How to check the validity status of a pdf digital signature
- Step 1Upload the signed PDF — Drop the file into the digital signature tool.
- Step 2Read the validity status — Note whether each signature shows VALID, INVALID, or EXPIRED.
- Step 3Investigate any invalid signatures — For invalid results, check if the document was modified or the certificate expired.
- Step 4Document the result — Screenshot the validation report for your audit trail.
Frequently asked questions
Can a PDF have both valid and invalid signatures?+
Yes — in a multi-party signing workflow, earlier signatures may be valid while a later signature is not if the document was modified between signings.
What causes a signature to show as EXPIRED?+
The signing certificate's validity period has passed. The signature may have been valid at signing time — check the signing timestamp to confirm.
Does an expired signature mean the document isn't authentic?+
Not necessarily — if the signature was valid at the time of signing and a trusted timestamp was embedded, the document is still legally authentic. Consult your legal advisor.
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.