What is a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)?

A Digital Signature Certificate serves as an electronic version of someone’s signature used to verify the identity of an entity. It keeps the information used in online transactions private, proof of its legitimacy and unchanged. CAs in India and across the globe provide DSCs and they are legal in countries having information technology laws.

Anywhere people file their taxes, register companies, use e-tendering or e-procurement or receive government or business services, Digital Signature Certificates can be seen.

Types of Digital Signature Certificates

• Class 1 Certificate

1. For adding security to email interactions.
2. Experiences match the user’s name and email address with records in the subject’s database.

• Class 2 Certificate (Being phased out in many countries)

1. You need to use it to send in your income tax, GST and other types of regulatory filings.
2. Validates a person’s identity using ready-verified data.

• Class 3 Certificate

1. The digital firearms certification at its highest level.
2. Applied to e-tendering, e-auctions and large-scale sales.
3. The bank requires you to be there in person to verify your identity before giving you the account (now possible online through video KYC).

Why is a Digital Signature Certificate Important?

• Authentication: To authenticate means to confirm the identity of the sender.

• Data Integrity: Data Integrity means that the data inside the system hasn’t been changed during the transfer.

• Non-repudiation: No one can dispute the fact that the sender sent the message.

• Cost and Time Efficient: It Helps Cut Both Money and Time Spent Due to Fewer Paper and Signature Requirements.

• Legal Validity: Seen as valid by law for dealing with electronic transactions in many countries.

How to Get a Digital Signature Certificate Online

It’s possible to apply for a DSC through websites of Certifying Authorities such as eMudhra, Sify, NSDL and others. Let’s take a look at what you need to do to follow it:

• Step 1: Choose the Type of DSC

1. Figure out if you need a Class 3 Individual or Organization DSC, depending on the use you intend (such as e-Tender, Income Tax Filing, MCA21 and so on).

• Step 2: Select a Certifying Authority

1. Check the official websites of certified Certifying Authorities (CA).

• Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form

1. Include your name, email, address and PAN when registering.

2. Be sure to select a validity period (which is typically between 1 and 3 years).

3. Use the USB dongle when needed.

• Step 4: Upload Required Documents

1. PAN card (means of identity)

2. You will also need your Aadhar card or any document that proves your address.

3. Passport-size photograph

• Step 5: Verification

1. Selected CA’s review supervision with Video KYC or by looking at original documents, depending on the kind of certificate.

• Step 6: Make Payment

1. The fee you pay depends on both the sort of DSC and how long it takes to complete.

• Step 7: Download or Receive USB Token

1. Following approval, the Digital Service Certificate will be sent or can be downloaded when you have opted for the USB option.

Documents Required for DSC Application

• PAN Card for one’s own use

• You will need an Aadhar Card or a bill of any payment (like electricity) to provide your address.

• Passport-size photo

• Use authorization letter (if the DSC has been set up for an organization)

• Company documents when applying for an organization

Uses of Digital Signature Certificates

• Sending in your tax returns

• How to handle your GST Returns

• Registrar of Companies (MCA) filings

• The use of online tendering systems

• Sign your PDF documents with an e-signature

• Send messages by encrypted email

• EPFO filings

• Submitting a trademark and patent application

Validity and Renewal of DSC

• Most of the time, these documents are only valid for between 1 and 3 years.

• You are able to renew your certificate using the CA you originally worked with, before your regular certificate expires.

• Applying for renewal is much like how you would apply for the first time but usually faster.

Benefits of Using DSC Online

• Convenience:  Apply or use anytime online, no travel is required to an office.

• Security: By using encrypted signatures, we make certain that data is protected against changes.

• Speed:  It takes less time to document and approve matters.

• Environment Friendly: paper can be saved.

Trusted Certifying Authorities in India

Some of the popular CAs in India include:

• eMudhra

• Sify Technologies

• NSDL

• Capricorn CA

• VSign

• PantaSign

Conclusion

Making online transactions safe and legitimate is made possible with a Digital Signature Certificate. If you’re handling taxes through government portals, both as a person or a company, you can now easily and safely get a DSC online. While the digital environment advances, DSCs will go on to help secure electronic government activities and business functions.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog is purely for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy, reliability and completeness of the content presented, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, for the same. 

We expressly disclaim any and all liability for any loss, damage or injury arising from or in connection with the use of or reliance on this information. This includes, but is not limited to, any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential or punitive damage.

Further, we reserve the right to make changes to the content at any time without prior notice. For specific advice tailored to your situation, we request you to get in touch with us.