<p>I need to explain to somebody step by step how to go through the process of signing a message to verify they own the private keys associated with an address containing funds. This is to ensure ownership before a sale is agreed.</p>

<p>What is the simplest and easiest way to do this (so that I can get them to understand my instructions and be able to follow through)?</p>

<p>I know this can be done a number of ways (bitcoin core, Electrum, Using a Ledger or Trezor, or a <a href="https://github.com/ReinProject/bitcoin-signature-tool/tree/master/js" rel="nofollow noreferrer">browser based tool</a> .</p>

<p>I appreciate any input. </p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-05-30T09:19:28.337Z
Most wallets include a sign feature (with the exception of some segwit wallets). Asking them to use that would be easiest, since forcing them to use any other method would likely involve export/import of private keys, which isn't always easy, and is definitely insecure
Raghav Sood
CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-05-30T09:24:53.310Z
Assuming they have only a paper wallet, and the importing of private keys is a necessity, which wallet would you suggest is best for this purpose? 
Also is the same wallet needed by the verifying party or can they use any of the other wallets to verify a message signed via a different method? 

Thank you for your help.
John Murphy
CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-05-30T12:54:08.927Z
You could also just have them send themselves an amount of BTC you choose from that wallet. Pick a number with lots of digits.
David Schwartz
CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-05-30T13:44:13.273Z
Thanks David. That's something I think we will use as well. I want to have the most professional and thorough vetting possible for proving ownership and verifiying BTC before escrow sales.
John Murphy
<message-signing><message><message-verification><ownership><proof-of-solvency>
What is a simple way to sign a message to verify that you possess the private key for a specific public address?
John Murphy
# What is a simple way to sign a message to verify that you possess the private key for a specific public address?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2018-05-30)

I need to explain to somebody step by step how to go through the process of signing a message to verify they own the private keys associated with an address containing funds. This is to ensure ownership before a sale is agreed.

What is the simplest and easiest way to do this (so that I can get them to understand my instructions and be able to follow through)?

I know this can be done a number of ways (bitcoin core, Electrum, Using a Ledger or Trezor, or a [browser based tool](https://github.com/ReinProject/bitcoin-signature-tool/tree/master/js) .

I appreciate any input.

Thanks.

**Tags:** message-signing, message, message-verification, ownership, proof-of-solvency

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Most wallets include a sign feature (with the exception of some segwit wallets). Asking them to use that would be easiest, since forcing them to use any other method would likely involve export/import of private keys, which isn't always easy, and is definitely insecure  
> **username_0**: Assuming they have only a paper wallet, and the importing of private keys is a necessity, which wallet would you suggest is best for this purpose?  Also is the same wallet needed by the verifying party or can they use any of the other wallets to verify a message signed via a different method?   Thank you for your help.  
> **username_2**: You could also just have them send themselves an amount of BTC you choose from that wallet. Pick a number with lots of digits.  
> **username_0**: Thanks username_2. That's something I think we will use as well. I want to have the most professional and thorough vetting possible for proving ownership and verifiying BTC before escrow sales.  

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## 0 answers

