Digital signature and electronic signature: what's the difference?
People use them as if they were the same thing, but they aren't. We explain it without jargon so you know which one you need.
In 30 seconds
- “Electronic signature” is the legal term (eIDAS); “digital signature” is often used for signing with a certificate.
- A scanned signature pasted in as an image is the weakest option: anyone can copy it.
- For dealings with the Spanish public administration, a certificate or DNIe; for everyday use, an electronic signature with a record.
In a few words
| What it is | What it's for | |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic signature | Any way of signing in electronic form: your stroke with a finger, a tick box to accept, or a signature with a certificate. It's the legal term used in the eIDAS regulation. | Most everyday and business documents. |
| Digital signature | An electronic signature based on cryptography and a digital certificate. It guarantees who signed and that the document hasn't changed. | Procedures that require it, such as many with the public administration. |
| Scanned signature | An image of your signature pasted into a document. | Not recommended: it doesn't prove who added it or when. |
Official data
of the European eIDAS regulation: a signature cannot be denied validity just because it is electronic.
of electronic signature are defined by eIDAS: simple, advanced and qualified.
of people in Spain aged 16 to 74 dealt with the public administration online in the last year.
Which one is legally valid?
All electronic signatures have legal effect in the European Union: the eIDAS regulation prevents them from being rejected just for being electronic. The difference lies in how easy it is to prove who signed: that's why a qualified signature (with a qualified certificate) is equivalent to a handwritten one, and a finger signature carries more weight if it comes with a record showing the date, time and signer's details. We go into more detail in legal validity of electronic signatures.
Which one do I need?
- An official procedure that asks for it: a digital signature with a certificate or DNIe (how to do it with AutoFirma).
- An everyday document (permission form, quote, simple contract): an electronic signature with a record, like the one from MultiDocs.
- Avoid pasting a scanned image of your signature when the document is important.
Frequently asked questions
Are a digital signature and an electronic signature the same thing?
Not exactly: a digital signature is a type of electronic signature that uses a certificate and cryptography.
Is a finger signature a digital signature?
It's an electronic signature. It isn't a digital signature with a certificate, but it's also valid under eIDAS.
Official sources
- EUR-Lex: Regulation (EU) 910/2014 (eIDAS)
- BOE: Ley 6/2020, on certain aspects of electronic trust services
- INE: ICT equipment and use in households, 2025
We checked each source on 29 October 2026. If you spot outdated information, email us at info@multidocs.es.