Research Administration

Digitally Signing a PDF

In the age of digital communication, Adobe Acrobat provides us the opportunity to sign documents electronically and have it be as secure and final as signing paper with ink. Once a document is signed with your digital certificate, it cannot be changed without invalidating the signature.

NIH requires an electronic signature on all Other Support submissions beginning on January 25, 2022. All principal investigators and other senior/key personnel must electronically sign the Other Support form, prior to its submission to NIH, certifying that the information is accurate and complete.

UTMB OSP will only accept electronic signatures with a digital certificate and recommends using Adobe to capture these electronic signatures (please see link below).   Applicants and recipients (department/PI) must maintain supporting documentation to reasonably authenticate that the appropriate individual signed the form. Recipients must make the documentation available upon request in accordance with 45 CFR Part 75.364. OSP will submit the Other Support documents as a flattened PDF, after all signatures are obtained.

Set Up Your Digital Signature

1. Open Adobe Acrobat Reader DC and click EDIT.
   
   
2. Select PREFERENCES (at the bottom of the pulldown menu)
   
   
   
3. From Preferences, select SIGNATURES, then select the MORE button next to IDENTITIES & TRUSTED CERTIFICATES
   
   
4. Be sure your digital signature certificate is listed, and verify components. You want to verify your name is displayed appropriately, that your organization and valid dates are accurate.
   
   
   
5. After verifying the information, click on the PENCIL ICON and select USE FOR SIGNING
   
   
6. Your digital signature is now ready to use in documents.