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DocuSign Certificate of Completion vs a timestamp: what each one proves.

Drop a file to timestamp Any file type. Up to 10 files per TimeBind. Opens the TimeBinder app.

Clicking opens the TimeBinder app. Files are hashed locally on your computer; nothing is uploaded or stored by TimeBinder.

When an envelope is completed, DocuSign produces a Certificate of Completion: an audit trail of who was sent the document, when they viewed it and when they signed. It’s strong evidence of a signing. It’s not designed to show when the work inside existed.

Your files never leave your computer. With TimeBinder, each file is hashed locally on your own device. Nothing is uploaded or stored by TimeBinder.

Does a DocuSign Certificate of Completion prove when a document existed?

Short answer: it shows the document existed by the time the envelope was sent, because the sender uploaded it then. That is useful. But the record lives in a DocuSign account, it only covers files that went through the envelope, and the account owner can set envelopes to be purged.

For signed agreements, the certificate is the right record and a timestamp doesn’t replace it. For the work behind the agreement, such as designs, drafts, code or recordings, TimeBind the files themselves.

What is TimeBinder? TimeBinder is a blockchain timestamping service. It shows that a digital file existed no later than a specific time, and that it still matches its fingerprint, by anchoring the file’s SHA-256 fingerprint to the Bitcoin blockchain. Files are hashed in your browser and never uploaded, and each TimeBind comes with a Proof of Time Certificate that can be checked later. It does not prove who created a file or that its contents are true.

DocuSign Certificate of Completion vs a TimeBinder timestamp

	DocuSign Certificate of Completion	TimeBinder timestamp
Main question it answers	Who was sent, viewed and signed this envelope, and when?	Did this exact file exist by this time, and has it changed since?
What it records	Envelope ID, sender, signers, signature images, sent, viewed and signed times, and IP addresses	The file’s SHA-256 fingerprint, anchored to a Bitcoin block
What leaves your device	The documents are uploaded to DocuSign	Nothing. Only the fingerprint is sent
File types	Documents for signing	Any file type, up to 10 files per TimeBind
Who controls the record	The DocuSign account. Admins can set retention so completed envelopes are purged after a set number of days	You keep the certificate. The anchor sits on the public Bitcoin blockchain
Best for	Proving a signing process	Proving when work existed

DocuSign details are from DocuSign’s support pages, checked on 29 October 2026.

When each one is the better choice

Rely on DocuSign when…

You need to show that people agreed to and signed a contract, and when
The other side asks for an e-signature with an audit trail
You need signer identity details, consent records and IP addresses
The question is about the agreement, not the work it covers

Add a timestamp when…

You want a dated record of the work itself: designs, drafts, code, recordings
The files never go through an envelope, or are too large or sensitive to upload
You may lose access to the account that holds the envelope (for example, a client’s account)
You want to show a file existed before the contract was even sent

A simple habit: after a contract is completed, download the signed PDF and the Certificate of Completion and TimeBind both, with the deliverables they cover.

Gaps worth knowing about

Retention is up to the account. DocuSign admins can turn on document retention so completed envelopes are purged after a chosen number of days.
It covers the envelope, not your process. Earlier drafts, source files and work you did before the contract aren’t in it.
It is DocuSign’s record. Checking it later depends on DocuSign and on whoever holds the account.
Uploading is required. Unreleased or confidential files have to be shared with the platform to be included.

How to timestamp a file with TimeBinder

Three steps. Submitting takes a few minutes; a Pooled TimeBind is usually recorded within 24 to 48 hours, and often sooner, depending on Bitcoin network activity, and ASAP is faster.

Drop your files
Add up to 10 files per TimeBind. Any file type and size works.
contract.pdf · designs.zip
Hashed on your computer
Your browser works out a unique SHA-256 fingerprint for each file. Nothing is uploaded. The files never leave your device and TimeBinder never stores them.
fingerprint 9f2c…41ab · file stays with you
Sealed to Bitcoin
The fingerprints are anchored to the Bitcoin blockchain: ASAP (your own transaction, sent straight away) or Pooled (usually recorded within 24 to 48 hours, and often sooner, depending on Bitcoin network activity). You get a Proof of Time Certificate, a PDF with a QR code and the Bitcoin transaction ID.
✓ sealed · certificate ready

Timestamp a file →

What a TimeBind shows, and what it doesn’t

What it shows

That this exact file existed no later than the time recorded on the Bitcoin blockchain
That a file shown later still matches its fingerprint: the same file gives the same fingerprint, and any edit gives a different one
A record kept outside your own systems: an ASAP TimeBind can be checked on the Bitcoin blockchain without relying on TimeBinder, and a Pooled TimeBind is verified through TimeBinder

What it doesn’t show

Who created, wrote or signed the file
That the contents are true or accurate
Whether AI was used to make it
How a court or other decision-maker will treat it: that depends on the jurisdiction and the rules that apply. It isn’t legal advice

Pooled TimeBinds are verified through TimeBinder. ASAP TimeBinds can also be verified independently, from the certificate and the public Bitcoin blockchain. Checking is always free.

DocuSign certificate vs timestamp: FAQ

What is a DocuSign Certificate of Completion?

It is the audit record DocuSign produces for a completed envelope. It lists the envelope ID, sender, signers, signature images, the times the envelope was sent, viewed and signed, and IP addresses.

Does DocuSign keep my documents forever?

Not necessarily. Account admins can set document retention so completed envelopes are purged after a set number of days. Download and keep your own copies of anything important.

Does a timestamp replace an e-signature?

No. A timestamp doesn’t record who agreed to anything. Use an e-signature for agreements and a timestamp for evidence of when files existed.

Can I timestamp the signed PDF?

Yes. Download the completed PDF and the certificate and TimeBind them. The fingerprint matches only those exact files, so keep them unchanged.

Is my contract uploaded to TimeBinder?

No. TimeBinder hashes files in your browser and anchors only the SHA-256 fingerprint.

What does it cost?

The Free plan is $0 and includes 1 Token a month. A Pooled TimeBind costs 1 Token and an ASAP TimeBind costs 3 Tokens; checking is free. Essential is $20 a month for 5 Tokens ($4 per Token, against $5 pay-as-you-go) and Expert is $50 a month for 15 Tokens (about $3.33 per Token). Paid plans replace the Free plan’s monthly Token, so Essential adds 4 Tokens for $20 and Expert adds 14 for $50.

Related comparisons

Open TimeBinder and timestamp your files

Here’s what you’ll do next:

Open the app and sign in with email or Google.
Add your files. They stay on your computer.
Seal them and download your Proof of Time certificates.

Open TimeBinder →

Your files stay privateEvery file is hashed locally on your own computer. Your files are never uploaded or stored by TimeBinder; only a fingerprint is sealed to Bitcoin.

Start free: your first Pooled TimeBind each month costs nothing. See pricing