Advanced electronic signature (AES)
The advanced electronic signature (AES) is the middle eIDAS level: uniquely linked to a signer and protected against later changes.
What is the advanced electronic signature (AES)?
The advanced electronic signature (AES) is the middle of the three eIDAS signature levels. It is uniquely linked to a signer, allows their identification and detects subsequent changes to the document.
What requirements does an AES meet?
- Unique link to the signer
- Identification of the signer possible
- Created with means under the signer's sole control
- Subsequent changes are detectable
When is an AES enough?
The AES suits many business transactions with elevated evidential needs where no statutory written form (QES) is required, for example quotes, internal approvals or many B2B contracts.
How SecureCloud enables electronic signatures
With SecureSign, documents can be signed electronically directly in SecureCloud, hosted in Germany. SecureSign supports both the advanced (AES) and the qualified (QES) electronic signature under eIDAS, depending on the required evidential value and form.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between AES and QES?
The AES is secure and uniquely linked to a signer, but not automatically equivalent to a handwritten signature. The QES is the highest level and legally equivalent.
Is an AES legally valid?
Yes. The AES is legally valid with higher evidential value than the simple signature, but does not reach the QES equivalence.
When should you use a QES instead of an AES?
When the law requires written form or maximum legal certainty is desired.
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