Individual Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

In today’s digital era, most legal, financial, and business transactions in India have shifted online. To ensure authenticity, integrity, and security in electronic documents, the Government of India mandates the use of Digital Signature Certificates (DSC).

An Individual Digital Signature Certificate acts as your electronic identity just like a handwritten signature in the digital world. It helps individuals securely sign documents, file returns, and access government portals like MCA, Income Tax, GST, EPFO, and DGFT.

A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is a secure digital key issued by a licensed Certifying Authority (CA) that validates the identity of an individual or organization.

It contains details such as:

• User’s name

• Public key

• Email ID

• Validity period

• Name of the issuing Certifying Authority

In simple terms, it’s your digital identity proof used for signing electronic documents and verifying authenticity under the Information Technology Act, 2000.

As per the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA), DSCs are classified into three types:

Note: From 2021 onwards, the government has merged Class 2 & Class 3 certificates. Now, only Class 3 DSC is issued for all official, statutory, and business purposes in 2025.

An Individual DSC is specifically issued to a person (not a company) to perform personal or business-related digital verifications such as:

• Filing Income Tax Returns (ITR)

• Filing GST Returns

• Signing ROC forms (for directors)

• EPFO / PF filings

• Applying for Government tenders

• Signing PDFs or legal documents digitally

It verifies that the electronic documents are authentic and unaltered after signing.

• Income Tax Filing

1. Mandatory for companies, LLPs, and professionals filing returns.

2. Individuals with high-value ITRs can also sign forms digitally.

• MCA / ROC Filings

1. Directors and authorized signatories must use DSC to file SPICe+, AOC-4, MGT-7, etc.

• GST Filings

1. Required for verifying and submitting GST returns and  GST registration.

• EPFO / PF & ESIC Portals

1. Used for online verification of employee details and filings.

• E-Tendering and E-Procurement

1. Mandatory for contractors participating in government tenders.

• DGFT (Import/Export License)

1. Businesses use DSC to file applications and get Importer Exporter Code (IEC).

• Legal and Banking Documents

1. Used for signing agreements, invoices, NDAs, and official PDF files.

To obtain your DSC, the following documents are required:

Note: Aadhaar-based eKYC verification allows faster online DSC approval.

• A Digital Signature Certificate is valid for 1 year, 2 years, or 3 years depending on the type purchased.

• After expiry, it must be renewed with the same or new Certifying Authority.

Step-by-Step Process:

• Visit a Certifying Authority (CA) website such as eMudhra, Sify, or Capricorn.

• Select DSC Type – Class 3 (Individual) and choose validity (1/2/3 years).

• Fill the Application Form – Provide name, PAN, address, and contact details.

• Upload KYC Documents – Aadhar Card, PAN Card, and a recent photo.

• Complete Video / OTP Verification – For identity validation.

• Make Payment Online.

• Download and Install the DSC Token using a secure USB token (ePass / ProxKey).

Once approved, you can use the DSC immediately for MCA, GST, and Income Tax filings.

• DSC can be renewed 30 days before expiry.

• Renewal requires:

1. Old DSC serial number
2. Updated KYC documents
3. New payment and verification

• The new certificate is installed in the same USB token.

• Install DSC driver and software (ePass2003 / ProxKey).

• Connect USB token to your computer.

• Open the document (PDF / MCA form).

• Click “Sign with DSC” → Choose certificate → Apply digital signature.

• The signed document can now be uploaded or sent securely.

Improper use or sharing of DSC credentials can lead to:

• Suspension or revocation of certificate

• Penal action under IT Act, 2000

• Criminal liability in case of fraud or identity misuse

Always ensure your DSC is used personally and securely stored in the USB token.

(Includes USB token charges and eKYC verification.)

• Instant Aadhaar-based DSC approval

• 100% paperless & online process

• Government-authorized Certifying Authority partner

• Class 3 DSC for MCA, GST, ITR, DGFT, and e-Tendering

• Free installation & token support

• Fast delivery within 30 minutes