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.

Integrate timestamp LTV signing into a document workflow in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

3 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Help me connect Acrobat to [system] so documents get LTV signed...…+

Help me connect Acrobat to [Power Automate/Salesforce/Teams] so documents get LTV signed with a timestamp when shared or stored.

when the reply comes backWant to add automatic notifications when a document is signed?

BImprove — “do it better”Suggest ways to make my Acrobat LTV signing integration...…+

Suggest ways to make my Acrobat LTV signing integration with [Power Automate/Salesforce/Teams] faster or easier for my team.

when the reply comes backNeed help setting up user permissions for your integration?

CDecide — “help me choose”Help me choose the best tool to connect Acrobat...…+

Help me choose the best tool (Power Automate, Salesforce, or Teams) to connect Acrobat for timestamped LTV signing in my document process.

when the reply comes backCurious how to track all signed documents in one place?

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Set up a document automation workflow in your chosen platform (such as Power Automate or SharePoint) that triggers when a PDF is added or modified.
2
Configure the workflow to call the Adobe PDF Services API or Adobe Acrobat Sign API to process the PDF.
Best practiceUsing Adobe PDF Services API enables automated, scalable signing and timestamping without manual intervention.
3
Within the API call, specify the use of a digital signature with timestamping enabled by providing the appropriate signature profile and timestamp authority (TSA) URL.
CautionEnsure your Adobe account or integration has access to a trusted timestamp authority (TSA) and that the TSA credentials are securely managed.
4
Enable Long-Term Validation (LTV) for the signature by setting the LTV parameter or option in the API request payload.
NoteLTV ensures that the signature remains valid even after the certificate expires, by embedding revocation and timestamp data.
5
Test the workflow by uploading a sample PDF and verifying that the resulting document contains a timestamped, LTV-enabled digital signature.
Best practiceSome blogs recommend validating the signed PDF in Acrobat by checking the signature panel for LTV status to confirm full compliance.
6
Deploy the workflow for production use, ensuring that all users and automated processes have the necessary permissions to execute the signing and timestamping steps.

In the appWith the API

After the workflow runs, open the signed PDF in Acrobat and check the signature panel to confirm that the signature is timestamped and LTV enabled.

The Adobe PDF Services API (specifically the /sign endpoint) and Adobe Acrobat Sign API support automated digital signing with timestamp and LTV options.

Glossary

words on this page

LTV SigningLTV signing means the signature on a document will stay valid even in the future.ExampleUsing LTV signing meant the legal document's validity was preserved for any future audits.

TimestampA timestamp proves exactly when a document was signed.ExampleThe timestamp on the digital signature shows the agreement was finalized at 2:15 PM.

IntegrationConnecting two different apps so they work together automatically.ExampleThe integration between the calendar and email apps sends meeting invites automatically.

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

You can use Power Automate to create a workflow that sends your Acrobat document for LTV signing and adds a timestamp. This usually involves choosing Acrobat as the trigger, setting the action to sign with LTV, and then saving or sharing the document with the timestamp included.

Timestamped LTV signing proves not only that a document was signed, but also exactly when it was signed. This helps with legal compliance and makes your records more trustworthy.

Yes, you can connect Acrobat to Salesforce so that every time a document is LTV signed, it gets saved in Salesforce with the signing time. This helps you organize and find signed documents easily.

When you integrate Acrobat with Teams, everyone in your group can see, share, and discuss signed documents right in Teams, with clear timestamps. This is easier than sending files back and forth by email.

Automating LTV signing with a timestamp saves you time, reduces mistakes, and makes sure every document is handled the same way. It also helps you keep better records for audits or legal needs.

Integrate timestamp LTV signing into a document workflow

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help