How do I add a trusted timestamp to my PDF document in Adobe Acrobat?

Open your PDF in Acrobat. Go to 'All tools' > 'Use a certificate'. Select 'Timestamp' to get a timestamp from a trusted Time Stamping Authority (TSA). This proves the exact time of signing.

Why is Long-Term Valid (LTV) data important for digital signatures?

LTV data is important because signing certificates can expire. Without LTV, your signature might appear invalid after your certificate's expiration date. LTV data ensures your signature remains valid for many years, which is crucial for legal and archival documents. It embeds all necessary verification information into the document itself.

What happens if I don't use a trusted Time Stamping Authority (TSA) for my timestamp?

If your timestamp does not come from a trusted TSA, it might not be recognized as valid. This means the proof of when your document was signed could be questioned. Always ensure your TSA is part of a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to guarantee its reliability and acceptance.

Can I renew the LTV data of a signature without invalidating the original signature?

Yes, you can renew LTV data without making the original signature invalid. This is a key benefit of LTV, especially for documents that need to remain legally sound over very long periods. The renewal process updates the verification information while preserving the integrity of the initial signature and its timestamp.

How does a timestamp differ from a digital signature in securing a document?

A digital signature proves who signed a document and that it hasn't changed since. A timestamp, on the other hand, specifically proves *when* the document was signed or existed. It's like 'a lock for the lock' – it secures both the signature and the document to a precise moment in time, adding an extra layer of non-repudiation and trust regarding the timing.

Configure Acrobat to use a custom Time Stamp Authority — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

3 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Show me how to set up a custom Time Stamp Authority…+

Show me how to set up a custom Time Stamp Authority for all users in [organization name] using the Acrobat Admin Console.

when the reply comes backWould you like tips on testing your new settings?

BImprove — “do it better”Suggest ways to improve our Time Stamp Authority settings…+

Suggest ways to improve our Time Stamp Authority settings in Acrobat for better security and compliance in [organization name].

when the reply comes backNeed help explaining this change to your team?

CDecide — “help me choose”Help me compare different Time Stamp Authority options…+

Help me compare different Time Stamp Authority options for Acrobat and choose the best one for [organization name]'s needs.

when the reply comes backWant to review security best practices for document signing?

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Open Acrobat and go to the application preferences.
2
Select the Signatures category from the list on the left.
3
In the Identities & Trusted Certificates section, click More....
4
In the dialog that opens, select the Time Stamp Servers tab.
5
Click New to add a custom Time Stamp Authority (TSA).
6
Enter the TSA server URL and a descriptive name in the appropriate fields.
7
If your TSA requires authentication, enter the username and password.
CautionEnsure credentials are stored securely and comply with your organization's security policies.
8
Click OK to save the new TSA entry.
9
Set your new TSA as the default by selecting it and clicking Set Default.
Best practiceSome enterprise environments distribute trusted TSA settings via registry or plist deployment for consistency across users.
10
Click OK to close all dialogs and apply your changes.

In the appWith the API

You can verify your custom TSA is active by digitally signing a document and checking the timestamp details in the signature properties.

This runs in the Acrobat app - there is no separate API for this task.

Glossary

words on this page

Time Stamp AuthorityA service that proves when a document was signed or changed.ExampleThe Time Stamp Authority confirmed the document was signed on October 26th at 10:00 AM.

Acrobat Admin ConsoleThe online place where admins control Acrobat settings for everyone.ExampleThe IT manager uses the Acrobat Admin Console to manage user licenses for the entire department.

Digital SignatureAn electronic mark on a document that proves who signed it and that the document has not changed.ExampleA digital signature on your tax return confirms you submitted it and that its contents are unchanged.

The real tasks

the one, listed here

Annotate the customer complaint file with timestamps and notes so the service team can act on recurring issues

FAQ

about this task

To set up a custom Time Stamp Authority, you need to log in to the Acrobat Admin Console, go to the settings for digital signatures, and enter the details of your chosen authority. This will make sure all users in your organization use the same trusted time stamp when signing documents.

Organizations often use a custom Time Stamp Authority to follow legal rules, improve security, or use a trusted provider. This helps prove when documents were signed and protects against tampering.

In most cases, settings in the Admin Console apply to all users, but some advanced setups may allow group-based policies. Check your Admin Console options or contact Adobe support for group-specific settings.

A custom Time Stamp Authority adds a trusted date and time to each signed document, making it harder for anyone to fake or change the signing time. This helps protect your organization's records.

The default Time Stamp Authority is provided by Adobe, but a custom one lets your organization pick a provider that meets your own rules or legal needs. Custom authorities give you more control over trust and compliance.

Configure Acrobat to use a custom Time Stamp Authority

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help