PDF Editing Issues

Fix Acrobat Requesting Digital ID Instead of Standard Signature

Kushani Nimanthika Oct 19, 2026 868 views

Question details

Clients are being prompted to select a digital ID or certificate provider when trying to sign a PDF contract.

How to Fix Acrobat Requesting a Digital ID Instead of a Standard E-Signature

Product: Adobe Acrobat
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Sending a PDF contract to clients for a standard electronic signature.
Observed behavior: The PDF requires a digital ID or certificate instead of allowing a standard electronic signature.

Before you start

Ensure you have the necessary editing permissions for the original PDF form, as you will need to modify the form field properties before sending it out to clients.

Solution 1Recommended

Replace the Digital Signature Field with a Standard E-Signature Field

Modifying the form field properties in Acrobat will remove the certificate requirement, allowing clients to sign quickly with a standard e-signature.

When a signature field is configured as a certificate-based digital signature field, Adobe Acrobat will always prompt the signer for a digital ID. While digital signatures offer cryptographic security, standard e-signature fields are generally preferred for standard client contracts because they do not require complex certificate configurations.

Open the PDF in Acrobat

Launch Adobe Acrobat and open the original PDF form that is causing the issue.

Enter Prepare Form Mode

Navigate to the 'Tools' menu and select 'Prepare Form' to edit the document's interactive fields.

Delete the Digital Signature Field

Locate the existing signature field that prompts for a Digital ID, right-click it, and select 'Delete'.

Add a Standard Signature Field

From the form editing toolbar, select the standard 'Add a signature block' tool (or standard text field designated for signatures) instead of the 'Digital Signature' tool, and place it on the document.

Save and Share

Save the updated PDF document. Your clients will now be able to sign it using a standard e-signature without needing a digital ID.

Replace the Digital Signature Field with a Standard E-Signature Field

Security Note: If your organization strictly requires verifiable cryptographic security for contracts, you should retain the digital signature field and provide your clients with instructions on how to create or import a self-signed Digital ID.

Effortless PDF Editing

Use WPS Office for Hassle-Free PDF Signatures

WPS PDF provides intuitive e-signature tools and straightforward form handling, allowing you to easily sign documents or set up standard signature fields without dealing with complex certificate configurations.

1. Open the PDF: Launch WPS Office and open your PDF document.
2. Access the Fill & Sign Tool: Navigate to the 'Fill & Sign' or 'PDF Edit' tab on the top ribbon.
3. Create a Standard Signature: Click the 'Sign' button to quickly create, draw, or insert a standard electronic signature without needing a digital ID.
4. Save the Document: Save your updated PDF and share it with your clients for a smooth and simple signing process.

Easily insert, manage, and sign with standard e-signature fieldsHighly compatible with standard PDF files and Microsoft Office formats (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)Free and lightweight alternative for daily document workflowsCross-platform support for Windows, Mac, and mobile devices

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a digital signature and an e-signature in PDFs?

An e-signature is a digital representation of a handwritten signature used to indicate intent to sign. A digital signature is a specific type of e-signature that uses cryptographic certificates (Digital IDs) to verify the signer's identity and ensure the document has not been altered.

Can I just create a digital ID if the document requires one?

Yes. If a document strictly requires a digital signature, Acrobat will prompt you to configure a new Digital ID. You can either create a new self-signed certificate on your computer or import an existing one from a trusted certificate authority.

Why did my standard signature field automatically change to a digital one?

This usually happens if the form creator selected the specific 'Digital Signature' tool instead of a standard text or basic signature tool during the form preparation process in Adobe Acrobat.

Do clients need special software to sign a standard e-signature field?

No, standard e-signature fields can typically be signed using most free PDF readers, including WPS PDF and Adobe Acrobat Reader, without requiring any complex setup or digital certificates.

PDF Troubleshooting