IdenTrust provides digital certificates used by government contractors, notaries, and businesses to sign documents securely and verify their identity online. This guide covers everything: certificate types, costs, installation, login, renewal, troubleshooting, and how notaries use IdenTrust with platforms like BlueNotary.
What Is IdenTrust?
IdenTrust is a company that issues digital certificates—electronic credentials that prove you are who you say you are when doing business online. Think of a digital certificate like a digital driver’s license. When you sign a document or log into a secure system, the certificate confirms your identity so the other party knows they’re dealing with the real you, not an imposter.
Founded in 2000 and later acquired by HID Global in 2011, IdenTrust has become one of the most trusted names in digital certificates. They’re a Federal Bridge Certification Authority (FBCA), which means the U.S. government trusts their certificates for official business. That’s a big deal.
You’ll find IdenTrust certificates used in:
- Government contracting — Contractors need these certificates to access federal systems and sign documents
- Remote online notarization — Notaries in many states must use IdenTrust certificates to perform electronic notarizations
- Healthcare — Secure access to medical systems and HIPAA-compliant communications
- Financial services — Banks and financial institutions use digital certificates for secure transactions
- Software signing — Developers use code signing certificates to prove their software is legitimate
Types of IdenTrust Certificates
IdenTrust offers several types of digital certificates, each designed for different purposes. Here’s what you need to know about each one:
ECA Certificates (External Certification Authority)
ECA certificates are specifically for people who work with the U.S. Department of Defense. If you’re a government contractor, supplier, or anyone who needs to access DoD systems or sign documents for federal contracts, you’ll likely need an ECA certificate.
These certificates come in different “assurance levels”:
- Medium Assurance Certificate — The most common type for contractors. Requires identity verification and is stored on your computer or a hardware token.
- High Assurance Certificate — Higher security level, usually stored on a physical hardware token (like a USB device) for extra protection.
ACES Certificates
ACES (Access Certificates for Electronic Services) certificates are used by federal civilian agencies. If you need to do business with non-defense government agencies, this might be what you need.
IGC Certificates (IdenTrust Global Common)
IGC certificates work for commercial purposes and aren’t limited to government use. These are popular with businesses that need digital signatures for contracts, secure email, or document authentication.
TrustID Certificates
TrustID certificates are IdenTrust’s personal and business certificates for general commercial use. These are commonly used by:
- Remote online notaries — Many states require notaries to use an IdenTrust digital certificate
- Businesses — For secure document signing and encrypted communications
- Individuals — For personal digital signatures and identity verification
SSL/TLS Certificates
These certificates secure websites by encrypting the connection between a visitor’s browser and the website’s server. When you see the padlock icon in your browser, that’s an SSL/TLS certificate at work.
Code Signing Certificates
Software developers use code signing certificates to prove their software hasn’t been tampered with. When you download a program and Windows says “Verified publisher: [Company Name],” that’s because the software was signed with a code signing certificate.
IdenTrust Certificate Cost: How Much Will You Pay?
IdenTrust certificate prices vary depending on the type of certificate, how long it’s valid, and whether you need a hardware token. Here’s a general breakdown:
ECA Certificates
- Medium Assurance (software-based): Around $100-150 per year
- Medium Assurance (hardware token): Around $150-250 per year (token may cost extra the first time)
TrustID Personal/Business Certificates
- 1-year certificate: Around $80-150
- 2-year certificate: Around $140-250 (better value per year)
Notary Digital Certificates
Notaries typically pay $75-150 per year for their digital certificate, though prices can vary based on state requirements and certificate type.
Pro tip: Check for IdenTrust coupon codes or vouchers before purchasing. Some notary associations and RON platforms offer discounted certificates to their members. You might save $20-50.
How to Get an IdenTrust Certificate: Step-by-Step
Getting your IdenTrust certificate involves several steps. The process can take a few days to a couple of weeks depending on the certificate type and how quickly you complete identity verification.
Step 1: Go to IdenTrust.com
Visit the IdenTrust website at identrust.com. Navigate to “Products” or “Get a Certificate” to find the type of certificate you need.
Step 2: Choose Your Certificate Type
Select the certificate that matches your needs. If you’re a notary, look for TrustID certificates. If you’re a government contractor, you’ll need an ECA certificate. Not sure which one? IdenTrust customer support can help you figure it out.
Step 3: Fill Out the Application
Complete the IdenTrust application with your personal information. You’ll need to provide:
- Your full legal name (exactly as it appears on your ID)
- Email address
- Phone number
- Physical address
- For some certificates: employer information or notary commission details
Step 4: Verify Your Identity
IdenTrust needs to verify you are who you say you are. Depending on the certificate type, this might involve:
- Knowledge-based authentication — Answering questions about your credit history or public records
- In-person verification — Meeting with an authorized registration authority (RA) who checks your ID
- Video verification — A video call where you show your ID documents
Step 5: Pay for Your Certificate
Complete payment. IdenTrust accepts credit cards and other payment methods. Remember to check for any voucher codes.
Step 6: Receive Your Certificate
Once approved, you’ll receive instructions to download and install your certificate. If you ordered a hardware token, it will be mailed to you.
How to Install Your IdenTrust Certificate
After your certificate is approved, you need to install it on your computer. The process varies slightly depending on your browser and operating system, but here’s the general process:
Installing on Windows
- Open the email from IdenTrust containing your certificate retrieval link.
- Click the retrieval link and follow the prompts. You’ll need to use the same browser you used when applying.
- Download and run the certificate file (.p12 or .pfx format).
- Import the certificate into your Windows Certificate Store. The import wizard will guide you through this.
- Set a strong password to protect your private key.
Installing on Mac
On Mac, the certificate gets installed into Keychain Access. Double-click the certificate file, and Mac will automatically open the Keychain app and guide you through the import process.
Installing a Hardware Token
If you received a hardware token (like a SafeNet token), you’ll need to:
- Install the SafeNet Authentication Client software (or ActivClient for some tokens)
- Plug in your USB token
- Follow the setup wizard to initialize the token and load your certificate
Testing Your Certificate
After installation, you should test your certificate to make sure it works. IdenTrust provides a test page at identrust.com/test where you can verify your certificate is properly installed and functioning.
IdenTrust Login and Certificate Management Center
Once you have your certificate, you’ll need to manage it through IdenTrust’s online portal. Here’s how to access and use it:
How to Log In to IdenTrust
- Go to identrust.com and click “Login” or “Certificate Management.”
- Select your certificate type (ECA, TrustID, etc.).
- Authenticate with your certificate — Your browser will prompt you to select your digital certificate.
- Enter your PIN if you’re using a hardware token.
What You Can Do in the Certificate Management Center
The IdenTrust Certificate Management Center lets you:
- View certificate details — See when your certificate was issued and when it expires
- Renew your certificate — Start the renewal process before your current certificate expires
- Download root certificates — Get the IdenTrust root certificate authority files if needed
- Update your information — Change contact details or organization information
- Revoke a certificate — If your certificate is compromised, you can revoke it immediately
IdenTrust Certificate Renewal: Don’t Let It Expire
Digital certificates have expiration dates—usually 1-3 years from when they were issued. When your certificate expires, it stops working. Any documents you sign or systems you try to access won’t recognize you until you renew.
When to Renew
IdenTrust typically sends renewal reminders 30-60 days before your certificate expires. Don’t wait until the last minute—start the renewal process at least 2-3 weeks before expiration to avoid any gap in coverage.
How to Renew
- Log in to the IdenTrust Certificate Management Center
- Find your expiring certificate and click “Renew”
- Verify your information is still accurate
- Complete payment
- Download and install your new certificate
Important: Renewal is usually faster than getting a new certificate because IdenTrust already has your verified identity on file. However, if it’s been several years, you may need to re-verify your identity.
IdenTrust Digital Certificate for Notaries
If you’re a notary public who performs remote online notarizations (RON) or electronic notarizations, you almost certainly need a digital certificate. Many states specifically require IdenTrust certificates.
Why Notaries Need Digital Certificates
When you notarize a document electronically, you need a way to “sign” it that can’t be forged or disputed. A digital certificate creates a unique digital signature that:
- Proves the signature came from you (and only you)
- Shows if the document was altered after you signed it
- Meets state legal requirements for electronic notarization
- Creates a tamper-evident seal on the document
States That Require IdenTrust for Notaries
Several states specifically require or recommend IdenTrust certificates for electronic notarization, including Virginia, Texas, Florida, and others. Check your state’s notary regulations to confirm which certificate types are accepted.
Using IdenTrust with BlueNotary for Online Notarization
If you’re a notary looking to perform remote online notarizations, your IdenTrust digital certificate integrates directly with RON platforms like BlueNotary.
BlueNotary is an online notarization platform that allows notaries to perform notarizations over video call, with signers located anywhere. Your IdenTrust certificate is what creates the legally valid digital signature on each document you notarize.
Here’s how it works:
- The signer uploads their document to BlueNotary
- You connect via video call and verify the signer’s identity
- The signer signs electronically
- You apply your notary seal and sign using your IdenTrust digital certificate
- The document is complete—legally notarized and tamper-evident
Are you a notary ready to start offering online notarization services? Visit BlueNotary.us to learn more about becoming a remote online notary.
Need a document notarized? BlueNotary connects you with a licensed notary in minutes—anytime, from anywhere.
IdenTrust Certificate Not Working? Common Problems and Fixes
Digital certificates can be finicky. Here are the most common issues people run into and how to fix them:
Problem: “Certificate not found” or browser doesn’t show your certificate
Possible causes:
- Certificate wasn’t properly installed
- You’re using a different browser than when you installed it
- Hardware token isn’t plugged in or recognized
Fix: Try using the same browser you used during installation. If using a token, make sure the SafeNet or ActivClient software is installed and the token is properly connected. You may need to reinstall your certificate.
Problem: Certificate has expired
Fix: You’ll need to renew your certificate. Log into the IdenTrust Certificate Management Center to start the renewal process. Expired certificates cannot be reactivated—you’ll need a new one.
Problem: “Certificate is not trusted” error
Fix: You may need to install the IdenTrust root certificate on your computer. Download it from IdenTrust’s website (look for “Root Certificates” or “Trust Chain”) and install it in your browser’s certificate store.
Problem: PIN not working for hardware token
Fix: Make sure you’re entering the correct PIN. If you’ve entered the wrong PIN too many times, your token may be locked. Contact IdenTrust support for help unlocking it.
Problem: Certificate works in one application but not another
Fix: Different applications access certificates differently. You may need to export your certificate and import it specifically into the application that’s having trouble. Check the application’s documentation for instructions.
IdenTrust Support and Customer Service
When you run into problems, here’s how to get help:
IdenTrust Phone Number
IdenTrust’s main customer support line is 1-888-882-1104. Phone support is available Monday through Friday during business hours (Eastern Time).
IdenTrust Help Desk
You can also submit a support ticket through the IdenTrust website. Go to identrust.com and look for “Support” or “Contact Us.” Email support is useful for non-urgent issues or when you need to share screenshots or error messages.
Self-Service Resources
Before calling support, check IdenTrust’s online resources:
- Knowledge base — FAQs and troubleshooting guides
- Installation guides — Step-by-step instructions for different operating systems and browsers
- Certificate test page — Verify your certificate is working at identrust.com/test
- Root certificate downloads — Get the files you need to establish trust
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IdenTrust?
IdenTrust is a company that issues digital certificates used to verify identity, sign documents electronically, and secure online communications. They’re trusted by the U.S. government and widely used by contractors, notaries, and businesses.
How much does an IdenTrust certificate cost?
Prices vary by certificate type. Personal and notary certificates typically cost $75-150 per year. ECA certificates for government contractors range from $100-250 per year. Hardware tokens may have additional one-time costs.
How do I install my IdenTrust certificate?
After approval, you’ll receive an email with a retrieval link. Click the link (using the same browser you applied with), download the certificate file, and import it into your computer’s certificate store. IdenTrust provides detailed installation guides for different operating systems.
How do I log in to IdenTrust?
Go to identrust.com and click “Login” or “Certificate Management.” You’ll authenticate using your digital certificate—your browser will prompt you to select it. If using a hardware token, you’ll also enter your PIN.
How do I renew my IdenTrust certificate?
Log into the IdenTrust Certificate Management Center and find your expiring certificate. Click “Renew,” verify your information, complete payment, and download your new certificate. Start at least 2-3 weeks before expiration.
Do notaries need an IdenTrust certificate?
If you perform remote online notarizations (RON) or electronic notarizations, yes—most states require a digital certificate from an approved provider, and IdenTrust is one of the most commonly required. Check your state’s specific requirements.
Can I use IdenTrust with BlueNotary?
Yes. IdenTrust digital certificates integrate with BlueNotary and other RON platforms. Your certificate creates the legally valid digital signature on notarized documents.
What’s the IdenTrust phone number for support?
IdenTrust customer support can be reached at 1-888-882-1104 during business hours (Eastern Time), Monday through Friday.
My IdenTrust certificate isn’t working. What should I do?
First, check if the certificate has expired. Then verify it’s properly installed by visiting identrust.com/test. Make sure you’re using the same browser where it was installed. If using a hardware token, ensure the SafeNet/ActivClient software is installed and the token is connected. If problems persist, contact IdenTrust support.
What is an ECA certificate?
ECA (External Certification Authority) certificates are digital certificates specifically for working with the U.S. Department of Defense. Government contractors, suppliers, and others who need to access DoD systems or sign federal documents typically need an ECA certificate.
The Bottom Line
IdenTrust digital certificates are essential tools for anyone who needs to verify their identity online—whether you’re a government contractor accessing federal systems, a notary performing electronic notarizations, or a business signing important documents electronically.
The process of getting and installing a certificate takes some effort, but once it’s set up, it works seamlessly in the background to secure your digital transactions. Keep track of your expiration date, renew on time, and don’t hesitate to contact IdenTrust support if you run into problems.
For notaries especially, an IdenTrust certificate opens the door to remote online notarization—a growing field that lets you serve clients anywhere while working from home. Paired with a platform like BlueNotary, you can build a flexible notary business that works on your schedule.
Ready to get started with online notarization? Visit BlueNotary.us to learn more.
