Abstract: This invention relates to the generation and distribution of documents and verification of electronic transactions. In one embodiment, some elements of an electronically conducted transaction are attached to a certificate template. Essential elements of the transaction are encrypted by a first encryption process and attached to the certificate template. The resulting transaction certificate is optionally encrypted by a second encryption process and sent to the other party of the transaction. The other party decrypts the transaction certificate using a first decryption process to review the decrypted certificate. The other party may further decrypt the encrypted essential elements of the transaction certificate using a second decryption process in order to verify the transaction. The decrypted essential elements are used to prove the transaction. A third party can also decrypt the encrypted essential elements to authenticate the transaction.