To enable our clients to store notarial deeds electronically and permanently, we often send them as electronically certified files. This ensures that the origin of the file and its integrity remain verifiable at all times.
An electronically certified document always consists of two files:
- ".pdf"-file(deed)
- ".pkcs7"-file (encrypted signature of the civil law notary)
Only both files together constitute the electronically certified document, which is why both documents must always be forwarded to third parties (e.g. banks) in their entirety. The files may not be changed (with the exception of the file name), otherwise the signature and hence the document will become invalid.
The authenticity of the document can be verified using signature software, such as the free digiSeal® reader software (www.secrypt.de/produkte/digiseal-reader/).
Good to know: your deeds will also be stored by us or in a database of the Federal Chamber of Notaries for a period of 100 years. Even if the electronically notarised deed is lost, it can be reproduced at any time by the civil law notary or their official successor.