PDF Security & Access Issues

How to Get a Signing Date and Time History for Adobe PDF Documents

Chanuka Geekiyanage Oct 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs a way to extract and print a record that displays the exact signing date and time history of a signed PDF document.

How to Get a Signing Date and Time History for Adobe Documents

Product: Adobe Acrobat
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Gathering professional documentation and audit trails for completed digital agreements.
Observed behavior: Seeking a downloadable or printable audit report or signature panel details containing reliable timestamps and signer events.

Before you start

Verify whether your PDF was signed locally offline or through an online workflow like Adobe Acrobat Sign, as this determines how you will access the signature history.

Solution 1Recommended

Download the Audit Report in Adobe Acrobat Sign

For documents processed through online signing workflows, downloading the server-generated audit report provides a comprehensive, printable history.

If you used Adobe Acrobat Sign, the platform automatically generates a robust server audit trail. This separate document contains all the necessary timestamp and identity verification details you need for professional record-keeping.

Log in to your account

Open your web browser, log in to your Adobe Acrobat Sign account, and navigate to the 'Manage' tab.

Locate the agreement

Select the completed agreement for which you need the signing history from your list of documents.

Download the reports

Click on 'Download PDF' to save the signed document, then explicitly select 'Download Audit Report' to get the history file.

Print the history

Open the downloaded Audit Report PDF and print it to keep a professional record of all signer identities, events, and timestamps.

Download the Audit Report in Adobe Acrobat Sign

Comprehensive Record: The downloaded audit report includes the signer's IP address, precise timestamps, and the complete sequence of document events.

Solution 2

View the Signature Panel for Locally Signed PDFs

If the document was signed locally offline, you can view the timestamp and certificate details directly from the PDF's signature properties.

View PDF Signatures Easily

Check PDF Signature Details with WPS Office

WPS Office provides a comprehensive PDF editor that allows you to open signed documents, verify digital certificates, and check signature timestamps effortlessly without expensive subscriptions.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free version of WPS Office from the official website.
2. Open your signed PDF: Launch WPS PDF and open the document containing the digital signatures.
3. Open the signature pane: Navigate to the signature panel on the left side to verify the certificate and view the exact timestamp details.
4. Check properties: Right-click on the signature line within the document to view its comprehensive validation properties.

View detailed digital signature properties and timestamps easily.Highly compatible with standard Adobe PDF and Microsoft Office formats.Lightweight software with an intuitive, all-in-one tabbed interface.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an audit report for a PDF signed offline?

No, a complete standalone server-side audit report is only generated when using an online e-signature platform. Offline signatures only embed the certificate and timestamp in the file's internal properties.

Why is the signing time missing from my printed PDF?

Standard printing often only captures the visual appearance of the document. To print the signing time, you must download and print the separate audit report or take a screenshot of the signature properties panel.

Are digital signature timestamps legally binding?

Yes, when processed through compliant e-signature platforms that issue certified audit trails, the embedded timestamps and signer logs generally serve as legally binding proof of completion.

PDF Troubleshooting