Obtaining an electronic signature for individuals (Government services): procedure, documents and recommendations

In the frenzied rhythm of the modern world, not only legal entities and entrepreneurs need to constantly sign documentation, but individuals also increasingly have to draw up all kinds of papers, where a personal signature is a prerequisite. Without it, it is impossible to conclude an agreement, obtain a general passport, register a vehicle, etc. This is a huge area, and it makes no sense to mention all the cases when an individual needs to put his signature.

In addition, more and more activities are gradually shifting to electronic platforms - online trading, filing declarations and other types of documentation with the controlling authorities, the pension fund, insurance companies, etc. At this moment, many have a legitimate question about how to send documents online so that they have the same legal force as paper documents, on which the personal signature of the person concerned is certainly put. It was for such cases that an electronic digital signature was invented, which is an analogue of a handwritten one.

In the material, we will consider what it is and how the electronic signature for individuals for public services is obtained.

What is an electronic digital signature (EDS)?

An electronic digital signature is a citizen's signature in electronic form on a computer. It, like handwritten, is unique, that is, it can only belong to one person, copying is prohibited by law.

An electronic signature is divided into three types:

1. Simple signature. With it, you can at any time determine the identity of the person who signed a document, but subsequent tracking of changes is impossible.
2. Unskilled signature. This digital signature is formed on the basis of cipher signs, it makes it possible not only to determine the identity of the signatory, but also to trace all further changes made to the document. An unskilled signature is most often used for the exchange of documentation between partner organizations, if they initially agreed and established the rules for using it. It is also convenient to use this signature for internal workflow.
3. Qualified Signature. This is the most reliable type. Only the owner of a special certificate can receive such a signature, and only in some centers that have passed accreditation. A qualified signature is required to participate in online auctions, provide reports to municipal authorities, etc. Only this type of signature can rightfully be called a handwritten analogue.

Important! Obtaining an electronic signature for individuals for State services is possible only in those centers that have passed the accreditation of the Ministry of Communications.

Only a qualified signature can be used as a substitute for “live”, for example, for signing important documents sent to government bodies. The first two types are most often needed to confirm agreements between participants: signing a document with a simple or unqualified signature only means that the parties have familiarized themselves with it.

Why do individuals need EDS?

The presence of an electronic digital signature gives individuals the following rights:

1. Obtaining various types of services through the website "State Services".An electronic signature gives the user access to all portal services: tracking fines, filling out tax returns and questionnaires to receive basic documents (foreign / passport, etc.).
2. Opening an individual company online.
3. Filing a patent application.
4. Participation in electronic bidding.
5. Persons carrying out activities remotely or residing in other cities can sign agreements, estimates, acts of work and do not wait until the documents are delivered by mail.

Types of Access Keys

Two types of keys are used for signing:

1. With open access. This key is used to establish the authenticity of the signature; any person or enterprise can receive it. This is most relevant when applying for insurance through the Internet or other important documents on the Gosuslug website.
2. With private access. This key consists of a set of characters unknown to the owner, sets the Identity Center code and stores it on its own server. The owner can also receive it in a removable card or electronic disk in encoded form. The key is only valid when paired with the first type.

The procedure for obtaining EDS for an individual

The whole process consists of several steps:

1. Select the type of digital signature.
2. Choosing a Certification Authority.
3. Filling out and sending the application to the Certification Authority.
4. Receipt and payment of the invoice.
5. Sending the necessary documents online to the Certification Authority.
6. Providing original documents to the CA and obtaining an electronic signature.

Now we will analyze each step in obtaining an electronic signature for individuals for State services in detail.

How to determine what type of digital signature is required?

To understand what kind of electronic signature you need, you should determine the tasks that you are going to solve with its help. The goals may be as follows:

1. Getting services on the Unified portal of state and municipal services.
2. Filing reports to various bodies (pension fund, tax office, etc.).
3. Bidding on online sites.

Choosing a Certification Authority

The current list of centers issuing electronic digital signatures can always be viewed on the portal of the RF Ministry of Communications.

To do this, you need to go to the main page of the site and find there the section "Accreditation of certification centers", located in the column "Important".

After clicking on this link, a page will open where you can download a file with a full list of accredited centers in Excel format.

Filling out an application

After you have decided on the Certification Authority, you need to send there an application for an electronic signature for individuals for State services. This can be done in two ways - on the center’s website online or in person at the organization’s office.

Receipt and payment of the invoice

This step is unlikely to cause anyone difficulty. After the center receives the application, an invoice will be generated, which you need to pay. The amount in the bill depends on many factors, therefore, you should consult with the manager directly on this issue.

Submission of documents to the Certification Authority

Not sure how to create and get an electronic signature? Initially, you can apply online and attach scans of the necessary documents. But after the verification, you still need to come to the office in person with the originals of these documents and get an EDS certificate. Inspection and manufacturing may take several days.

What documents are required to obtain an EDS?

Many are worried about the question of how to get an electronic signature for the portal of public services. First of all, you need to prepare the following package of documents:

1. A completed sample application.
2. Identity document.
3. Pension certificate.
4. Taxpayer identification number.
5. A receipt confirming payment for the center.

How to use an electronic signature?

After the process of obtaining an electronic digital signature key is completed, some encounter difficulties in accessing the portal of public services. If a person registered on the SNILS website, then he will not be able to use the digital signature, first he will have to go through the registration process again, but with an identity confirmation with an electronic digital signature, and it must certainly be qualified.

After this registration, the portal interface will look completely different, there will appear blocks of services to which access has been opened.

To continue working on the site, you will need to perform some actions:

1. For the system to work correctly, it is required to install special plugins in the browser that you use often, otherwise access to them will be closed.
2. In addition, you need to install software that can read the encryption code and transmit it to the appropriate municipal authority to verify the owner’s signature.
3. Install the certificate of the Certification Authority in which you received the EDS.

Very important! The owner of the digital signature must send a confirmation to the site - in the special window in the registration process, press the "Confirm" button and specify the path to the digital signature file stored on the removable disk.

Verification takes a little time, but after passing it, the owner will be able to send any documents to government bodies without leaving home.

How to get an electronic signature for government services, you already know, but do not forget to always monitor its validity. If the system reports an error due to the use of an invalid tool, an urgent need to renew the certificate.

Rules for using EDS

The question of how to obtain an EDS for an individual is undoubtedly significant, and it is also important to subsequently maintain its confidentiality. In the process of working with EDS, it is always necessary to observe some rules that are a guarantee of safety:

1. Keep control of your signature confidentiality.
2. Never use it where there is the slightest doubt about confidentiality, if the certificate is revoked or suspended, as well as in case of expiration.
3. In case of violation of confidentiality of the enhanced qualified signature, it is urgent to notify the National Certification Center, and then all the interacting participants.
4. You can use the digital signature only in the areas indicated on the certificate.

Now you probably know how to quickly and easily get an electronic signature. EDS is a really useful and necessary for many version of the official signature that can replace the handwritten. Individuals can use it to certify applications, questionnaires and contracts. You can buy it in special centers.