Annotate the customer complaint [file=PDF] with timestamps and short notes identifying recurring issues, tag each note…
Open the PDF document you want to apply a timestamp LTV to in Adobe Acrobat.
Ensure the PDF is already digitally signed; if not, apply a digital signature first.
NoteA timestamp LTV can only be applied to a document that has a digital signature.
Right-click the existing signature in the document and select Validate Signature.
In the Signature Validation Status dialog, click Signature Properties.
In the Signature Properties window, click Show Signer's Certificate.
Close the certificate viewer and return to the Signature Properties window.
Click Validate Signature if prompted, then close the dialog.
From the main menu, go to File > Save As and save the document to embed the validation information.
Best practiceSome users recommend saving a backup before embedding LTV, as the process cannot be undone.
Right-click the signature again and select Add Verification Information (or similar, depending on Acrobat version).
NoteThis step embeds the timestamp and revocation data needed for LTV.
Save the document again to finalize the LTV information.
After you add LTV information, anyone can verify the signature’s validity even if the certificate is later revoked.
This runs in the Acrobat app - there is no separate API for this task.
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.
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.
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.
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.