A means of electronic signature of a legal entity for public services. Electronic signature through government services

Do you need an EDS? Do you want to know how to create an electronic signature for government services? Where and how to get it, saving time on searching for the necessary information? Read a simple and understandable description in which we will tell you how to solve these problems without making mistakes.

Note: There is an opinion that to access your personal account on the government services portal, a key (EDS) is required. This is not entirely true. The attribute (flash drive) is necessary for legal entities, i.e. for individual entrepreneurs, LLCs and other commercial organizations. Individuals only need to pass authorization. Standard registration (receiving an activation code by E-mail) expands access to services and creates a simple electronic signature.

Explanation of abbreviations in the text:

• EDS (EDS) – Electronic Digital Signature;
• CA – Certification Authority;
• NEP – Unqualified Electronic Signature;
• CEP – Qualified Electronic Signature;
• UEC – Universal Electronic Card;
• SNILS – pension insurance certificate (green plastic card);
• FTS – Federal Tax Service.

Types of electronic signature

There are three types of EP. The most common one, which we often use, does not have the same levels of information protection as the other two - Enhanced. They differ in status and their scope is not the same. Let's look at their differences:

1. Simple electronic signature requires the use of a login and password. When accessing services, to confirm the operation, a one-time code may be requested, sent via CMS message or email. We often encounter such types of identification. To do this, you do not need to contact specialized centers.
2. Strengthened unqualified signature– this attribute not only identifies the sender, but also records changes to the signed document. They receive the UNP from the certification center. The scope of the NEP is limited. State and municipal documents containing secrets cannot be signed with it.
3. Reinforced qualified electronic signature has the highest degree of protection at the legislative level. Electronic documents are equivalent to paper ones with all the attributes of approval and have the same legal force. The certificate, which is issued along with the key, contains information on its verification. To carry out legally significant transactions, it is necessary to use this key (signature).

To make it easier to distinguish them from each other, let’s draw an analogy with clear paper attributes of personal identification:

1. a simple electronic signature is equivalent to a badge, if others used the PC (phone), you are responsible for the consequences;
2. unqualified EP– it's like a pass in an organization where there is an element of trust between the parties;
3. qualified EP– passport, gives the right to use all services, is the most significant element of personal identification in legal transactions.

Note:Decide for yourself what type of signature you need, but a qualified electronic signature covers all services provided on the Unified Portal, of which there are slightly less than a thousand. Therefore, further we will talk about its creation and receipt.

Where do you get an electronic signature?

To access all portal services, you must have an enhanced qualified signature. This can be done before registration or after. The second option is preferable, because you will be convinced that digital signature for government services is really necessary.

What needs to be done on the site?

1. Obtain information about Accredited Certification Centers.
2. Select the one available to you.
3. Inquire about the level of service provided and prices for services.
4. Submit your application.

Note:Some CAs offer the opportunity to undergo training on using electronic signatures, conducting tenders, working with various document extensions, etc.

On the government services portal, you can submit an application to receive an electronic signature in the center you choose. It is possible to first contact the CA and then register using your existing electronic signature (for legal entities this is a prerequisite).

Note:Regardless of the option chosen– You must obtain a qualified electronic signature from the Certification Center. Depending on the degree of secrecy of legally significant transactions, the type of digital signature is selected.

How to create an application for an electronic digital signature for government services?

Let me make a reservation right away: the process of issuing electronic signature keys to both legal entities and individuals is constantly undergoing changes. For example, the widely advertised Rostelecom CA does not work for technical reasons.

The project to obtain a key for free using UEC has been suspended. Perhaps by the time the article is published the situation will change for the better. The question arises: how to create an electronic signature for government services now?

Programs required for electronic operation

For ES attributes to work, you need to install several programs. You can do this yourself. You will need a crypto provider Vipnet CSP and one of two programs for verifying the signature: CryptoARM or Vipnet CryptoFile.

CryptoPro EDS Browser plug-in

If the digital signature does not work in some programs, for example, Office or Banking systems, install CryptoPro EDSBrowser plug— in. The possibilities for using and verifying signatures will expand. Or... For the government services website, download the plugin, which is automatically detected on the page: ds-plugin.gosuslugi.ru/plugin/upload/Index.spr

Note:The key is valid for 13 months, so don’t miss out on updating your data. The flash drive is guaranteed for a year– it is also better to replace it. The CA will tell you how to do this in your personal account yourself.

How to get an electronic signature for government services for free?

It is impossible to purchase a qualified electronic signature, which requires a visit to a CA, for free. This mostly applies to legal entities. Individuals can obtain broader powers by registering on the government services website using SNILS.

To understand the need for a particular account, study the information on the page gosuslugi.ru/help/faq#q.

Note: When asked how to get an electronic signature for government services for free, we answer: unfortunately, not at all. You can expand your powers for free, but you have to pay for a digital signature for government services in the form of a flash drive - an electronic token. The price depends on the functionality of the key and the prices of the CA.

Verification of digital signature for public services

To make sure that the digital signature you purchased from the CA is working, go to gosuslugi.ru/pgu/eds. Check the certificate and file handling. This will not cause any difficulties - everything is simple there. As a result, you will receive electronic signature data and a message: Document authenticity confirmed.

Is the electronic signature suitable for other resources?

Unfortunately, the electronic signature key for government services will not be valid, for example, for the Federal Tax Service portal. For tax authorities, a different type of (non-)qualified signature is required. It must contain the TIN data, and sometimes the registered powers of the legal entity. Therefore, for different needs you need to purchase separate keys. This is inconvenient, but they haven’t made a universal type of signature yet.

Quite often, current legislation establishes requirements for certain types of electronic signatures for different cases. In this regard, the choice of digital signature is very important, especially if there are some time limits or you simply don’t want to overpay for the registration of a new key. Before you receive an enhanced qualified electronic signature, you need to know exactly for what purposes it is suitable, because now there is no universal digital signature suitable for absolutely all tasks. Even a reinforced qualified ED, the most reliable and expensive to maintain, is not suitable for a number of cases.

What is the reason?

The lack of a universal electronic signature is explained as follows: it does not matter whether the document is signed with an enhanced qualified electronic signature or some other one, in any case, the information system must confirm the authority of the person specified in the certificate. This is only possible if it has its own identifiers. The project now has a single register, which will contain all electronic signature certificates, so that through it it will be possible to easily check whether the signature is genuine and whether the person has the necessary authority. A model of such a system already exists, but, according to experts, it is still impossible to implement it due to the technical complexity of maintaining the relevance and completeness of the registry. It depends not only on the quality work of specialists, but also on the conscientious work of each certification center. They must not only promptly update information, but also be responsible for its accuracy. The only way out is to obtain an enhanced qualified electronic signature with a certificate containing identifiers of all information systems.

Public services

Where can I get an enhanced qualified electronic signature? Almost all the necessary information is available on the government services portal. This electronic signature is generated using cryptographic means, which must be confirmed by the FSB of the Russian Federation. A special certificate is the only guarantor of its authenticity; it is issued only by accredited certification centers. If an electronic document is signed by UKEP, it has the same legal force as a paper document certified by a seal and a personal signature.

CA check

A list of accredited CAs is available on the government services website. You won’t be able to get such a certificate for free; you will have to at least buy an annual service, but the price does not exceed five thousand per year.

The state provides an equal opportunity for all citizens to obtain an enhanced qualified electronic signature. Individuals registered as individual entrepreneurs can use it to participate in trading on electronic trading platforms along with legal entities.

Simple electronic signature

A simple electronic signature required to apply for government services can be issued by a municipal or state body, as well as organizations subordinate to them. To do this, a citizen who contacts the organization must submit an application - in person or in electronic form. The key for such a signature consists of a password that is used on the public services portal and an identifier corresponding to the pension certificate number. Such an electronic signature can only be used to receive government services free of charge and does not require any additional software. To obtain a simple electronic signature, any citizen of the Russian Federation only needs a passport, and a representative of any organization needs, in addition to an identification document, also a document that can confirm his authority. If the application is made in person, the electronic signature is issued within one day.

UKEP

However, before you receive an enhanced qualified electronic signature, you need to contact a certification center. It must be accredited by the Ministry of Telecom and Mass Communications. This service, unlike receiving a simple electronic signature, is always paid. The cost varies from one thousand to five thousand rubles. As a rule, key maintenance is paid for immediately for a year, and after this period it must be renewed, otherwise the signature is invalid. However, documents signed using a certificate before its expiration do not lose their legal force even if stored in an electronic archive. The list of certification centers where you can obtain an enhanced qualified electronic signature is publicly available on the government services portal.

Advantages

The main advantage of this form of electronic signature is the ability to use it to receive any government services that can only be provided in electronic form. A nice bonus for UKEP owners is quick registration on the State Services portal, since you don’t have to wait for a letter with an activation code, which is usually sent through Russian Post and can take a very long time. As a rule, after it is possible to obtain an enhanced qualified electronic signature, the owner also receives special software for free - a crypto provider, so purchasing and installing additional software on the computer is not required.

Possibilities

An organization can realize many useful and cost-effective capabilities once it receives an enhanced, qualified electronic signature. "Government services", submitting documents to the arbitration court, participating in auctions and, of course, electronic document management. For small companies where the transfer of documents is carried out between several persons, it is possible to use free digital signatures; many programs, including Microsoft Outlook, are equipped with this function, however, such documents do not have legal force, since it will be difficult to establish the identity of the signatory and eliminate forgery.

Before you receive an enhanced qualified electronic signature, you should know that it is a necessary attribute for working with the government services portal, submitting reports to the tax service, for the system of electronic interdepartmental interaction and sending via the Internet any documents that must have legal force. If you have the UKEP, you can also organize an electronic archive, while the papers retain their legitimacy for a long time.

Extract from the tax authority

An enhanced qualified electronic signature is used by the tax service for processing various documents: certificates and statements. Such a document is analogous to a paper version, certified by a seal and signature. You can order an extract equipped with an electronic signature on the official website of the tax service. It should be remembered that a document signed by UKEP loses legal force if it is simply printed on paper. There is no point in printing such a record. The document has legitimacy only in its original form, in which it was sent by the tax service. You can save the statement under any name in PDF format. To transfer such a document, it must be copied to a disk, flash card, uploaded to cloud storage, or sent by email.

An enhanced qualified electronic signature confirms the authenticity of the document, so such an extract can be used to undergo accreditation on electronic trading platforms, and can also be provided to notaries if verification of the legal capacity of legal entities is required. However, most often notaries make such a request on their own.

About document flow

After receiving an enhanced qualified electronic signature, the organization is able to conduct electronic document management. Of course, key maintenance requires an annual investment, but many companies have already appreciated the convenience of this method of transmitting documents, and it also allows you to save much more money than is spent on keys and certificates.

Firstly, electronic document management is a guarantee that no forgery will be committed in documents. If checking a regular signature on paper requires a lengthy and labor-intensive examination, then checking the authenticity of a UKEP certificate is much easier. Secondly, it saves time. The faster documents are signed, the faster transactions are completed and, therefore, the work of the entire structure speeds up, and revenue increases. In addition, the organization's costs for paper and maintenance of copiers and printers are reduced by an order of magnitude.

Statutory

Legally significant electronic document flow can be carried out both within one organization and between different organizations. When carrying out these activities, the areas of use of each type of electronic signature should be taken into account.

Article 6 of the Federal Law on Electronic Signatures establishes that all documents certified by the UKEP have legal force and are equivalent to a paper document signed in person and certified by a seal. However, there are still documents for which, in principle, there is no electronic version, therefore, in some cases, the law stipulates that the written form of the document is mandatory. Arbitration procedural legislation also establishes several exceptions to the use of electronic signatures.

Certificate issuance

Without a special certificate, the operation of the enhanced qualified electronic signature key becomes impossible. Where can I get such a certificate? This is what certification centers do.

When processing an application for a certificate, the CA is required to establish the identity of the applicant. If this is a legal entity, the CA must request documents confirming the right of this person to apply for an electronic signature certificate.

When applying to an accredited CA, the applicant must indicate the restrictions on the use of the certificate, since they will not be able to be installed later - you will have to order another certificate. The applicant also submits documents or notarized copies.

List of documents

Where can I get an enhanced qualified electronic signature? This can be done in person at an accredited certification center. It is also possible to submit documents via the Internet; in this case, copies must be notarized. The applicant must provide an identification document. For an individual, you will need an insurance certificate of state pension insurance (SNILS) and TIN. And for legal entities, these two documents are replaced by the main state registration number. An individual entrepreneur will need a registration number for the entry in the state register, as well as a certificate of registration with the tax authorities. In some cases, a power of attorney or other document is needed that can confirm that the applicant has the authority to act on behalf of another person.

Arbitration court

On January 1, 2017, a new procedure for submitting electronic documents to the arbitration court was introduced. Firstly, the method of user authorization has changed. If previously this took place directly on the “My Arbitrator” website, now the process goes through the Unified Identification and Authentication System (the so-called Unified Identification and Authentication System). Now, to submit documents electronically, each user must have access to the ESIA. Registration can be done on the website of the State Services portal. Then in the “My Arbitrator” system you need to use the login function through the government services portal. In the window that appears, you must enter the new login and password used when registering with the ESIA. It is not necessary to obtain an enhanced qualified electronic signature for the court, since users have the opportunity to send scanned copies of paper documents, but an enhanced qualified electronic signature is required if it comes to filing claims and complaints that contain an indication of interim measures. Until January 1, 2017, such documents could only be submitted in person and only in paper form.

All changes, according to the explanation of Alexander Sarapin, the project manager, are aimed at achieving maximum identification of the user who sends documents to the court. This will eliminate the possibility of forgery in submitting documents.

An electronic signature (ES) is information in electronic digital form that can be used to identify an individual or legal entity without his personal presence.

In electronic document management, two types of electronic signature are used:

• simple electronic signature;
• enhanced electronic signature (can be qualified or unqualified).

They differ in the degree of protection and scope of application.

2. What is a simple electronic signature?

A simple electronic signature is essentially a combination of login and password, confirmation code by email, SMS, USSD, and the like.

Any document signed in this way is, by default, not equivalent to a paper document signed by hand. This is a kind of statement of intent, which means the party agrees with the terms of the transaction, but does not participate in it.

But if the parties enter into an agreement to recognize an electronic signature as an analogue of a handwritten one in a personal meeting, then such documents may acquire legal significance. This, for example, happens when you connect an online bank to a credit or debit card. A bank employee identifies you by your passport, and you sign an agreement to connect to online banking. In the future, you use a simple electronic signature, but it has the same legal force as a handwritten one.

3. What is a strong unqualified electronic signature?

A strengthened unqualified electronic signature is two unique sequences of characters that are uniquely related to each other: the electronic signature key and the electronic signature verification key. To form this link, cryptographic information protection tools are used ( Cryptographic information protection tools (CIPF) are tools that allow you to sign digital documents with an electronic signature, as well as encrypt the data they contain, thereby helping to reliably protect them from interference by third parties. CIPF is implemented in the form of software products and technical solutions.

The enhanced unqualified signature itself is not an analogue of a handwritten signature. It means that the document was signed by a specific person and has not been changed since then. But such a signature is usually valid only in conjunction with an agreement to recognize it as handwritten. True, not everywhere, but only in the document flow with the department (organization) with which such an agreement was signed.

4. What is an enhanced qualified electronic signature?

An enhanced qualified electronic signature differs from an enhanced unqualified one in that for its formation, cryptographic information protection tools (CIPF) certified by the FSB of the Russian Federation are used. And only a certification center accredited by the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Communications of the Russian Federation can issue such a signature. In this case, the guarantor of authenticity is the qualified certificate of the electronic signature verification key provided by such a center. The certificate is issued on a USB drive. To use it, in some cases you may need to install additional software.

An enhanced qualified signature is an analogue of a handwritten signature. It can be used everywhere, but to use it with a number of organizations, you need to enter additional information into a qualified electronic signature certificate.

How to obtain an enhanced qualified electronic signature

To obtain an enhanced qualified electronic signature you will need:

• identification document;
• insurance certificate of compulsory pension insurance (SNILS);
• individual taxpayer number (TIN);
• the main state registration number of the record of state registration of an individual as an individual entrepreneur (if you are an individual entrepreneur);
• an additional set of documents confirming your authority to act on behalf of the legal entity (if you receive the signature of a representative of the legal entity).

The documents must be submitted to an accredited certification center (you can find them in the list or on the map), whose employee, after establishing your identity and checking the documents, will write the certificate and electronic signature keys onto a certified electronic medium - an electronic card or flash drive. You can also purchase information cryptographic protection products there.

The cost of the service for providing a certificate and electronic signature keys is determined by the regulations of the accredited certification center and depends, in particular, on the scope of application of the electronic signature.

5. Does an electronic signature have an expiration date?

The validity period of an electronic signature verification key certificate (both qualified and unqualified) depends on the cryptographic information protection tool (CIPF) used and the certification center where the certificate was received.

Typically, the validity period is one year.

Signed documents are valid even after the expiration of the electronic signature verification key certificate.

6. What is ESIA and why is it needed?

The federal state information system “Unified System of Identification and Authorization” (USIA) is a system that allows citizens to interact with authorities online.

Its advantage is that a user who has registered once in the system (on the gosuslugi.ru portal) does not need to go through the registration procedure on government and other resources each time to gain access to any information or service. Also, to use resources that interact with the ESIA, you do not need to additionally identify your identity and equate a simple electronic signature with a handwritten one - this has already been done.

With the development of e-government and electronic document management in general, the number of resources interacting with the Unified Identification and Automation System is growing. Thus, private organizations can also use the ESIA.

Since 2018, a system for remote identification of clients of Russian banks and users of information systems has come into effect, subject to registration in the Unified Identification and Automation System and the citizen providing his biometric data (facial image and voice sample) to a unified biometric system. That is, you can receive banking services without leaving your home.

There are several account levels on the gosuslugi.ru portal. Using the simplified and standard levels, you sign applications with a simple electronic signature. But to gain access to all services, you need a verified account - for this you need to confirm your identity, that is, equate a simple electronic signature to a handwritten one.

On the website of the Federal Tax Service

Individuals, receiving services through a personal account on the website of the Federal Tax Service, use an enhanced unqualified signature, equivalent to a handwritten one. A verification key certificate can be obtained in your personal account, but personal identification and equating an electronic signature to a handwritten one occur at the level of entering your personal account: you can log in either using the login and password that are issued during a personal visit to the tax office, or using a confirmed account records on the gosuslugi.ru portal, or even using an enhanced qualified electronic signature.

But individual entrepreneurs and legal entities may need an enhanced qualified signature to receive services (for example, to register an online cash register).

On the Rosreestr website

Some of Rosreestr’s services (for example, submit an application, make an appointment) can be obtained using a simple electronic signature. But most services are provided to those who have an enhanced qualified electronic signature.

To participate in electronic trading

In order to participate in electronic trading, you need an enhanced qualified electronic signature.

In multifunctional centers, starting from 2017, you can obtain an electronic (digital) signature key, it is easy to issue an electronic signature for an individual at the MFC, the process does not require much time and money.

Since April 6, 2011, Federal Law No. 63 Federal Law has been in force throughout Russia, regulating the creation and use of such signatures.

It replaced the no longer valid No. 1-FZ. Many people are interested in why an electronic signature is needed and what advantages it provides.

In this review, we will talk about all the legal and everyday nuances associated with obtaining, using and restoring signatures.

In the era of the development of cryptography (encryption), experts created programs whose algorithms generate multi-character complex combinations. To use the system, a bunch of two keys is used - public and private.

The first user forwards to those with whom he plans to exchange confidential data. The second one is used by the owner himself. It allows you to send certificates to other people and authenticate official papers.

Both options are software products that have an expiration date. Upon completion, replacement is required. This is similar to the validity of licenses for antivirus programs, for which the period of use must be extended. This restriction ensures the safety of users.

It is so difficult and expensive to hack and tamper with a file that in the vast majority of cases, attackers simply do not have such resources.

The main scope of application is confirmation of the authenticity of documents for various purposes filled out by individuals (private citizens) or legal entities (enterprises and organizations). We are talking about a complete analogue of a personal painting, which has the same legal force in any authorities.

Types of digital signatures and their differences

Let's move on to a more detailed consideration of the point about what electronic signatures are and how they differ. The first option is a simple email. signature.

It can be used to work on government service websites or used for internal company affairs related to the signing of orders, resolutions, and correspondence.

The sole purpose is to confirm actual authorship. This option has no legal force at the state level.

A more advanced version, which has protection that guarantees authenticity and authorship, is called an unqualified electronic signature.

It can be used for internal and external (by mutual agreement) document flow. In the manufacture of such software products, new generation cryptographic systems are used.

The most effective and legally recognized is a qualified signature, abbreviated as CES. With its help, you can submit tax returns, work with the Pension Fund website, and participate in auctions.

The level of protection in this case is maximum, because cryptographic systems used for keys are tested by FSB experts and certified by security authorities.

Using a qualified electronic signature, you limit access to confidential documents and receive protection against theft of important information, incl. industrial espionage.

List of documents for obtaining an electronic digital signature

Some users are not aware of what documents are needed to obtain an electronic signature. The fact is that ordinary people, entrepreneurs and company managers will have a different list of required papers.

In the first case, it is enough to write an application, attaching a receipt and a photocopy of your passport certified by a notary. The second one is more difficult:

• Order on the appointment of the head of the enterprise (certified copy);
• Passport of the person submitting the application (original);
• If a third party is submitting the application, a power of attorney in his name is required;
• Charter of the enterprise (certified copy);
• Statement of payment.

The registration procedure is quick. On average, production takes no more than three days from the date of application. Applications are always processed in order of priority, and this happens without any hitches.

Receipt through multifunctional centers

Often people simply do not know where the accredited service for issuing digital signatures is located, and are interested in whether it is possible to obtain an electronic signature through the MFC at their place of residence.

Experts answer that such a possibility really exists. By contacting the municipal services center, any citizen or representative of a legal entity will be able to receive the keys within ten working days from the date of submission of the application. Such services have been provided since 2017.

To register, you need to make an appointment by calling the hotline 88005505030 or come to the department to pick up an electronic queue coupon.

Upon arrival, you will need to write an application according to the sample that will be given to you on the spot. You also need to have your passport and... The service is free for the public.

The procedure is extremely simple. First, you register on the website of the certification center, select a registration service, prepare the above papers, pay for the service in a convenient way (bank, terminal, Visa or MasterCard).

There are several ways to obtain an electronic signature for individuals, and they differ in purpose.

How to make an electronic signature for government services

If you need to use the capabilities of the gosuslugi.ru website, work with the portals of the tax service and Rosreestr, you will need a qualified signature. With its help, a citizen can carry out the following operations:

• Receive or replace a civil or TIN;
• Request information about income, debts, fines from the tax and;
• Receive electronically;
• Check the account in the Pension Fund of the Russian Federation;
• Register or deregister in the city, carry out similar operations with the car;
• Apply to a university in another city;
• Conclude contracts for remote work;
• Participate in the electronic trading system throughout the country;
• Register ;
• Obtain a license, patent.

You can obtain this type of digital signature from certification centers. Cost – 950 rub. To do this you will need to perform the following set of steps:

• Visit the official website of the NCC of the Russian Federation and go through a quick registration procedure;
• In your personal account, indicate where you live and where you want to receive an electronic signature;
• Clarify for what purposes it is planned to be used;
• Request an invoice and pay it in a convenient way;
• Arrive at the pickup location at the specified time with a package of necessary documents.

So you can easily make an individual an electronic signature for government services and other tasks related to official document flow and various registrations. As you can see, there is nothing complicated in this process, and it will take a little time.

Digital signature and distribution of powers

Often the signature belongs to a legal entity - more precisely, the head of a company or business owner. But at the same time, all the main “current” tasks are performed by his deputy, the head of the legal department or another official in the company.

In this case, a logical question arises - how to issue a power of attorney for the use of an electronic signature by another person? Is such a procedure possible in principle?

Yes, such a possibility is provided for and enshrined in law. In accordance with the Regulations on the use of digital signatures dated December 27, 2012, legal entities have the right to appoint authorized representatives, who, in turn, will use special digital signatures.

An application with a power of attorney is submitted to the certification center (you can download a sample here). After this, the representative will be issued certificates.

Loss of digital signature and procedures related to restoration

Your laptop was stolen or your hard drive was damaged and cannot be restored. What to do in this case, To How to restore an electronic signature in the prescribed manner? If the key is lost, it cannot be recovered. You will have to apply for a new one.

The essence is the same as during the initial appeal. There is also no difference in timing. You simply repeat the previously completed procedure. Warn everyone about such changes. Use backup storage options such as portable flash drives to avoid unnecessary hassle.

If necessary, you can use the help of specialists who will help you quickly and competently collect all the necessary documents and issue or restore an electronic digital signature in the shortest possible time.