scanned signature is not equivalent to an electronic signature, and the real compliant alternative.
What is a scanned handwritten signature?
A scanned handwritten signature (or "digitized signature") is the image of your paper signature — photographed or scanned — that is inserted into a document, most often a PDF or Word file. The document remains a standard file: only an image has been added.
This is very different from an electronic signature under the eIDAS regulation, which is based on a technical process linking the signature to the signer and guaranteeing the integrity of the document.
What legal value does a scanned signature have?
Under French law, electronic documents have the same probative force as paper on condition that their author is reliably identified and the document is preserved under conditions guaranteeing its integrity (article 1366 of the Civil Code). The signature must result from a reliable identification process guaranteeing its link to the act (article 1367 of the Civil Code).
A simple pasted image meets neither of these two conditions reliably: nothing proves that the signatory actually affixed it, and the image can be copied and reused on another document. A scanned signature can at best serve as prima facie evidence, but it is easily contestable before a judge.
No reliable identification of the signatory: the image can be affixed by anyone.
No integrity guarantee: the document can be altered afterward without trace.
Reusable: the signature image can be copied onto other documents.
No timestamping or audit trail: impossible to prove the date and context.
Unfavorable burden of proof: in case of dispute, it is up to you to prove authenticity.
The true alternative: electronic signature
Electronic signature (eIDAS) resolves exactly the weaknesses of the scanned signature. It links the signature to the signatory via authentication (OTP email/SMS), seals the document's integrity, and produces a timestamped audit trail — all enforceable before courts.
Depending on the stakes, you choose the appropriate level: simple (SES), advanced (AES, the recommended standard), or qualified (QES, legal equivalent of handwritten signature). In all cases, you obtain evidence far more solid than a scanned image.
Signatory identification through authentication (OTP email or SMS).
Document integrity guaranteed and verifiable after signature.
Timestamping and audit trail (identity, IP, date) enforceable.
eIDAS evidence file generated automatically.
eIDAS compliance and Civil Code (articles 1366 and 1367).
How to move from scanned signature to electronic signature
With Certyneo, you replace the scanned image with a true electronic signature in minutes: import your PDF, place the signature fields, send the link to the signatories. Each one authenticates and signs on desktop or mobile, without creating an account.
The signed document and its eIDAS evidence file are timestamped and archived. You obtain robust proof where the scanned signature left only a contestable image.
Frequently asked questions
Is a scanned signature legal?
It is not prohibited and can serve as initial evidence, but its legal value is weak: it guarantees neither reliable identification of the signatory nor document integrity (articles 1366 and 1367 of the Civil Code). It is easily contestable in case of dispute.
What is the difference between a scanned signature and an electronic signature?
A scanned signature is a simple image pasted onto a document. An electronic signature (eIDAS) is a process that binds the signature to the signatory, guarantees document integrity, and produces a timestamped audit trail — much more probative.
Is a scanned signature admissible in court?
It is admissible as evidence, but its probative force is weak: in case of challenge, it is up to whoever relies on it to prove its authenticity. An advanced or qualified electronic signature provides significantly stronger evidence.
Can I convert my scanned signature into an electronic signature?
Yes. Rather than pasting an image, import your document into Certyneo and have it signed electronically: the signatory authenticates, the document is sealed and timestamped, and an eIDAS evidence file is generated.
Related guides
Electronic signature
Definition, how it works, and legal value: the complete guide to get started.
Read the guideThe eIDAS regulation
SES, AES, QES: the three signature levels and the European framework.
Read the guideSignature comparison
Compare the levels and choose the signature suitable for each document.
Read the guide