A digital signature is an encrypted electronic signature that can guarantee the origin of an electronic document, its integrity, and its authenticity. When you manually sign a document, you guarantee your agreement to the text content. A digital signature does the same thing and adds even more information. It guarantees signature authenticity by proving that you are the person who signed, it ensures document integrity, meaning that it has not been modified since the signature, and also confirms that the sustainability of the document, ensuring its validity for years to come.

Difference between a digital and an electronic signature

An electronic signature consists of blocks of information that identify you. A digital signature is a form of electronic signature that is more secure because it is encrypted and can be invisible. It protects many elements of your documents. Watch the CertifiO video

The digital signature certificate can be compared to a passport. It contains information that helps authenticate the signer’s identity and links them to their digital signature. All recipients can see the certificate’s details by accessing Notarius’ online certification servers. Certificates are issued by Notarius, a certification authority, once a user’s identity and, when applicable, professional status, have been verified. The certificate is an electronic file that meets the X.509 standard and is signed by a recognized certification authority. It contains data that identifies the user, such as:

• The user’s distinctive name (last name, first name, and, when applicable, member number)
• The name of the user’s professional association, when applicable
• The user’s email address
• The user’s public verification key
• The certificate’s validity period
• The certificate’s serial number
• The issuing certificate authority’s digital signature to verify and guarantee the authenticity of the information contained within the certificate

Yes. Notarius is in accordance with the criteria specified in the federal law, Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act. There may also be particular provincial laws whose criteria Notarius respects as well because these are generally to the same effect as the federal law and as such, are very similar.

For your security!

Notarius’ digital signature confirms your identity in the digital world and carries the same legal value as your handwritten signature for all types of documents, including binding contracts. It is therefore necessary to uphold a rigorous and secure application process.

No. The only information that Notarius collects and saves are certain personal and professional details of its customers that are necessary to offer the digital signature service, such as the first name, last name, email address, and, in the case of a professional, professional association member number. To know more on how Notarius uses this information, please see the Privacy Policy.

When you pay by credit card, the information entered in your browser is sent directly to Paysafe Payments, a reliable company recognized for its online payment processing solution. The data does not transit through Notarius servers; we therefore do not have access to your entire credit card number. Our payment processing platform will provide us with the last 4 digits of your credit card number as part of the transaction confirmation.

Your company must first have a direct billing account with Notarius. Once an account has been opened, the option to direct bill your employer will be instantly available when you sign up through the portal based on your work email domain name.

Notarius offers group rates on annual subscription fees for groups of 51 users or more charged to the same account. See the different rates available under the “Pricing” tab on your professional association’s page. For more information, contact the Sales team.

If you exercise in one or more jurisdictions and the professional associations that you belong to issue digital signatures through the Notarius Certificate Authority, there is absolutely NO SIGN-UP FEE, and the cost of additional digital signatures is $99 per signature.
For example, if you are a member of EGBC, APEGA and APEGS, your digital signature fees would break down as follows:
1st EGBC digital signature: $99 + $195 = $294
2nd APEGA digital signature: $99
3rd APEGS digital signature: $99
Total for first year: $492 for all three signatures
Total for second year: $393 for all three signatures

NO. This goes against your authentication standards and our certificate policies. Your right to use a digital signature may be revoked if you share your digital signature and password with someone else, including your colleagues, spouse and children. A third party may prepare your signature zone, but you are the only person who can use your digital signature.