PDF Security & Access Issues

How to Verify Certificates and Signatures in Docage PDFs

Huma Ashraf ChHuma Ashraf Ch Nov 2, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to understand how to properly verify certificates and signatures in PDF documents processed through the Docage electronic signature service.

How to Verify Certificates and Signatures in Docage PDFs
Product
Docage PDF
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Verifying the authenticity, signer identity, and compliance of an electronically signed PDF document.
Observed behavior
Confirming whether the signature method meets security standards, checking certificate details, and ensuring document integrity.
Before you start

Keep in mind that standard electronic signatures are not always the same as certificate-based digital signatures. Ensure you have a standard PDF reader installed to inspect the document's signature properties.

Solution 1Recommended

Inspect the Signature Panel in a PDF Reader

Use a compatible PDF application like Adobe Acrobat or WPS Office to manually review the embedded digital signature and certificate details.

Digital signatures in PDFs use cryptographic certificates to ensure authenticity. If Docage applies a certificate-based signature, you can view its detailed properties directly within standard PDF reading software.

1
Open the Signed PDF

Launch your preferred PDF reader and open the document signed via Docage.

2
Access the Signature Panel

Locate and click on the 'Signatures' panel, usually found on the left-hand navigation pane.

3
Inspect Certificate Details

Expand the signature tree to view the signer's identity, the Certificate Authority (CA) that issued it, and the timestamp information.

4
Verify Document Integrity

Check the signature status text to confirm that the document has not been modified or tampered with since the signature was applied.

Inspect the Signature Panel in a PDF Reader
Trusting the Certificate: If the signature displays as 'Unknown' or 'Unverified', you may need to manually add the signer's certificate to your list of trusted identities.
Secure PDF Management

Verify and Manage PDF Signatures with WPS Office

WPS Office offers a comprehensive and lightweight PDF tool that allows you to effortlessly view, verify, and manage digital signatures and certificates, ensuring your documents remain secure and authentic.

  1. 1. Open your PDF: Launch WPS Office and open the Docage-signed PDF document.
  2. 2. Navigate to the Protect Tab: Click on the 'Protect' tab located in the top ribbon menu.
  3. 3. View Signature Properties: Click on the visible signature field in the document or open the signature pane to review the validation status and certificate details.
Easily inspect digital signature properties, trust chains, and certificate paths.Highly compatible with standard PDF formats and signatures created in Adobe Acrobat.Lightweight, fast, and packed with advanced PDF editing and security features.Free to use for basic PDF reading and signature verification tasks.
QA img-9

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an electronic signature and a digital signature?

An electronic signature is a broad term for any electronic intent to sign a record, such as a typed name or a drawn signature. A digital signature is a highly secure type of e-signature that uses cryptographic algorithms and certificate authorities to guarantee signer identity and document integrity.

Why does my Docage signature show up as 'Unverified' in my PDF reader?

This typically happens if the root certificate used by the signing service is not currently recognized or installed in your PDF reader's trusted certificate store. You can usually resolve this by inspecting the certificate and manually trusting it if you verify its source.

Can I add my own certificate-based digital signature using WPS Office?

Yes, WPS Office supports adding digital signatures. You can navigate to the 'Protect' tab, select 'Sign Document', and use an existing digital ID or create a new one to securely sign your PDFs.