Can I use Adobe Reader to digitally sign PDF document?

Question

I created my digital ID using Adobe Reader and it was stored in Window's trusted location (in 'Personal' folder). I can sign a PDF form, sent to me from a third pary, by using Adobe Reader. My digital ID with date and time is printed in the designated box when I sign my digital ID by using my private password.

But when I attach the signed form/document to an email to that third party, they inform that they can't verify my digital signature.

My question: Is it possible to digitally sign a PDF document by using Adobe Reader?

Your response would be much appreciated. Regards.

Sayeed Hassan

Test Screen Name · Answer

This is fundamental to how signatures work. "Verify" checks 2 things

(1) the signing is done correctly and the file hasn't been tampered with after signing

(2) the sigature is genuine.

The signature can be considered genuine if either of these applies

(a) the signature can be checked against a public list of public keys

(b) the person verifying has added this specific public key.

NEVER, NEVER, email a document and a public key. That would be like trying to prove a document is genuine, by adding a post-it note saying "genuine". You need to communicate separately with the recipient, and send them the signature. They need to know it is you, by some recognised or personal contact (like a visit). This is hard work, so outside a single company publicly issued certificates are usually used. These are paid for, and the main thing paid for is detailed identity checking.

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