What is an e-Signature? How to Get It & 2026 Pricing

In a digitalizing world, official transactions have now moved almost completely to online platforms. In this process, the most crucial tool ensuring legal validity and the highest level of security is the electronic signature (e-signature). So, what is an e-signature, how can you obtain it with next-generation methods in 2026, where is it used, and how long do delivery processes take? Here are all the up-to-date details you need to know about e-signature applications, biometric verification, and usage.

📌  At a Glance: What You Need to Know About e-Signatures

• Legal Validity: Under Law No. 5070, e-signatures carry 100% the same legal validity as a wet signature.

• The Fastest Method: Instead of waiting for a physical courier in 2026, you can activate your e-signature in minutes using NFC and Biometric Verification.

• Sole Proprietorship Advantage: If you have a sole proprietorship, you do not need to obtain a separate Financial Seal; you can manage your e-Invoice processes using your e-signature.

• Cost-Saving Tip: 3-year plans offer up to a 40% cost benefit compared to 1-year plans.

• Where Is It Needed?: An e-signature is now the "golden key" for e-Government, UYAP, MERSİS, EKAP, and banking transactions.

• Easy Renewal: If you apply before your certificate expires, you can renew online without the hassle of gathering physical paperwork.

What Is an e-Signature?

An electronic signature (e-signature) is your ID card in the digital world. This system, which conclusively proves who has approved a document or transaction, also guarantees that the data has not been altered during transmission.

In Turkey, the use of e-signatures is legally established by the Electronic Signature Law No. 5070. Under this regulation, an e-signature carries the exact same legal validity as a wet signature.

Traditionally, e-signatures are used via smart card readers (tokens) that look like USB flash drives and plug into computers. However, today, cloud-based systems and mobile apps allow you to complete transactions without needing a physical device.

What Does an Electronic Signature Do?

An electronic signature (e-signature) has become an essential tool for many digital transactions, particularly for business owners, financial advisors, and e-commerce enterprises.

Here are the core areas of use and benefits that make operations easier:

• Official Agency Transactions: It allows you to complete address changes, vehicle registrations, and SGK (social security) transactions on the e-Government portal without waiting in line.

• Legal Procedures (UYAP): You can file lawsuits, review files, and manage legal proceedings digitally without needing to visit the courthouse.

• Commercial and Corporate Transactions: It is mandatory for company formations, board of directors resolutions, and trade registry gazette filings through MERSİS.

• Tender Participation (EKAP): An e-signature is a non-negotiable security requirement when submitting bids for public tenders.

• Banking and Finance: Loan agreements and instructions are approved in seconds without the friction of wet signatures.

• Paperless Office (Green Transition): By digitalizing corporate correspondence (EBYS), it saves both time and paper.

Where Can You Get an e-Signature?

In Turkey, electronic signatures can be obtained through Electronic Certificate Service Providers (ECSPs) authorized by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK). Application procedures generally consist of online application + identity verification steps.

The most well-known e-signature providers in Turkey include:

• TÜBİTAK KamuSM

• e-Güven

• Türktrust

• e-Tuğra

How to Get an e-Signature? 

Thanks to next-generation identity verification systems, obtaining an e-signature takes only a few minutes. Here is the step-by-step application workflow:

1. Choose an Authorized e-Signature Provider

First, select an Electronic Certificate Service Provider (ECSP) authorized by the BTK. You can start your application on PTT or private providers' websites.

2. Digital Identity Verification (NFC & Biometrics)

The biggest convenience in 2026 is that you can verify your identity without leaving your desk.

• Verification via NFC: You can instantly transfer your details to the system by scanning your new Turkish ID Card on the back of your phone.

• Video Call: You can complete the "liveness check" and biometric verification steps through a brief video call with the provider's customer representative.

3. Choose a Plan

Select your certificate validity period based on your requirements. 3-year plans are generally much more cost-effective.

4. Activation and Setup

Once your application is approved, your activation code will be sent via SMS or email. If you ordered a physical USB token, it will be delivered by courier; however, if you chose Cloud e-Signature, you can start signing immediately via the mobile app without needing any hardware.

What Documents Are Required for an e-Signature Application?

To ensure a seamless identity verification process when obtaining your e-signature certificate, prepare the following documents. Keep in mind that with next-generation chip ID cards, many applications can now be completed without requiring physical paperwork.

1. Required Documents for Individual Applications

If you are obtaining an e-signature for personal use, you only need to provide:

• TR ID Card: A valid, photo-bearing ID card featuring your TR identity number, passport, or driver's license. (In 2026, NFC-supported new ID cards streamline this process significantly.)

• e-Signature Commitment Agreement: The form filled out at the application center or approved digitally during the online application.

2. Required Documents for Corporate Applications

If you are obtaining an e-signature for corporate transactions as a company representative, you will also need to provide:

• Signature Circular: A notarized photocopy of the signature circular demonstrating your authority to sign on behalf of the company.

• Activity Certificate: An up-to-date activity certificate issued by the Chamber of Commerce within the last 6 months (3 months for some institutions).

• Power of Attorney: A notarized special power of attorney if the application is being completed by someone other than the authorized company representative.

• Identity Document: The original ID card of the acting representative making the application.

e-Signature Fees 2026: Updated Price List

The price of your e-signature is determined by the certificate validity period (1, 2, or 3 years), activation method, and hardware type. As of 2026, Cloud e-Signature options stand out as a highly cost-effective alternative as they do not require a physical device.

Average e-Signature Pricing Table (2026)

Note: Prices are approximate and include VAT. These figures may vary depending on seasonal campaigns by service providers (PTT, TürkTrust, E-Güven, etc.).

Factors Influencing e-Signature Pricing

1. Hardware Type: If you require a USB Token (smart card reader), a hardware fee is added to the price. You avoid this cost with cloud-based solutions.

2. Fast Delivery: VIP services, such as on-site identity verification or 2-hour delivery, incur extra charges.

3. Renewal Discount: If you renew your existing e-signature before it expires, you typically do not pay for new hardware and can take advantage of discounted rates.

How Long Does e-Signature Delivery Take?

• Cloud e-Signature (Instant Activation): If you do not require a physical USB token and opt for a cloud-based solution, you can start using your e-signature within seconds once remote verification is approved.

• Physical Token (USB): Some private providers will perform identity verification at your address and deliver your signature on the same day or within 24 hours of your application.

• Standard Courier Delivery: If courier delivery is preferred for physical hardware packages, delivery is completed within 1-2 business days in metropolitan areas, and within 3-4 business days in other provinces.

Where Is an e-Signature Used?

1. Public and Government Transactions

• e-Government Portal: Address changes, passport application approvals, and all transactions requiring high-security identity verification.

• UYAP: Filing lawsuits, reviewing case files, and all legal workflows.

• EKAP: The bidding workflow for public tenders.

2. Commercial and Business Use

• MERSİS: Company incorporation, articles of association amendments, and registry transactions.

• Foreign Trade: Approval of customs declarations and export workflows.

• Contract Management: Signing employment contracts, dealer agreements, and NDAs remotely.

3. Banking and Finance

• Loan Applications: Signing loan agreements without going to a branch.

• Instruction Delivery: Verification of high-value fund transfer orders submitted to banks.

4. Healthcare and Other Fields

• e-Prescription and e-Report: Workflows for doctors writing prescriptions and approving medical reports.

• Registered Electronic Mail (KEP): Official electronic communications that have legal validity.

e-Signature or Financial Seal?

In the simplest terms, an e-signature is a personal "signature", while a financial seal is a corporate "stamp." You should use an e-signature for your individual transactions and digital contracts, whereas a financial seal is required to approve your company's official tax workflows, such as e-Invoices and e-Ledgers.

Warning: If you submit a renewal application before your e-signature certificate expires (typically 3 years), you can extend your certificate online without the hassle of gathering documents again.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens if I forget my e-signature password? 

By selecting "Forgot Password" through your service provider's software, you can generate a new PIN code using identity verification steps.

2. Can a sole proprietorship use an e-signature?

Yes. In sole proprietorships, an e-signature replaces the financial seal. This allows business owners to easily manage their e-invoice, e-archive invoice, and e-ledger transactions using their existing e-signature without paying extra fees.

3. What should I do before my e-signature expires?

You should submit a renewal application before your e-signature validity period expires (preferably within the last 15-30 days). If you apply before it expires, you can complete the process online in seconds by confirming with your current e-signature. However, if it expires completely, your existing signature will become invalid, and you will need to complete identity verification (NFC or video call) again, just like on your first application.

4. What is included in the e-signature price?

Hardware, software support, and the certificate fee are included in the price.

5. Why is a 3-Year plan more practical?

1-year plans require renewal processes and operational tracking every year. With 3-year plans, the cost per year is approximately 30-40% lower.

📌 Üstad's Note: Don't Leave Your Business to Chance

Even though digital transformation is accelerating, correct authorization and e-signature processes require technical diligence. Choosing the wrong application type or accidentally purchasing an e-signature instead of a financial seal can cost you both time and money. Therefore, we highly recommend clearly determining which document and certificate are correct for you before starting the process.