Verify the identity of a remote signatory
To verify the identity of a remote signatory, compare their ID document and a short video with the expected name, before they sign. With Certyneo, an operator performs this check within a few business hours. An SMS code alone shows access to a phone: it does not say who is holding that phone.
Which method to verify the identity of a signatory?
Each method establishes something specific. The choice depends on what you will need to show in case of dispute. Comparison updated in November 2026.
| Method | What it establishes | Its limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Email link | Access to a mailbox. | Nothing about the person reading that mailbox. |
| SMS code | Access to the phone linked to a number. | Does not show who is holding the phone. |
| Copy of the document received by email | That a copy was sent to you. | You verify alone, and a sensitive document remains in your messaging systems. |
| Check by a Certyneo operator | An operator compared the document, a short video and the expected name. | A few business hours, and no presumption of reliability: the evidence rests on the file. |
| Qualified signature | A qualified certificate issued by a qualified provider, with a presumption of reliability. | The signer must enroll in an identity application. |
How to verify a signer's identity without meeting them?
The eIDAS regulation requires an advanced signature to be linked to the signer in a unique manner and to allow identification (article 26). It does not set the method: it is up to you to choose a control appropriate to what the document commits to, and to verify that no body imposes a specific level.
To move from theory to practice, discover the Certyneo electronic signature solution and its offer dedicated to your sector (Advanced signature with identity verification) — eIDAS compliant, no installation required.
To decide on the level, read our guide to advanced electronic signature with identity verification, then compare with qualified signature. The legal value of electronic signature and the levels of the eIDAS regulation provide the framework.
- The check takes place before signing: without validation, the signer cannot request their SMS code.
- The decision always rests with an operator from the Certyneo team. Automated document reading is only an aid.
- The check remains an advanced signature, without the presumption of reliability of qualified signature (decree no. 2017-1416).
- The result appears in the proof certificate attached to the signed document.
What to prepare before sending the document?
How does the check proceed, step by step?
- 1
The signer gives their consent
They read what is being asked of them and why. If they prefer not to share anything, they stop there and contact the sender to arrange another way to sign.
- 2
He photographs his identity document and records a video
He selects his country and identity document, sends the photos, then a short video where he says three digits and performs a gesture drawn at random.
- 3
An operator reviews the file
He compares the identity document to the official model for the country, then the identity document and video to the stated name. The response arrives within a few business hours.
- 4
The signer is notified, then signs
He receives the decision by email and SMS. Once validated, he continues the usual process: SMS code, then signature.
Why can a check be refused?
The operator always provides a reason. The signer has three attempts in total, including retries within the same credit, unless the name differs or there is suspicion of fraud: the sender is then notified and the signer does not proceed further.
- The identity document is illegible.
- The identity document is expired.
- The identity document is not among the accepted documents.
- The name on the identity document differs from the one indicated by the sender.
- The person in the video does not match the photo on the identity document.
- The video is unusable.
- The operator suspects fraud.
What does the sender see and what happens to the files?
The sender does not see the identity documents. Verification credits can be consulted on the pricing page.
- The sender receives the status of the check and, in case of refusal, the reason.
- The files are encrypted, then deleted 30 days after the decision.
- The decision and file fingerprints remain in the proof folder.
Frequently asked questions
- How to verify a signer's identity remotely?
- Request a check of their identity document before signing. With Certyneo, the signer sends their document and a short video, and an operator approves or rejects it within a few business hours.
- Is an SMS code enough to verify a signer's identity?
- No: it shows access to the phone linked to a number, not the identity of the person holding it. It remains useful for authentication, as a complement to document verification when the document justifies it.
- Should I request a copy of the document by email?
- That is not the right approach: you verify alone and a sensitive document remains in your inboxes. With verification by our teams, the sender never sees the documents.
- Which documents can the signer present?
- Identity card or passport from one of the 27 European Union countries, passport from the United Kingdom or the United States. Residence permits and driving licenses are not accepted.
- What to do if the signer's document is not accepted?
- Remove the option for this signer and agree with them on another way to sign, for example a qualified signature if their country and document are accepted by the service provider.
- What happens if the operator refuses the document?
- The signer receives the reason and can try again, up to three attempts total. If the name differs or in case of suspected fraud, they do not get another attempt and the sender is notified.
- How many credits does a signer consume?
- One credit per signer, including retries. It is returned if no decision is made after 7 days.
Related guides and solutions
Explore the related resources from our electronic signature hub.