How to Apply for and Use Document Signing Certificates

Introduction to Document Signing Certificates

Document signing certificates are used to digitally sign documents to verify their authenticity and integrity. They ensure that a document has not been altered since it was signed and confirm the signer's identity. This is crucial for important documents like legal files, contracts, and financial statements.

Purposes of Document Signing Certificates:

• Verify Document Authenticity: Document signing certificates can verify the origin and authenticity of a document, ensuring it has not been forged or tampered with.
• Ensure Document Integrity: Digital signatures can prove that a document has not been modified since it was signed, ensuring its integrity.
• Non-repudiation: The signer cannot deny having signed the document, ensuring the legal validity of the signature.
• Increase Trustworthiness: Using document signing certificates can enhance the credibility of a document, assuring the recipient of its authenticity and integrity.

Applying for a Document Signing Certificate through ServBay

1. Open the SSL Certificate Management Panel: In ServBay's sidebar, click "SSL Certificates" to access the certificate management platform.

2. Click the Add Button: Click the "+" button in the top-right corner.

3. Fill in the Certificate Information: On the "Request Certificate" page, fill out the following information:

   • Common Name: Enter your name or organization name, for example, Sam NG or ServBay LLC.
   • Usage Purpose: Select the purpose of the certificate, choose Document Signing.
   • Request Method: Select ServBay CA.
   • Issuer: Choose ServBay User CA.
   • Algorithm: Select an encryption algorithm, such as ECC or RSA.
   • Key Length: Choose a key length, for example, 384 or 2048.
   • Password: Important! Set a password to protect your private key. Remember this password as it cannot be retrieved if lost. The default password is ServBay.dev.

4. Click the "Request" Button: After completing all steps, click the "Request" button to submit the certificate application. ServBay will automatically issue the certificate.

Certificate Export and Use

1. Enter the SSL Certificate Management Panel.
2. Locate the Issued Document Signing Certificate.
3. Click the Action Button: Click the export icon to the right of the certificate.
4. Select Export Directory: In the pop-up window, choose where to save the exported certificate.
5. Use Document Signing Software: Import the exported .p12 file into your document signing software (such as Adobe Acrobat, Foxit Reader, etc.) and use the password set earlier to unlock it. You can then use the certificate to digitally sign documents.

Certificate Renewal

ServBay's document signing certificates are valid for 800 days. Before expiration, you can click the button on the right side to renew the certificate. Each renewal extends the validity to the current date +800 days.

Certificate Deletion

1. Enter the SSL Certificate Management Panel.
2. Locate the Certificate to Be Deleted.
3. Click the Action Button: Click the trash icon to the right of the certificate.
4. Confirm Deletion: Select "Delete" in the pop-up menu and confirm the deletion operation.

Summary

We hope this document helps you apply for and use document signing certificates on the ServBay platform. If you have any questions, please contact ServBay customer support for assistance.