Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is one more important utility, which is widely utilized in the process of making and signing of the electronic contract. Assuring the identity of individuals and businesses, DSC guarantees the security and credibility of e-commerce, important information exchange, and business transactions within a short span. Many organizations use individual DSC forms, Capricorn individual DSC forms as well as the foreign individual DSC forms and all are customers of powerful cybersecurity.
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Scope of Work:
1. Application for Digital Signature Certificate
2. Delivery via courier (All over India)
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:
Type | Usage | Suitable For |
---|---|---|
Class 1 DSC | Email communication verification | Individuals (Basic use) |
Class 2 DSC | Verification of identity for business and tax purposes | Filing Income Tax Returns, GST, MCA, EPFO |
Class 3 DSC | High-security digital transactions | MCA, ICEGATE, DGFT, e-Tendering, e-Procurement |
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)
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.
Type | Description | Usage |
---|---|---|
Sign Only DSC | Used for signing documents only | ITR, GST, MCA filing |
Encrypt Only DSC | Used to encrypt data/documents | Confidential data transfers |
Sign & Encrypt DSC | Used for both signing and encryption | e-Tendering, e-Auctions, e-Bidding |
Mandatory for companies, LLPs, and professionals filing returns.
Individuals with high-value ITRs can also sign forms digitally.
Required for verifying and submitting GST returns and GST registration.
Used for online verification of employee details and filings.
Mandatory for contractors participating in government tenders.
Businesses use DSC to file applications and get Importer Exporter Code (IEC).
Used for signing agreements, invoices, NDAs, and official PDF files.
To obtain your DSC, the following documents are required:
Document Type | Examples |
---|---|
Identity Proof | PAN Card / Passport / Driving License |
Address Proof | Aadhaar Card / Voter ID / Utility Bill |
Passport Size Photo | Latest color photograph |
Email ID and Mobile Number | For verification and communication |
Self-Attested Copies | Required on all submitted documents |
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:
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.
Benefit | Description |
---|---|
Legal Recognition | Accepted under the IT Act, 2000 |
Data Security | Protects documents from tampering or misuse |
Time-Saving | Enables instant online signing |
Paperless Workflow | Eco-friendly and convenient |
Authentication & Integrity | Confirms the signer’s identity and document originality |
Wider Acceptance | Used across MCA, GST, ITR, EPFO, and tender platforms |
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.
Authority | Type of DSC Issued |
---|---|
eMudhra Limited | Class 3 (Sign / Encrypt) |
Capricorn Identity Services | Class 3 Individual & Class 3 Organization DSC |
Sify Safescrypt | Class 3 DSC |
(n)Code Solutions | Class 3 DSC |
Verasys | Class 3 Individual DSC |
Validity | Approx. Price Range |
---|---|
1 Year | ₹600 – ₹800 |
2 Years | ₹900 – ₹1,200 |
3 Years | ₹1,200 – ₹1,500 |
(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
An Individual DSC is an electronic form of a signature used to authenticate a person's identity online securely while signing documents.
There are three classes: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3, with Class 3 being the most secure and widely used for legal and government purposes.
Any individual, including professionals, business owners, freelancers, students, and property owners, can apply for a DSC in India.
Typically, DSCs are issued within 1 to 2 business days after submitting the application and completing verification.
Common documents include PAN card, Aadhaar card or passport, and a passport-sized photograph.
No, DSCs generally have a validity of 1 or 2 years and need to be renewed upon expiry.
Yes, foreigners can apply by providing notarized or apostilled documents as proof of identity.
DSCs are used for signing income tax returns, GST filings, e-tendering, legal documents, bank transactions, and other formal contracts.
The renewal process is similar to the initial application but usually simpler since your identity is already verified.
Common issues include browser compatibility or USB token problems. Ensure your software and browsers are updated, and keep backups of your DSC.