Question 1

What is the difference between an online service and an in-hand examination?

Accepted Answer

Online services are based on the expert analysis of high-resolution digital images and are intended to provide a professional and informative opinion or authentication.

In-hand examinations involve the physical inspection of original documents or autographs and allow for a more in-depth analysis when required.

Question 2

Are online authentication services legally valid?

Accepted Answer

Online services are designed to provide reliable expert opinions and authentication results.

For formal, legal, or judicial purposes, IAAB recommends in-hand or forensic document examination services, depending on the case.

Question 3

Do you use artificial intelligence (AI) in your examinations?

Accepted Answer

IAAB uses advanced digital tools, including AI-assisted analysis, as supporting instruments to enhance comparative accuracy and detect inconsistencies.

All final conclusions are rendered exclusively by qualified experts and never rely solely on automated systems.

Question 4

What is the difference between In-Hand Analysis and Forensic Document Examination?

Accepted Answer

In-hand analysis involves the physical examination of original materials and results in a professional expert report.

Forensic document examination goes further and may include extended analysis, multiple expert opinions, and a more comprehensive report suitable for legal or institutional use.

Question 5

How long does an authentication process take?

Accepted Answer

Online First Expert Opinion: 24–48 hours (business days)
Online Autograph Certification: 48–72 hours (business days)
Online Document Authentication: 2–5 business days
In-hand and forensic examinations: timeframe provided upon request

Question 6

How are IAAB Certificates of Authenticity secured?

Accepted Answer

All IAAB Certificates of Authenticity are issued with a unique serial number allowing verification and traceability.

Certificates also feature one or more official holograms, depending on the year of issuance, to confirm their origin and authenticity.

Each certificate is personally signed by the expert responsible for the examination, ensuring accountability and professional integrity.

Question 7

Are IAAB Certificates of Authenticity All Identical?

Accepted Answer

IAAB Certificates of Authenticity follow a standardized format to ensure consistency, traceability, and verification reliability across our international expert network. However, minor visual differences may occur depending on the country where the certificate is issued.

All IAAB Certificates of Authenticity include the following mandatory security and authentication features:
A unique personalized serial number
The handwritten signature of the responsible expert
At least one official IAAB security hologram

Depending on the issuing jurisdiction, some certificates may include additional security elements, such as:
Dual hologram security features (commonly used in France and the United Kingdom)
A “Verified” authentication stamp (commonly used in the United States, Canada, and Switzerland)

Regardless of visual variations, all IAAB certificates are recorded within our internal authentication database and remain fully verifiable through IAAB’s certificate verification service.

Question 8

What formats are your reports and certificates delivered in?

Accepted Answer

Reports and certificates are available in digital PDF format.

The printed paper version of the certificate or report is available upon request.

Question 9

Can you authenticate any autograph or document?

Accepted Answer

IAAB experts cover a wide range of autographs and documents.

If a request falls outside our area of expertise or if the submitted material is insufficient, we will inform the client accordingly and, where applicable, issue a refund.

Question 10

What happens if an expert opinion cannot be provided?

Accepted Answer

If an opinion cannot be rendered due to insufficient material, timing constraints, or expertise limitations, IAAB applies its refund policy in accordance with the service terms.

Question 11

How can I verify an IAAB Certificate of Authenticity?

Accepted Answer

To verify an IAAB Certificate, please contact us through the dedicated page and provide your e-mail and the certificate number.

Confirmation of authenticity will be sent by email within 24 hours (business days).

Question 12

Is my submission confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All submissions and client information are treated with strict confidentiality.

IAAB operates independently and does not share submitted materials with third parties.

Question 13

How do I choose the right service?

Accepted Answer

Online services are ideal for preliminary opinions or remote authentication.

In-hand or forensic services are recommended for complex cases, high-value items, or formal documentation needs.

If unsure, clients are encouraged to contact IAAB for guidance.

Question 14

What is IAAB’s responsibility regarding shipping and delivery?

Accepted Answer

IAAB uses trusted third-party postal and courier service providers for the delivery and return of certificates, reports, and submitted materials. All shipments dispatched by IAAB are now sent using trackable shipping services in order to ensure the highest possible level of traceability and delivery security.

IAAB no longer accepts requests for Economy shipping or untracked delivery methods.

While IAAB takes reasonable care in preparing and dispatching shipments, the physical transportation of items is performed by independent shipping providers. IAAB cannot be held responsible for loss, theft, delay, damage, or delivery failure occurring during transit unless such issue results directly from proven negligence by IAAB.

Clients remain responsible for providing accurate shipping information. IAAB does not deliver to PO boxes, forwarding services, or third-party mail handling addresses unless previously agreed in writing. If delivery fails due to incorrect address details, additional shipping fees may apply for reshipment.

For physical items submitted for examination, clients remain responsible for proper packaging, insurance, and shipping arrangements when sending materials to IAAB or its assigned experts. IAAB experts are responsible for exercising reasonable professional care once materials are received.

Tracking availability and shipping visibility may vary depending on the destination country and postal infrastructure. IAAB cannot guarantee full tracking coverage in all jurisdictions, but every shipment will be dispatched using a traceable service whenever available.

If a certificate or report is lost during shipping, IAAB may offer replacement documentation upon request, subject to applicable administrative and shipping fees.

Question 15

Is it possible to choose a specific expert for certification?

Accepted Answer

Certification requests are usually assigned to the first available expert. If you wish to work with a particular expert, please contact us by email and we will do our best to meet your request.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions