Contents 8 sections
The financial seal and e-Signature are digital certificates used for documents signed electronically. The e-Signature is issued to individuals, while the financial seal is issued to companies or institutions. On e-Invoice and similar official digital documents, the financial seal guarantees the source of the document (who actually sent it) and that it has not been altered. The e-Signature takes the place of a person’s paper signature and allows them to sign electronic documents
An official application is required to obtain these certificates. Institutions apply for a financial seal by filling out a form on the Public Certification Center’s online portal and paying the fee. Individuals, in turn, make an online pre-application to authorized service providers (for example PTT) to get an e-Signature and obtain their certificates by submitting the required documents. In this way, businesses and individuals gain these digital signature tools that secure the documents they create electronically.
What Is a Financial Seal?
The financial seal is a digital “stamp” that companies use to approve their official documents electronically. Thanks to this electronic certificate, the source and integrity of documents such as invoices, e-Ledger and e-Archive are guaranteed. The financial seal acts as a kind of electronic stamp and is a digital certificate issued by the TÜBİTAK Public Certification Center. Companies must have a financial seal in order to carry out e-Invoice or similar official electronic document transactions
- It works as the electronic version of the company’s official stamp
- It guarantees the source and content of e-documents such as e-Invoice, e-Archive and e-Ledger
- It is a digital certificate issued by TÜBİTAK Kamu SM and delivered as a USB device
- It is mandatory only for institutional and company users; individuals can carry out transactions with an e-Signature
In this way, the company stamp on invoices issued electronically remains valid in the digital environment as well. In short, the financial seal can be thought of as an electronic stamp specific to companies in e-transformation processes.
What Is an e-Signature?
The e-Signature is a digital signature technology that provides identity verification, data integrity and non-repudiation in transactions carried out in electronic environments. Legally considered equivalent to a handwritten signature, this electronic signature guarantees the identity of the signer and prevents the signed document from being altered afterwards.
It is fundamentally based on a digital certificate infrastructure (Electronic Certificate Service Provider – ESHS). This certificate is created specifically for the signature holder and can be used only by that person. In this way, processes such as e-Invoice, e-Archive, e-Contracts, public applications and tender procedures can be completed digitally with legal assurance.
The e-Signature is not merely a digital tool; it is also a strategic transformation tool that provides savings in time, cost and bureaucracy in business processes. By eliminating traditional signature processes, it gives businesses digital speed and combines security, legal validity and efficiency in one place.
In short, the e-Signature is the secure, provable and tamper-proof form of the signature in the digital world; it is the cornerstone of digital transformation.
Differences Between the Financial Seal and the e-Signature
The two concepts most often confused in the digital transformation process: Financial Seal and e-Signature. Although both are used in electronic signing processes, they are fundamentally different in the identity they represent and where they are used.
The financial seal is an electronic certificate that represents the legal entity of a company or institution. In other words, it is a business’s digital identity. On documents such as e-Invoice, e-Archive and e-Ledger, it proves that the sending or issuing institution really is that company. The financial seal is issued by the TÜBİTAK Public Certification Center only on behalf of legal entities (companies, institutions, associations, etc.) and is delivered as a USB device.
The e-Signature, on the other hand, is a digital signature belonging to individuals. It allows a person to prove their identity in the electronic environment. It is used by company officials, freelancers or individuals. The e-Signature is obtained through Electronic Certificate Service Providers (ESHS) and is used in individual transactions such as identity verification, contract signing and official applications.
Key Differences
- Scope: The financial seal is issued to legal entities, the e-Signature to individuals.
- Issuing Authority: The financial seal is provided by TÜBİTAK Kamu SM, the e-Signature by private ESHS providers.
- Area of Use: The financial seal is used in corporate transactions such as e-Invoice, e-Archive and e-Ledger; the e-Signature is used in individual digital documents that require legal approval.
- Physical Form: The financial seal is usually delivered as a USB token, while the e-Signature may come as a smart card or in a mobile signature format.
- Legal Representation: The financial seal represents the institution, while the e-Signature represents the person.
Conclusion
In short, the financial seal is a company’s digital identity, while the e-Signature is a person’s digital signature. Both guarantee trust, accuracy and legal validity in the e-transformation process. However, using the right tool in the right process is critical for both legal validity and operational efficiency.
How to Get a Financial Seal?
The financial seal is a digital certificate that legal entities must obtain in order to carry out transactions in the electronic environment. All companies that want to switch to e-Invoice, e-Archive or e-Ledger systems must have this certificate. The process of obtaining a financial seal follows specific steps and takes place only through authorized institutions.
1. Application Address
Financial seal applications are made only through the TÜBİTAK Public Certification Center (Kamu SM). The application is completed online via the “Financial Seal Certificate Application” page on the official Kamu SM website.
2. Required Information
During the application, the system asks for basic corporate information such as the company’s tax number, title, authorized person details and contact address. This data is used to verify who the certificate belongs to.
3. Payment and Approval Process
After the form is filled out, the system shares the account details to which the application fee should be paid. The application is approved once the fee is paid and the receipt is uploaded. After reviewing the application, Kamu SM starts the production process of the certificate.
4. Delivery
The financial seal is usually produced as a USB token device or smart card. The product is shipped by courier to the address specified in the application form. After delivery, the device is introduced to the computer through special software and becomes ready for use.
5. Activation and Use
After system setup, the delivered financial seal device is integrated into e-document platforms such as e-Invoice or e-Ledger. The company can then start signing electronic documents securely and in a legally valid way.
Important Note
The financial seal is registered only to the company title and cannot be used by another institution. In addition, the security of the device is the company’s responsibility for the duration of the certificate.
How to Get an e-Signature?
The e-Signature is a digital signature that allows individuals to verify their identity in the electronic environment and sign documents securely. To be legally valid, an e-Signature can be issued only by Electronic Certificate Service Providers (ESHS). In Türkiye, individuals or company representatives who want an e-Signature can become digital signature holders in a short time by applying to authorized organizations.
1. Choosing an Authorized Service Provider
The first step is to choose an Electronic Certificate Service Provider authorized by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK). Trusted providers among these organizations include PTT, TÜRKTRUST, E-GÜVEN and E-Tuğra.
2. Application Process
The application is made through the chosen service provider’s website. By filling out the application form, you specify your identity details, contact address and the requested type of e-Signature (individual, corporate, mobile, etc.).
3. Submitting Documents and Identity Verification
After the application, documents such as an ID photocopy or a notarized power of attorney are delivered to the service provider either physically or through identity verification systems. This step confirms that the signature holder is really the person who applied.
4. Fee and Certificate Production
e-Signature fees may vary by service provider. After payment is made, the provider approves the application and produces the personal digital certificate. This certificate is delivered as a USB token, smart card or in a mobile signature format.
5. Installation and Use
The delivered e-Signature device or mobile application is installed on the computer and activated. From this point on, the user can securely sign documents such as e-Invoice, e-Archive and e-Contracts electronically.
Important Note
The e-Signature is specific to the signature holder only and cannot be used by anyone else. The confidentiality and security of the certificate are entirely the signature holder’s responsibility.
Where to Get a Financial Seal and e-Signature?
The first step for businesses and individuals who want to join the electronic transformation process is to obtain a financial seal and an e-Signature from reliable sources. Both digital identity tools can be provided only by authorized institutions and organizations. For this reason, using the right application channels is critical for both legal validity and data security.
Where to Get a Financial Seal?
Financial seal applications are accepted only by the TÜBİTAK Public Certification Center (Kamu SM). The process starts by filling out the online application form on the institution’s official website.
After verifying the application details, Kamu SM produces the financial seal certificate and sends it to the applicant as a USB token or smart card. No other institution or private company in Türkiye is authorized to issue financial seal certificates.
Where to Get an e-Signature?
The e-Signature certificate can be obtained through Electronic Certificate Service Providers (ESHS) licensed by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK).
The main authorized organizations offering e-Signature services in Türkiye:
- PTT e-Signature
- TÜRKTRUST
- E-GÜVEN
- E-Tuğra
- Kamu SM (corporate e-Signature service)
After verifying the applicant’s identity, these organizations produce the digital certificate and deliver it via a physical device or a mobile application.
Conclusion
The financial seal should be obtained only from TÜBİTAK Kamu SM, and the e-Signature from BTK-approved service providers. Digital certificates obtained from unauthorized sources have no legal validity and pose a serious risk to data security. Certificates obtained from the right institution, on the other hand, guarantee both identity security and legal validity in digital transactions.
Financial Seal and e-Signature Fees and Delivery Process
The financial seal and e-Signature are critical tools for businesses and individuals in digital transformation processes. However, obtaining these certificates is subject to a specific fee and delivery procedure. Having the right information keeps the processes moving quickly and smoothly.
Financial Seal Fees and Delivery
Financial seal applications are made through the TÜBİTAK Public Certification Center (Kamu SM). Application fees may vary depending on the certificate’s duration and device type. In general:
- The application and certificate fee is set as annual or 3-year plans.
- Payment is made during the application to the bank account that Kamu SM directs you to.
- The application is completed by uploading the fee receipt to the system.
After the application is approved, the financial seal is produced as a USB token or smart card device and sent to the applicant by courier. Delivery time usually ranges between 5-10 business days. Once the certificate device is received, it can be integrated into the computer or relevant systems and used.
e-Signature Fees and Delivery
e-Signature fees vary depending on the chosen Electronic Certificate Service Provider (ESHS) and the certificate type.
- Individual e-Signature: Usually an annual subscription, offered in mobile or USB token format.
- Corporate e-Signature: Can be provided in plans specific to company representatives that cover multiple users.
- Payment is made online or through a bank, using the methods the service provider directs you to.
After the certificate is produced, the e-Signature is delivered to the user through a USB token, smart card or mobile application. Delivery time varies by provider but is usually completed within 2-7 business days.
Important Notes
- Both the financial seal and e-Signature devices can be used only by the certificate holder.
- During delivery, the security and password of the device are the user’s responsibility for the entire period of use.
- Since fee and delivery information may be updated every year, it is important to verify it from official sources before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between the financial seal and the e-Signature?
The financial seal is a digital certificate that represents the legal entity of a company or institution; the e-Signature belongs to individuals. The financial seal is used on corporate documents such as e-Invoice, e-Archive and e-Ledger, whereas the e-Signature is preferred for individual documents that require legal approval.
Are the financial seal and e-Signature legally valid?
Yes. Both are legally considered equivalent to a handwritten signature in Türkiye. They ensure the accuracy and integrity of documents and verify identity.
In which documents can the financial seal and e-Signature be used?
Financial seal: corporate digital documents such as e-Invoice, e-Archive and e-Ledger. e-Signature: e-Invoice, e-Archive, e-Contracts, e-Devlet applications and other official digital documents.
How are the e-Signature and financial seal obtained?
Financial seal: Obtained only through the TÜBİTAK Public Certification Center. e-Signature: Obtained through Electronic Certificate Service Providers (ESHS) approved by the BTK.
What are the fees and how long does delivery take?
Financial seal: Varies by plan and duration; delivery takes 5-10 business days. e-Signature: Varies by provider and certificate type; delivery is completed within 2-7 business days.
What should be done if the device is lost?
If a financial seal or e-Signature device is lost or stolen, you must immediately contact the provider or Kamu SM to have the certificate revoked. Otherwise, misuse of the device may lead to legal problems
For how long are the e-Signature and financial seal valid?
Both digital certificates are valid for periods ranging from 1 to 3 years. They must be renewed at the end of the term.
What documents are required for the application?
Financial seal: Company name, tax number, authorized person details and contact details. e-Signature: ID photocopy, application form and additional documents depending on the requested certificate type.
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