How can an individual obtain an electronic signature? How to obtain an electronic signature - a step-by-step algorithm.

In multifunctional centers, starting from 2017, you can obtain an electronic (digital) signature key, it is easy to issue an electronic signature for an individual at the MFC, the process does not require much time and money.

Since April 6, 2011, Federal Law No. 63 Federal Law has been in force throughout Russia, regulating the creation and use of such signatures.

It replaced the no longer valid No. 1-FZ. Many people are interested in why an electronic signature is needed and what advantages it provides.

In this review, we will talk about all the legal and everyday nuances associated with obtaining, using and restoring signatures.


In the era of the development of cryptography (encryption), experts created programs whose algorithms generate multi-character complex combinations. To use the system, a bunch of two keys is used - public and private.

The first user forwards to those with whom he plans to exchange confidential data. The second one is used by the owner himself. It allows you to send certificates to other people and authenticate official documents.

Both options are software products that have an expiration date. Upon completion, replacement is required. This is reminiscent of the effect of licenses for antivirus programs, for which it is necessary to extend the period of use. This restriction ensures the safety of users.

It is so difficult and expensive to hack and tamper with a file that in the vast majority of cases, attackers simply do not have such resources.

The main scope of application is confirmation of the authenticity of documents for various purposes filled out by individuals (private citizens) or legal entities (enterprises and organizations). We are talking about a complete analogue of a personal painting, which has the same legal force in any authorities.

Types of digital signatures and their differences

Let's move on to a more detailed consideration of the point about what types of electronic signatures there are and how they differ. The first option is a simple email. signature.

It can be used to work on government service websites or used for internal company affairs related to the signing of orders, resolutions, and correspondence.

The sole purpose is to confirm actual authorship. This option has no legal force at the state level.

A more advanced version, which has protection that guarantees authenticity and authorship, is called an unqualified electronic signature.

It can be used for internal and external (by mutual agreement) document flow. When making such software product New generation cryptographic systems are used.

The most effective and legally recognized is a qualified signature, abbreviated as CES. With its help, you can submit tax returns, work with the Pension Fund website, and participate in auctions.

The level of protection in this case is maximum, because cryptographic systems used for keys are tested by FSB experts and certified by security authorities.

Using a qualified electronic signature, you limit access to confidential documents and receive protection against theft important information, incl. industrial espionage.

List of documents for obtaining an electronic digital signature

Some users are not aware of what documents are needed to obtain an electronic signature. The point is that ordinary people, entrepreneurs and company managers will have a different list of required papers.

In the first case, it is enough to write an application, attaching a receipt and a photocopy of your passport certified by a notary. The second one is more difficult:

  • Order on the appointment of the head of the enterprise (certified copy);
  • Passport of the person submitting the application (original);
  • If a third party is submitting the application, a power of attorney in his name is required;
  • Charter of the enterprise (certified copy);
  • Statement of payment.

The registration procedure is quick. On average, production takes no more than three days from the date of application. Applications are always processed in order of priority, and this happens without any hitches.

Receipt through multifunctional centers

Often people simply do not know where the accredited service for issuing digital signatures is located, and are interested in whether it is possible to obtain an electronic signature through the MFC at their place of residence.

Experts answer that such a possibility really exists. By contacting the municipal services center, any citizen or representative of a legal entity will be able to receive the keys within ten working days from the date of submission of the application. Such services have been provided since 2017.

To register, you need to make an appointment by calling the hotline 88005505030 or come to the department to pick up an electronic queue coupon.

Upon arrival, you will need to write an application according to the sample that will be given to you on the spot. You also need to have your passport and... The service is free for the public.

The procedure is extremely simple. First, you register on the website of the certification center, select a registration service, prepare the above papers, pay for the service in a convenient way (bank, terminal, Visa or MasterCard).

There are several ways to obtain an electronic signature for individuals, and they differ in purpose.

How to make an electronic signature for government services

If you need to use the capabilities of the gosuslugi.ru website, work with the tax service and Rosreestr portals, you will need a qualified signature. With its help, a citizen can carry out the following operations:

  • Receive or replace a civil or TIN;
  • Request information about income, debts, fines from the tax and;
  • Receive electronically;
  • Check the account in the Pension Fund of the Russian Federation;
  • Register or deregister in the city, carry out similar operations with the car;
  • Apply to a university in another city;
  • Conclude contracts for remote work;
  • Participate in the system electronic trading countrywide;
  • Register ;
  • Obtain a license, patent.

You can obtain this type of digital signature from certification centers. Cost – 950 rub. To do this you will need to perform the following set of steps:

  • Visit the official website of the NCC of the Russian Federation and go through a quick registration procedure;
  • IN personal account indicate where you live and where you want to receive an electronic signature;
  • Clarify for what purposes it is planned to be used;
  • Request an invoice and pay it in a convenient way;
  • Arrive at the pickup location at the specified time with a package of necessary documents.

So you can easily make an individual an electronic signature for government services and other tasks related to official document flow and various designs. As you can see, there is nothing complicated in this process, and it will take a little time.

Digital signature and distribution of powers

Often the signature belongs to a legal entity - more precisely, the head of a company or business owner. But at the same time, all the main “current” tasks are performed by his deputy, the head of the legal department, or another executive in company.

In this case, a logical question arises - how to issue a power of attorney for the use of an electronic signature by another person? Is such a procedure possible in principle?

Yes, such a possibility is provided for and enshrined in law. In accordance with the Regulations on the use of digital signatures dated December 27, 2012, legal entities have the right to appoint authorized representatives, who, in turn, will use special digital signatures.

An application with a power of attorney is submitted to the certification center (you can download a sample here). After this, the representative will be issued certificates.

Loss of digital signature and procedures related to restoration

Your laptop was stolen or HDD was damaged and cannot be restored. What to do in this case, To How to restore an electronic signature in the prescribed manner? If the key is lost, it cannot be recovered. You will have to apply for a new one.

The essence is the same as during the initial appeal. There is also no difference in timing. You simply repeat the previously completed procedure. Warn everyone about such changes. Use backup storage options such as portable flash drives to avoid unnecessary hassle.

If necessary, you can use the help of specialists who will help you quickly and competently assemble everything Required documents and issue or restore an electronic digital signature in the shortest possible time.

An electronic digital signature is an analogue of a handwritten signature applied to an electronic document. The implementation and use of electronic document management systems in organizations of any form of ownership entails the need to use digital signatures to guarantee the authenticity of the transmitted data.

What is an EDS?

EDS is a parameter of an electronic document that has a digital representation. Digital signature is applicable only in the context electronic exchange data and can have the same legal significance as a handwritten signature on a paper document if the conditions are met to guarantee the authenticity and reliability of the signed documents. The legal force of the digital signature is enshrined in legislation by Federal Law No. 1 of January 10, 2002 and Federal Law No. 63 of April 6, 2011, as amended on June 28, 2014.

Both Federal laws on electronic digital signatures regulate the mechanisms for using electronic signatures when making transactions within the framework of civil law relations and the functioning of state and municipal services.

Significance of digital signature

An electronic signature is a digital analogue of a signature and seal associated with the content of a signed document and used in organizing electronic data exchange to confirm the authenticity of sent and received documents.

The functioning of the digital signature allows you to:

  • increase the security and confidentiality of electronic document management, protect documents from forgery;
  • give electronic data legal force, equivalent to paper documents with a signature and seal;
  • optimize document flow processes by simplifying and reducing the cost of processing and storing documents;
  • use a single signature electronic trading, upon delivery different types reporting to government and tax authorities, when approving and working with financial documents;
  • guarantee the authenticity of electronic documentation;
  • ensure the possibility of coordination with international systems document flow.

Scope of application of digital signature

In any areas where data exchange is regulated using information technology:

  • internal electronic document flow between divisions of one organization, as well as branches;
  • document flow in inter-organizational systems of B2B and B2C class;
  • access to specialized information resources, for example, “Client-Bank” class systems;
  • transfer of tax and accounting reports to the tax authorities;
  • transfer of reporting to the Pension Fund;
  • transmission of customs declarations;
  • participation in electronic auctions.

How does EDS work?

The functional use of digital signature allows you to sign an electronic document, check the owner’s signature for authenticity, and the content of the signed electronic document for changes after signing.

Signing and authentication are performed based on encryption and decryption keys. Sender using special software and key, generates a sequence of characters that becomes part of the data being sent. The recipient uses the same software and decryption key to decrypt the received data and perform a series of checks. If the checks were successful, then the received data is identical to the sent data, i.e. were not changed after signing. The generated sequence of characters in this process is the electronic digital signature.

To forge such a digital signature, you will either need to steal the sender's encryption key, or spend many years going through key options until you find the right one.

How and where to get an electronic signature?

So, let’s look at the question of where to obtain an electronic signature for an individual or a legal entity. face. EDS key certificates are produced and issued by a specialized organization - a certification center (CA). The functions of the CA also include user registration, cancellation, renewal and termination of key certificates. The CA provides the necessary technical support EDS work. To obtain an electronic signature, a participant in electronic document flow must contact any authorized certification center.

The current list of authorized CAs is available on the website of the single EDS portal in Russia.

The procedure for obtaining an electronic digital signature

The procedure for obtaining an electronic signature involves the following steps:

  • fill out an application form on the website of the selected certification center or leave a request by the specified phone number and wait to be contacted by a specialist - the method depends on the specific CA;
  • collect all the documents necessary for issuing an electronic signature certificate and send copies to the CA. Based on the completed application form and a set of documents, the CA prepares an electronic signature certificate;
  • receive an EDS certificate by providing original documents.

The lead time for producing key certificates depends on the certification authority, but on average it is 3-5 days.

What documents are needed to obtain an electronic signature?

Both a legal entity, regardless of the organization’s form of ownership, and individual entrepreneur. Individuals can also receive an electronic signature (for example, to participate in electronic trading).

An electronic digital signature certificate contains information about the owner of the signature, so only the person in whose name this certificate is issued can request and receive an electronic digital signature. In other cases, it is necessary to provide a power of attorney for the right to draw up and receive an electronic signature, certified by a notary. The authorized representative in whose name the power of attorney is issued provides a Russian passport and copies of the 2nd, 3rd pages and the registration page.

Package of documents of a legal entity

  1. A copy of the registration certificate certified by a notary.
  2. Original or certified copy of an extract from the Unified State Register of Legal Entities. The statute of limitations for the statement must be no more than 30 days;
  3. Application for issuance of an electronic signature (the form of the application depends on the CA).
  4. A copy of the order of appointment to the position of a manager, if the digital signature certificate is issued in his name, with the signature and seal of the organization.

If the authority to manage the organization is transferred to another management company or the manager, then all the documents listed in paragraphs are provided. 1-3 related to the management company.

In addition, it is necessary to attach a notarized copy of the decision of the board of directors on the transfer of powers, if the form of ownership is OJSC or CJSC. If the organization's form of ownership is LLC, then notarized copies of the first and second sheets of the charter, a sheet indicating the possibility of transferring management to a third party organization, and a sheet with a mark from the tax authority are provided.

How to obtain an electronic signature for an individual entrepreneur: a package of necessary documents

  1. A copy and original of an extract from the Unified State Register of Individual Entrepreneurs, the statute of limitations of which is no more than 30 days from the date of issue.
  2. A copy of the TIN certificate, certified by a notary.
  3. A copy of the certificate of state registration of individual entrepreneurs, certified by a notary.
  4. Application for issuance of digital signature.

What documents are needed to obtain an electronic signature for individuals?

  1. A copy of the TIN certificate.
  2. Copies of the 2nd, 3rd pages of the Russian passport and the registration page. A Russian passport must be provided when submitting a package of documents.
  3. Application for issuance of digital signature.

The procedure for obtaining and using an electronic digital signature is becoming easier as the legal culture in this area develops and information technology improves. Electronic document management with the use of digital signature no longer causes mistrust both on the part of business partners and on the part of government and tax authorities.

Questions about where to get an electronic digital signature and what is the scope of its use become a necessary necessity if a business goes international.

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Using an electronic signature and the Gosuslugi portal, anyone can pay a fine, apply for maternity capital, or check debts before traveling abroad.

And the company needs to pass the 4-FSS, obtain a permit for the transportation of oversized cargo, or obtain a SEZ.

For “Government Services”, an organization will need a qualified electronic signature. A simple electronic signature is not issued to legal entities, and an unqualified electronic signature is not supported by the portal.

An individual will also need a qualified electronic signature in order to use all the capabilities of the portal.

Electronic signature of an individual for public services

  1. To work with State Services, a simple and qualified electronic signature is suitable for individuals. An unqualified electronic signature for the portal is useless. you will receive after registering on the portal. To do this, you will need to indicate your last name and first name, as well as your e-mail or number mobile phone. The generated “login/password” pair will become your identifier, allowing you to perform simple operations such as paying fines from the traffic police.
  2. Standard will be created after you indicate your SNILS and passport data in the system. This information is checked against the FMS and Pension Fund databases. If everything is in order, new functions are added. Now you can make an appointment with a doctor or check your retirement account.
  3. Verified User Signature received by visiting the MFC with a passport and SNILS or by ordering an identity confirmation code by mail.
  4. After verifying your identity, you will be able to issue a passport, register a car, or use other services available only to verified users. Qualified electronic signature

immediately opens access to all features of the State Services website. It serves as an identifier for an individual, allowing you to register an individual entrepreneur or LLC, obtain a patent for an invention, or request official statistics from Rosstat. A qualified electronic signature for State Services is not issued free of charge; it must be issued at a certification center.

Advantages of a qualified electronic signature for an individual in State Services After verifying your identity, you will be able to issue a passport, register a car, or use other services available only to verified users.
Simple electronic signature Has no legal effect and serves only as a general identifier
Allows you to use all portal services. For example, change your registration, issue a hunting license, submit an application to the registry office or receive another government service on the portal with a 30% discount Does not allow applications to be legally significant documents - license for private security activities, for educational activities , on retail trade
Allows you to refuse the services of notaries and Russian Post. A qualified electronic signature will act as your personal identifier, and electronic documents are guaranteed to arrive on time Does not allow you to add branches, change information about the organization and manage it within the portal
Allows you not to enter standard data every time you apply for government services. They are already in the ES, so you will no longer make mistakes when filling out the application form Unreliable because it is poorly protected from hacking and can be easily counterfeited
Allows you to register a legal entity, add branches and change the registration details of the organization Allows you to use only part of the portal's capabilities

Help setting up your workplace

The presence of a qualified electronic signature, cryptographic protection tools and a properly configured workplace ensures correct work with the State Services portal.

The easiest way to install the necessary software components on your computer or laptop is to download the “Workplace Setup Wizard” from the Tensor company website.

With its help, all the necessary settings will be made automatically.

Since individuals and legal entities usually solve different problems, they can use different electronic signatures. You can obtain a qualified electronic signature at the office of Tensor or our partners in the region. The signature will be made within an hour. Or you can submit an online application, attaching scans of documents. The manager will check the application and then invite you to the office to receive an electronic signature. If you do not have time for this, we will deliver the ES by special communication. Do you need an EDS? Do you want to know how to create an electronic signature for government services? Where and how to get it, saving time on searching

necessary information ? Read a simple and understandable description in which we will tell you how to solve these problems without making mistakes. Note: There is an opinion that to access your personal account on the government services portal, a key (EDS) is required. This is not entirely true. The attribute (flash drive) is necessary for legal entities, i.e. for individual entrepreneurs, LLCs and others

commercial organizations

  • . Individuals only need to pass authorization. Standard registration (receiving an activation code by E-mail) expands access to services and creates a simple electronic signature.
  • Explanation of abbreviations in the text:
  • EDS (EDS) – Electronic Digital Signature;
  • CA – Certification Authority;
  • NEP – Unqualified Electronic Signature;
  • CEP – Qualified Electronic Signature;
  • UEC – Universal Electronic Card;

SNILS – pension insurance certificate (green plastic card);

FTS – Federal Tax Service.

  1. Advantages of a qualified electronic signature for an individual in State Services Types of electronic signature There are three types of EP. The most common one, which we often use, does not have the same levels of information protection as the other two - Enhanced. They differ in status and their scope is not the same. Let's look at their differences: requires the use of a login and password. When accessing services, to confirm the operation, a one-time code may be requested, sent via CMS message or email. WITH
  2. similar types– this attribute not only identifies the sender, but also records changes to the signed document. They receive the UNP from the certification center. The scope of the NEP is limited. State and municipal documents containing secrets cannot be signed with it.
  3. Reinforced qualified electronic signature has the highest degree of protection at the legislative level. Electronic documents are equivalent to paper ones with all the attributes of approval and have the same legal force. The certificate, which is issued along with the key, contains information on its verification. To carry out legally significant transactions, it is necessary to use this key (signature).

To make it easier to distinguish them from each other, let’s draw an analogy with clear paper attributes of personal identification:

  1. a simple electronic signature is equivalent to a badge, if others have used the PC (phone), you are responsible for the consequences;
  2. unqualified EPit's like a pass in an organization where there is an element of trust between the parties;
  3. qualified EPpassport, gives the right to use all services, is the most significant element of personal identification in legal transactions.

Note:Decide for yourself what type of signature you need, but a qualified electronic signature covers all services provided on the Unified Portal, of which there are slightly less than a thousand. Therefore, further we will talk about its creation and receipt.

Where do you get an electronic signature?

To access all portal services, you must have an enhanced qualified signature. This can be done before registration or after. The second option is preferable, because you will be convinced that digital signature is really necessary for government services.

What needs to be done on the site?

  1. Obtain information about Accredited Certification Centers.
  2. Select the one available to you.
  3. Inquire about the level of service provided and prices for services.
  4. Submit your application.

Note:Some CAs offer the opportunity to undergo training on using electronic signatures, conducting tenders, working with various document extensions, etc.

On the government services portal, you can submit an application to receive an electronic signature in the center you choose. It is possible to first contact the CA and then register using your existing electronic signature (for legal entities this is a prerequisite).

Note:Regardless of the option chosenYou must obtain a qualified electronic signature from the Certification Center. Depending on the degree of secrecy of legally significant transactions, the type of digital signature is selected.

How to create an application for an electronic digital signature for government services?

Let me make a reservation right away: the process of issuing electronic signature keys to both legal entities and individuals is constantly undergoing changes. For example, the widely advertised Rostelecom CA does not work for technical reasons.

The project to obtain a key for free using UEC has been suspended. Perhaps by the time the article is published the situation will change better side. The question arises: how to create an electronic signature for government services now?

Programs required for electronic operation

For ES attributes to work, you need to install several programs. You can do this yourself. You will need a crypto provider Vipnet CSP and one of two programs for verifying the signature: CryptoARM or Vipnet CryptoFile.

CryptoPro EDS Browser plug-in

If the digital signature does not work in some programs, for example, Office or Banking systems, install CryptoPro EDSBrowser plugin. the possibilities for using and verifying signatures will expand. Or... For the government services website, download the plugin, which is automatically detected on the page: ds-plugin.gosuslugi.ru/plugin/upload/Index.spr


Note:The key is valid for 13 months, so don’t miss out on updating your data. The flash drive is guaranteed for a yearit is also better to replace it. The CA will tell you how to do this in your personal account yourself.

How to get an electronic signature for government services for free?

It is impossible to purchase a qualified electronic signature, which requires a visit to a CA, for free. This mostly applies to legal entities. Individuals can obtain broader powers by registering on the government services website using SNILS.

To understand the need for one or another account, study the information on the page gosuslugi.ru/help/faq#q.

Note: When asked how to get an electronic signature for government services for free, we answer: unfortunately, not at all. You can expand your powers for free, but you have to pay for a digital signature for government services in the form of a flash drive - an electronic token. The price depends on the functionality of the key and the prices of the CA.

EDS verification for government services

To make sure that the digital signature you purchased from the CA is working, go to gosuslugi.ru/pgu/eds. Check the certificate and file handling. This will not cause any difficulties - everything is simple there. As a result, you will receive electronic signature data and a message: Document authenticity confirmed.

Is the electronic signature suitable for other resources?

Unfortunately, the electronic signature key for government services will not be valid, for example, for the Federal Tax Service portal. For tax authorities, a different type of (non-)qualified signature is required. It must contain the TIN data, and sometimes the registered powers of the legal entity. Therefore for various needs You need to purchase separate keys. This is inconvenient, but they haven’t made a universal type of signature yet.

When making civil transactions, providing state and municipal services, as well as when performing other legally significant actions via the Internet, an electronic digital signature (ED or EDS) is used. In essence, an electronic signature is an analogue of a handwritten signature. The only difference is that digital signature helps to sign any digital documents. Digital signatures are actively used on the State Services portal. WITH using digital signature you can, and also use it to receive various state and municipal online services. In this regard, many portal users need to figure out how to obtain an electronic signature for the State Services website.

The method for obtaining an electronic signature will depend on its type. If the purpose of creating an electronic digital signature is to significantly speed up the process of obtaining government services due to the absence of the need to personally visit government organizations to sign papers, then a simple electronic signature will be sufficient for you. Obtaining such an electronic signature is not difficult. There is also a strengthened unqualified signature and a strengthened qualified signature. You will have to tinker with getting them, but they open up much greater opportunities. In any case, as part of this review, we will tell you about all types of electronic signatures and provide detailed instructions upon receipt of them.

  • Important
  • To access all services of the State Services portal, an enhanced qualified electronic signature is required.

Types of electronic signature


As mentioned earlier, there are three types of electronic signature. A simple electronic signature has no legal force and you do not need to contact specialized centers to obtain it. Everything is done remotely and quite quickly. As a rule, this type of electronic signature is used to log in. As for the other two types of digital signatures, they also differ in status and their scope is not the same.

Types of digital signature:

  • Simple electronic signature;
  • Enhanced unqualified signature;
  • Strengthened qualified signature.

We cannot say which signature you need. It all depends on the purposes for which you plan to use the digital signature. You have all found yourself on this page in order to find out how to obtain an electronic signature for the State Services website, while the areas of application of the electronic signature will differ. To make it easier for you to decide what type of electronic digital signature you need, let’s consider their purpose in more detail.

Types of digital signatures and their differences:

  1. Simple electronic signature. The scope of application of a simple electronic signature is all types of document flow in an organization. Can be used on the State Services portal. Requests for the required service can be sent digitally, endorsed with a simple electronic signature. Essentially, this is a kind of identification through a code request via SMS.
  2. similar types. Confirms the authorship of papers, identifies the sender and records changes to the signed document. To obtain this type of digital electronic signature, you must contact a certification center. Does not provide the ability to sign government documents containing a secret.
  3. Enhanced Qualified Signature. Electronic signature with the most high level protection. Documents signed with this signature have the same legal force as documents signed with one’s own hand. Issued together with a special key and certificate at an accredited center. It is used when submitting reports in government organizations, in online trading, etc.
  • Important
  • Every citizen can obtain an electronic signature for the State Services website for free. You only need to pay for physical media (token or smart card).

Obtaining an electronic signature for public services


We have figured out the types of electronic signatures, now you can find out how to get an electronic signature for the State Services website. To gain access to all functions of the State Services portal, an enhanced qualified signature is required. You can do it before registering on the portal or later. Ideally, first you need to register on the site. Perhaps you don’t need an electronic signature at all. You should understand that many services do not require an electronic signature. For example, you can easily pay taxes, deregister a car, etc. without an electronic signature.

If the issue of obtaining an electronic signature has already been resolved, then you need to contact the certification center. You can find out the addresses of certification centers by following the link e-trust.gosuslugi.ru/CA. Please note that obtaining an enhanced qualified signature is only possible at an accredited center. If you need a simple electronic signature, then you do not need to do anything, since it was assigned to you automatically when you confirmed your account.

To obtain an electronic signature, you need to perform the following steps:

  1. Follow the link e-trust.gosuslugi.ru/CA and select a certification authority;
  2. Go to the website of the certification center of your choice and fill out an application to receive an electronic signature;
  3. Wait for a specialist from the certification center to contact you and inform you of the procedure for your further actions (usually the specialist provides a list of documents with which you need to come to the center).

Be prepared to pay for the physical media (token or smart card) on which your electronic digital signature will be located.