Short answer: a timestamp and an electronic signature answer different questions. An electronic signature shows that a person (or, with a seal, an organisation) signed a document. A timestamp shows that a particular file existed no later than a recorded time. Under the EU’s eIDAS Regulation (EU) No 910/2014, an electronic signature is data used by a natural person to sign, and an electronic time stamp is data that binds other data to a particular time, establishing evidence that those data existed then. For what eIDAS 2.0 later added about electronic ledgers and blockchain timestamps, see EU eIDAS 2.0 and electronic ledgers. In the US, the ESIGN Act and UETA give electronic signatures legal effect for many transactions, but they do not replace a separate record of when a file first existed. You often need both. This is general information, not legal advice. See also the glossary entries for digital signature, timestamp and eIDAS, and DocuSign Certificate of Completion vs a timestamp.
Table of Contents
What an electronic signature is for
An electronic signature is about who and intent. It ties a person to a document and shows they meant to sign it. eIDAS defines several levels, from a simple electronic signature up to a qualified electronic signature, which has the equivalent legal effect of a handwritten signature in the EU. Tools such as DocuSign produce a certificate of completion that records who signed and when the signing ceremony finished. That “when” is the signing event, not proof that the draft existed weeks earlier. See DocuSign Certificate of Completion vs a timestamp.
What a timestamp is for
A timestamp is about when a file existed. TimeBinder® makes a SHA-256 fingerprint of the exact file in your browser. The file stays on your device. That fingerprint is recorded on the Bitcoin blockchain. The Proof of Time Certificate shows the exact file existed no later than the recorded time and still matches. It does not show who made the file, who owns it, or that anyone agreed to its terms. For the mechanics, see how blockchain timestamping works and Bitcoin file timestamp proof.
Side-by-side
| Question | Electronic signature | Timestamp |
|---|---|---|
| Who agreed? | Yes (the signatory) | No |
| When did they sign? | Yes (signing ceremony) | Only if you timestamp the signed file |
| When did this draft exist? | Usually no | Yes |
| Ownership or copyright? | No | No |
| Changes after the event? | Often detectable if the signed payload changes | Any change creates a new fingerprint |
When to use which
- Signing a contract. Use an electronic signature (or wet ink) so the parties are bound. Timestamp the final signed PDF as well if you may later need to show that exact signed file still matches.
- Drafting before anyone signs. Timestamp each major draft. A signature on a later version does not date the earlier ones. See how to timestamp a contract version.
- Proving a file existed before a dispute. A signature is the wrong tool. Use a timestamp and keep the original. See how to prove a file existed before a date.
- Handing evidence to a lawyer. Keep the signed document, the signature certificate if you have one, and the timestamp certificate for the exact file you care about. See what to give a lawyer with an .ots file.
Limits to keep clear
A TimeBind proves when a file existed, not ownership, authorship or copyright. An electronic signature proves signing intent, not that you created the content months earlier. Neither replaces legal advice for your contract or jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is a timestamp the same as an electronic signature?
No. A signature identifies the signatory and their intent. A timestamp dates when an exact file existed. eIDAS treats electronic signatures and electronic time stamps as separate trust services.
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Does DocuSign replace a timestamp?
No. A DocuSign certificate of completion records the signing ceremony. It does not show that an earlier draft existed before anyone opened the envelope.
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Can I timestamp a signed PDF?
Yes. Timestamp the exact signed file you will keep. If you re-export or flatten it later, the fingerprint changes.
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Does a qualified electronic signature include a time?
Qualified signatures and seals often include a time associated with the signing or sealing event. That is still a signing time, not a prior-existence record for an unsigned draft.
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Which should I do first?
Timestamp the draft you care about as soon as it is ready. Sign when the parties are ready. Timestamp the signed file again if that exact signed copy is what you will rely on later.
Timestamp a file free, then sign as usual
Your first Pooled TimeBind is free, with no credit card required. After that, TimeBinds start from US$5, and an ASAP TimeBind is US$15. See plans and pricing
2026 worked example: using both
Illustrative example, not a real case.
A consultant sends a services agreement for e-signature in 2026. Before sending, she makes a TimeBind for the draft PDF. The e-signature platform records who signed and when. After signing, she timestamps the signed PDF and the platform’s completion certificate together.
The two records answer different questions. The signature record covers who signed and when. The timestamp shows that each exact file existed by its recorded time and still matches. Neither shows that the terms are fair or enforceable.
Reviewed 10 November 2026.
