How does digital contract conclusion with E-Signing work?

With E-Signing, you receive a link from your contracting party or they forward you directly to the POSTIDENT portal.

  • Identification: The process starts with verification of the signatory's identity. You provide proof of your identity with your ID document during a video chat or by using the online eID function. The identity check ensures that only you personally can sign the documents later on.
    Alternatively, your business customer can pass on your identity data to Deutsche Post with your consent. This makes proof of identity by video chat or eID unnecessary.
  • Review documents online: Once the ID check is complete, you can read all documents online.
  • Legally binding signature: After you have reviewed the documents, you activate them by entering a TAN. Following identification by video chat, we send the TAN to your cell phone number. Following online identification using the eID function, we send the TAN to the smartphone or tablet that you used for the ID check.
  • Download documents: Finally, you and your contracting party receive all digitally signed documents in signed PDF format for your records.

By clicking on "Activate film" I agree to my data being shared with YouTube.

The following items are required:

  • Identification (passport or ID card) with holographic features during the upstream identification by video chat.

  • Or activated online ID function (eID) and personal PIN as well as activated NFC function of the smartphone.

Recommendation: download and use the POSTIDENT app from the App Store or Play Store for use while on the go

Frequently asked questions about E-Signing

A digital signature is a type of electronic confirmation that a previously identified person has agreed to the exact contents of a document. The signature is attached to the (PDF) documents. Its validity can subsequently be confirmed by means of commonly used PDF programs.

The digital signature service from Deutsche Post meets the highest German and European security requirements.

No. The digital signature is legally binding without a printed or a handwritten signature.

Depending on the purpose, a visible Deutsche Post stamp may be affixed indicating the name of the signatory.

The validity of the signature is confirmed by the attached certificate, which is not visible in the document itself, but can be verified by means of commonly used PDF programs.

Please visit our help area if you have any additional questions

Additional information on POSTIDENT E-Signing

E-Signing is a digital signature that meets the statutory "written form" requirement and is equivalent to a legally binding signature on paper. Entirely paperless, completely online. This is eIDAS-compliant and verified in accordance with EU legal regulations.

> Terms of Use E-Signing

> POSTIDENT E-Signing Certificate Policy (CP) and Certification Practice Statement (CPS)

The signature is integrated into the PDF files as a digital signature that cannot be changed and is traceable. Its validity can be verified at any time by means of commonly used PDF programs.