Method and apparatus for one-step signature trust for digitally-signed documents

A non-transient computer readable medium for storing computer instructions that, when executed by at least one processor cause the at least one processor to perform a method one-step signature trust verification of digitally signed documents comprising:

• determining via a processor whether a digital signature in a document is otherwise valid except for a lack of status as a previously validated trusted digital certificate that confirms the identity of a signer of the document, wherein determining comprises establishing a certification chain is valid by determining the digital certificate links to a trusted anchor;
• offering a recipient an option to establish trust in the digital;
• and
• adding the digital certificate to a list of the recipient's trusted digital certificates when a recipient opts to establish the status of the digital certificate as a trusted digital certificate.

An apparatus for one-step signature trust of digital signatures including non-transitory computer readable medium storing modules, the modules comprising:

• a document validation module for validating the overall status of a document;
• a signature validation module for determining whether a digital signature in a document is otherwise valid except for a lack of status as a previously validated trusted digital certificate that confirms the identity of a signer of the document, wherein determining further comprises establishing a certification chain is valid by determining the digital certificate links to a trusted anchor;
• and
• a signature trust module for offering a recipient an option to establish a trust status in the digital certificate.