Digital signatures are now permitted for Substitute Decision-Makers and interpreters
From 1 March 2024, digital signatures can be used on the PDF fillable Advance Care Directive Form (PDF 443KB) for Substitute Decision-Makers and interpreters, which will help obtain their signatures faster, especially if they are located interstate or overseas.
Where digital signatures are not permitted
Note that digital signatures are not permitted in Part 7 of the Advance Care Directive Form, for the Advance Care Directive maker or the authorised witness. This is because an authorised witness must be physically present to watch the person making their Advance Care Directive, sign their Form.
What a digital signature is
A digital signature, like a conventional handwritten signature, identifies a person signing a document. Unlike a handwritten signature, a certificate-based signature is difficult to forge because it contains encrypted information that is unique to the signer. It can be easily verified and informs recipients whether the document was modified after the signer initially signed the document.
How to create a digital signature
Instructions for Configuring a Digital ID in Adobe (PDF 548KB) has been developed to assist Substitute Decision-Makers and interpreters on how to configure a digital ID in Adobe. You must have Adobe software on your computer to use this feature.
If you already have a digital ID configured in Adobe, simply click on the signature field on the fillable PDF Advance Care Directive Form to add your digital signature.