Updating Adobe Acrobat Signature

Summary

Whether due to a signature expiring on the software or due to changes on local devices, this shows the step-by-step process for updating the Adobe Acrobat signature feature for PDF documents.

Body

Summary

In this tutorial, you will be guided through the process of updating your signature in Adobe Acrobat

Before You Start

To get started, ensure that you have the following:

  1. A valid NetID@genesee.edu email address: This is typically assigned to students, faculty, and staff at Genesee Community College.
  2. Access to a computer or mobile device with an active Internet connection.
  3. Access to an Adobe Acrobat account.

Steps

  1. Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat and select the Sign-In signature field at the bottom of the document.

    A screenshot with black text against a white background reads: "Signatures; I certify that the above is a true statement of hours worked:". There are two different signature fields listed as "Employee" and "Supervisor".
  2. When the Sign with a Digital ID window appears, select Configure New Digital ID and click Continue.

    With white text on a black background, the text reads: "Sign In with a Digital ID", featuring three separate examples of already established Digital IDs, and three buttons at the bottom state "Configure New Signature", "Cancel", and "Continue".
  3. Select the option Use a Signature Creation Device, Use a Digital ID from a file, or Create a New Digital ID, then click Continue.

    Screenshot of a 'Configure a Digital ID for signing' dialog box. It explains that a Digital ID is required to create a digital signature, with the most secure options issued by trusted certificate authorities using smart cards or tokens, or self-signed IDs offering different forms of identity assurance. Three options are shown: 'Use a Signature Creation Device' (selected), 'Use a Digital ID from a file,' and 'Create a new Digital ID.' The Cancel and Continue buttons appear at the bottom of the image.
  4. If you click on Use a Signature Creation Device:
    1. As Signature Creation Devices are not supplied for accounts, the “Learn More” link will take you to Adobe Approved Trust List Members, Acrobat | Adobe Acrobat about trusted partners of Adobe Acrobat to purchase from.

      Image of a 'Use a Signature Creation Device' dialog box. It explains that Digital IDs from hardware devices like smart cards or USB tokens should be automatically available as long as the device is properly connected with the services provided by the third party suppliers, and to follow the listed steps or contact the device manufacturer for help with configuration. Three numbered steps are shown with icons: 'Order a Signature Device from a Partner' (with a shopping cart icon and a 'Learn More' link) for those who don't have a device; 'Download & Install Drivers' (with a computer/download icon), instructing users to visit the device manufacturer's website for driver installation help; and 'Connect the Signature Device' (with a card/ID icon), noting that smart cards may require a reader. At the bottom are 'Manage Digital ID,' 'Back,' and 'Continue' buttons.
  5. If you click on Use a Digital ID from a file:
    1. A prompt will appear on the screen to browse for a Digital ID file, opening File Explorer:

      Screenshot of a Windows file selection dialog for choosing a Digital ID file, currently browsing to AppData > Roaming > Adobe > Acrobat > DC > Security. The file list shows a 'CRLCache' folder and one file with a redacted name, dated 1/5/2026, type 'Personal Information...', which is selected/highlighted. The 'File name' field at the bottom contains redacted text, and the file type filter is set to 'Digital ID Files (*.p12, *.pfx)'. Open and Cancel buttons appear at the bottom right.
    2. After typing in your password for the Digital ID, if the password is correct, the signature will then display in the signature field.

      Image of a Digital ID File selection dialog for choosing a currently existing Digital ID file, currently selected to AppData > Roaming > Adobe > Acrobat > DC > Security. The password is redacted, but features at least 17 characters for the password. The options "Create New Digital ID", "Back", and "Continue" are shown at the bottom right of the selection screen.
  6. If you click on Configure New Digital ID: 
    1. Please select the Save to File option instead of Save to Windows Certificate Store, as this is only for Adobe Acrobat.

      Image of a 'Select the destination of the new Digital ID' dialog box. It explains that Digital IDs are typically issued by trusted providers that assure the validity of the identity, that self-signed Digital IDs may not provide the same level of assurance and may not be accepted in some use cases, and advises consulting with recipients if this is an acceptable form of authentication. Two radio button options are shown: 'Save to File' (selected), which saves the Digital ID to a file on your computer, and 'Save to Windows Certificate Store,' which saves it to be shared with other applications. Back and Continue buttons appear at the bottom.
    2. Enter the requested information, including your full name, organizational unit/department, organization name, and work email address.

      Image of a 'Create a self-signed Digital ID' form. It explains that self-signed Digital IDs do not provide the same assurance that the identity information is valid, and may not be accepted in some use cases. The form contains the following fields: Name (empty, outlined in red indicating it's required), Organizational Unit (empty), Organization Name (empty), Email Address (empty, outlined in red indicating it's required), Country/Region (dropdown set to 'US - United States'), Key Algorithm (dropdown set to '2048-bit RSA'), and Use Digital ID for (dropdown set to 'Digital Signatures'). Back and Continue buttons appear at the bottom, with Continue appearing disabled or inactive.
    3. Create a strong password to protect your Digital ID. Make sure you remember this password, as it will be required when using the digital signature.
    4. Your newly created Digital ID will be available to sign the document as an option to choose. On the "Standard Text" drop-down list, you can change the appearance of the font as necessary.

      Image of a 'Sign as Anonymous' dialog box. At the top, an 'Appearance' dropdown is set to 'Standard Text,' with a 'Create' button beside it. Below is a signature preview showing the large, stylized text 'Anonymous' on the left with a faint pink Adobe Acrobat logo watermark behind it, and on the right the text 'Digitally signed by Anonymous, Date: 2026.09.22 16:34:25 -04'00'.' A 'View Certificate Details' link appears below the preview. At the bottom is a field labeled 'Enter the Digital ID PIN or Password...', along with Back and Sign buttons, with Sign appearing disabled or inactive.
  7. The new signature will then be placed in the Signature field:

    Image of the completed 'Signatures' section of a document, under the heading 'I certify that the above is a true statement of hours worked:'. The 'Employee' row shows a digital signature in blue cursive script reading 'Anonymous,' with red text beside it reading 'Digitally signed by Anonymous, Date: 2026.09.22 16:34:47 -04'00'.' A small red ribbon icon appears below the signature, and a red 'VIEW MORE' label is partially visible beneath it. The 'Supervisor' row below is blank, with an empty underlined signature line.

Additional Notes

  1. A new Digital ID may need to be created when moving to a new device
  2. Save the Digital ID file in a secure, cloud-based system so it can be used again when signing electronic documents

Details

Details

Article ID: 9542
Created
Mon 9/21/26 6:36 PM
Modified
Tue 9/22/26 4:59 PM