How to audit trusted timestamps in a digitally signed pdf
- Step 1Upload the timestamped PDF — Drop the signed document into the digital signature tool.
- Step 2View the timestamp for each signature — Read the TSA-issued timestamp associated with each signature field.
- Step 3Confirm the timestamp against your deadline — Verify the signing time is before the required deadline.
- Step 4Archive the timestamp record — Save the timestamp audit result with the signed document for future reference.
Frequently asked questions
What is an RFC 3161 timestamp?+
RFC 3161 defines the protocol for trusted time-stamping — a cryptographically verified timestamp from an authorised Time Stamping Authority that proves the exact moment a document was signed.
What if a PDF has a signature time but no trusted timestamp?+
A signature without a TSA timestamp only proves the signing occurred before the certificate expired — not an exact time. Trust is lower than for TSA-stamped signatures.
Can this tool verify timestamps for eIDAS-qualified signatures?+
TSA timestamps that comply with eIDAS are verifiable. Full eIDAS qualified signature validation may require an EU trust list-aware validation service.
Privacy first
All PDF processing runs locally in your browser using PDF-lib and pdf.js. No file is ever uploaded — only metadata counters are saved for signed-in dashboard stats.