Free Digital ID for Outlook: A Step-by-Step Guide

Looking to add a free digital ID to your Outlook email for added security and authenticity? Whether you’re sending professional emails or sharing sensitive documents, a digital ID ensures your recipient knows the message truly came from you—and hasn’t been tampered with. Best of all, Outlook supports free digital IDs from trusted certificate authorities, and setting one up takes just a few steps.

If you're a Google Docs user managing documents, contracts, or forms, this guide is especially useful. Plus, we'll show you how to take your documentation workflow a step further using Formswrite.com —a powerful tool that converts your Google Docs into forms with one click.

What is a Digital ID in Outlook?

A digital ID, also known as a digital certificate, lets you sign your emails with an encrypted signature. It authenticates your identity and encrypts the content, keeping your communication safe and verifiable.

Here’s how to get a free digital ID for Outlook :

How to Get a Free Digital ID for Outlook

Step 1: Choose a Free Certificate Authority

Several Certificate Authorities (CAs) offer free personal email certificates. A few trusted ones include:

1. Comodo (Sectigo)

2. Actalis

3. WISeID

Visit one of these websites and request a free personal email certificate .

Step 2: Apply for the Certificate

Fill in your name, email address (the one linked to your Outlook), and any other required info.You’ll receive a confirmation email—click the link to verify.

Step 3: Download and Install the Certificate

Once verified, you’ll receive instructions to download and install the certificate to your computer.For Windows users:

1. Open the downloaded file

2. Follow the on-screen instructions to add the certificate to your certificate store

Step 4: Configure Outlook to Use the Digital ID

In Outlook:

1. Go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings

2. Click on Email Security

3. Under Encrypted email , click Settings

4. Choose your new certificate and set it as default

Now, your outgoing emails can be signed and encrypted!

Bonus Tip for Google Docs Users: Use Formswrite

If you work in Google Docs and frequently create contracts, surveys, or intake forms, check out Formswrite.com . It’s a simple website (not a plugin) where you can convert your Google Doc into a form in just one click .

Whether you’re gathering signatures or customer info, Formswrite saves you hours of manual form creation.

FAQs

Q: Is the digital ID really free? Yes! Many CAs offer free personal certificates valid for one year.

Q: Do I need tech skills to install a digital ID? No—just follow the CA’s step-by-step instructions and Outlook's Trust Center settings.

Q: Can I use Formswrite with Microsoft Word? Currently, Formswrite is designed for Google Docs only . Just open your doc, visit Formswrite.com , and convert it to a form instantly.

Q: Does Formswrite require a plugin? No plugins, no installations. Formswrite is a standalone website—just log in with your Google account and start converting Docs to forms.