2026 e-Signature Guide: What is it, How to Obtain it, and What are the Prices?

In a digitalizing world, official procedures have now been moved almost entirely to online platforms. In this process, the most important tool that ensures legal validity and the highest level of security is the electronic signature (e-signature). So, what is an e-signature, how is it obtained 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.

📌  Quick Overview: What You Need to Know About e-Signature

• Legal Power: Under Law No. 5070, e-signature has 100% identical legal validity to a wet signature.

• Fastest Method: In 2026, instead of waiting for a physical courier, you can activate your e-signature within minutes with NFC and Biometric Verification.

• Benefit for Sole Proprietorships: If you have a sole proprietorship, you do not need to obtain a Financial Seal separately; you can manage e-Invoice processes with your e-signature.

• Cost Tip: 3-year packages provide a cost advantage of up to 40% compared to 1-year packages.

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

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

What Is e-Signature?

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

In Turkey, e-signature use has been put on a legal footing with the Electronic Signature Law No. 5070. Under this regulation, e-signature has the exact same legal validity as a wet signature.

Traditionally, e-signature is used via smart card readers (token) connected to a computer and resembling a USB flash drive. However, today, thanks to cloud-based systems and mobile applications, it is also possible to carry out transactions without needing a physical device.

What Is an Electronic Signature Used For?

Electronic signature (e-signature); has become a mandatory tool in many digital transactions, especially for business owners, financial advisors, and e-commerce companies.

Here are the main use cases and advantages that make your life easier:

• Public Institution Transactions: It allows you to complete address changes, vehicle registration, and SSI transactions on the e-Government portal without waiting in line.

• Legal Processes (UYAP): You can file lawsuits, sign documents, and carry out legal practice transactions digitally without needing to go to court.

• Commercial and Company Transactions: It is mandatory for company formation, board resolutions, and trade registry gazette processes via MERSIS.

• Tender Participation (EKAP): For bidding in public tenders, e-signature is an immutable security requirement.

• Banking and Finance: Loan agreements and instructions are approved within seconds without the hassle of a wet signature.

• Paperless Office (Green Transformation): By enabling the digitization of corporate correspondence (EBYS), it saves both time and paper.

Where Can You Get an e-Signature?

An electronic signature can be obtained in Turkey through Electronic Certificate Service Providers (ESHS) authorized by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK). Application processes generally consist of online application + identity verification steps.

The best-known e-signature providers in Turkey are:

• TÜBİTAK KamuSM

• e-Güven

• Türktrust

• e-Tuğra

How to Get an e-Signature? 

Thanks to next-generation identity verification systems, getting an e-signature can be completed in just a few minutes. Here is the step-by-step application process:

1. Choose an Authorized e-Signature Provider

First, you need to choose an Electronic Certificate Service Provider (ESHS) authorized by BTK (Information and Communication Technologies Authority). You can start your application through the websites of PTT or private companies.

2. Digital Identity Verification (NFC and Biometrics)

The biggest convenience in 2026 is being able to complete identity verification without leaving your seat.

• Verification with NFC: You can instantly transfer your information to the system by scanning your new Turkish ID card against the back of your phone.

• Video Call: You can complete the "liveness test" and biometric verification steps by having a short video call with the service provider’s customer representative.

3. Package Selection

Choose the usage period according to your needs. In general, 3-year packages are much more advantageous in terms of cost.

4. Activation and Setup

After your application is approved, your activation code is sent via SMS or email. If you ordered a physical USB (Token), it will arrive 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 complete the identity verification process flawlessly when obtaining your e-signature certificate, you must prepare the following documents. Do not forget that with new-generation chip ID cards, applications can now be made without needing many documents.

1. Documents Required for Individual Applications

Those who will obtain an e-signature for personal use only need to have the following documents:

• Turkish ID Card: A photo ID card, passport, or driver’s license with a Turkish ID number on it and up to date. (In 2026, new NFC-enabled ID cards significantly speed up the process.)

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

2. Documents Required for Corporate Applications

If you are applying for an e-signature as a company representative for corporate transactions, the following additional documents are required:

• Signature Circular: A notarized copy of the signature circular showing that you are authorized to sign on behalf of the company.

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

• Power of Attorney: If someone other than the company representative will make the application, a notarized special power of attorney.

• Identity Document: The original ID card of the representative who will apply.

e-Signature Fees 2026: Updated Price List

The amount you will pay when getting an e-signature is determined by the certificate duration (1, 2, or 3 years), activation method, and hardware type. As of 2026, Cloud e-Signature options stand out as a more economical alternative because they do not require a physical device.

Average e-Signature Price Table (2026)

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

Factors Affecting e-Signature Prices

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

2. Express Delivery: VIP services such as identity verification at the address or 2-hour delivery are charged additionally.

3. Renewal Discount: If you renew before your current e-signature expires, you usually do not pay a new hardware fee and benefit from more favorable prices.

How Many Days Does e-Signature Delivery Take?

• Cloud e-Signature (Instant Activation): If you do not want a physical USB device (token) and prefer a cloud-based solution, you can start using your e-signature within seconds as soon as your remote identity verification is approved.

• Physical Token (USB): Some private service providers visit your address for identity verification and deliver your signature on the same day or within 24 hours after your application.

• Standard Courier Shipment: If courier delivery is preferred for packages with physical hardware; delivery is completed within 1-2 business days in major cities and within 3-4 business days at the latest in other provinces.

Where Is 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 attorney-related processes.

• EKAP: The process of bidding in public tenders.

2. Commercial and Corporate Use

• MERSIS: Company formation, amendments to articles of association, and registry transactions.

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

• Contract Management: Remote signing of employment contracts, distributor agreements, and confidentiality protocols.

3. Banking and Finance

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

• Instruction Submission: Verification of high-value transfer orders given to banks.

4. Healthcare and Other Areas

• e-Prescription and e-Report: Doctors’ prescription writing and health report approval processes.

• Registered Electronic Mail (KEP): Official e-correspondence with legal validity.

e-Signature or Financial Seal?

In the simplest terms; e-signature is a personal "signature", while a financial seal is a company "stamp." You need an e-signature for your personal transactions and digital contracts; for approving your company’s official tax processes such as e-Invoice and e-Ledger, you need to use a financial seal.

Warning: If you apply for renewal before your e-signature certificate expires (usually 3 years), you can extend your certificate online without having to collect documents again.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

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

By selecting "I Forgot My Password" through your service provider’s software, you can create a new PIN code with identity verification steps.

2. Can a sole proprietorship use e-signature?

Yes. In sole proprietorships, e-signature replaces the financial seal. This allows business owners to easily handle e-invoice, e-archive, and e-ledger transactions with their existing e-signatures without paying an additional fee.

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

You should submit a renewal application before your e-signature expires (preferably in the last 15-30 days). If you apply before it expires, you can complete the process within seconds without leaving your seat by approving it online with your current e-signature. However, if the validity period fully expires, your current signature will become invalid, and you will need to perform identity verification again (NFC or video call), just like in the initial 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 the 3-Year Package More Reasonable?

1-year packages require annual renewal and operational follow-up. In 3-year packages, the unit annual cost is approximately 30-40% cheaper.

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

Although digital transformation is accelerating, proper authorization and e-signature processes require technical precision. Choosing the wrong application type or mistakenly obtaining an e-signature instead of a financial seal can cost you both time and cash. For this reason, before starting the process, we recommend clearly determining which document and certificate are right for you.