An Individual Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is an electronic signature format used to verify a person's identity online. This cryptographic system allows individuals to securely sign electronic documents and transactions, ensuring authenticity, reliability, and confidentiality. In many legal, financial, and governmental contexts, an Individual DSC has the same legal standing as a handwritten signature.

An Individual DSC not only verifies the identity of the signatory but also guarantees the integrity of the signed document by ensuring it has not been altered after signing.

• Class 1 DSC:

1. Purpose: Used to protect personal email communication and authentication.
2. Application: Usually employed in simple tasks such as email securement, website login that requires identity authentication.
3. Security Level: Lower than Class 2 and Class 3. It confirms the identity of the person himself but does not guarantee the high level of safety.

• Class 2 DSC:

1. Purpose: Utilised in order to register documents with government bodies like income tax and GST returns.
2. Application: This is the most popular form of DSC for people who are involved in official affairs.
3. Security Level: Higher security than Class 1 , because it verifies the identity of the individual with a trusted database ( MCA or Income Tax Department etc. ).

• Class 3 DSC:

1. Purpose: This is the top most DSC level that is used in other more sensitive and high value transactions.
2. Application: It is usually needed for online tenders, e-auctions, or any other high-security-based digital transaction. The person has to lay themselves open to physical verification in order to get this certificate.
3. Security Level: The highest level of authentication and encryption is implemented in this case.

Class 2 DSC would usually be adequate to use for most people to file tax, sign documents and other administrative activities online.

Step 1: Choose a Certifying Authority (CA)

Digital Signature Certificates are the certificates that are issued by the Certifying Authorities (CAs) that are designated by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) which works under the domain of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Mentioning some of the prominent Certifying Authorities in India, one will find:

1. eMudhra

2. Sify

3. Vsign

4. National Informatics Centre (NIC)

Ensure the Certifying Authority you choose is authorised by the government to issue DSCs.

Step 2: Complete the DSC Application

• Fill out the Application Form:

1. 1. Full name

   2. Date of birth

   3. Email address

   4. Contact number

   5. Address

   6. Some form of identification (PAN card, Aadhar card, or a passport).

• Required Documents:

1. 1. Proof of Identity: PAN card, passport or voter ID.
   2. Proof of Address: Utility bill, bank statement or any government-issued document having your address in it.
   3. Photographs: A recent passport-sized photograph.

• Application Fee:

1. 1. There is a possibility of a DSC application paying a fee. The price will depend on the Certifying Authority and the validity period of DSC (for most situations 1 or 2 years).

Step 3: Identity Verification

1. 1. For Class 2 DSC: Electronic means of doing identity verification are also possible, such as matching documents with government databases.
   2. For Class 3 DSC: Physical validation of identity may be required, and you may have to visit a CA’s office, or go through a video verification.

Step 4: Receive the DSC

1. 1. Upon processing and verifying the application, Digital Signature Certificate will be issued. A typical presentation of this certificate may come in the form of a USB token (a small device that contains your DSC) or as a soft copy that can be installed directly to your computer.

Step 5: Install the DSC

1. 1. Once received, you will need to install the DSC on your computer or laptop to start using it. If you receive a USB token, you will plug it into your system, and the associated software will allow you to use the DSC for signing documents.

• Legally Valid: In India in the country, the Information Technology Act, 2000 is also legally making digital signatures with the same validity as that of a handwritten signature. This is particularly helpful for cases of e-filing, e-signing of contracts and online filing of lawful documents.

• Security and Integrity: The use of encryption measures the security of the signed documents, thus, they cannot be interfered with. Changes of the document when the person signs this document will make the digital signature invalid and hence make the documents secure.

• Authentication of Identity: The identity of signer is reconfirmed by an Individual DSC. It is associated with the person’s personal details like his name and email address, among other authentication details.

• Efficiency: DSCs facilitate such processes as signing of contracts, filing tax returns and submission of applications to government agencies since there is no longer a need to use physical paperwork.

• E-Filing Income Tax Returns: DSCs are being used for e-filing income tax returns in India. It verifies the person who files the return and ensures the safety of the filing process.

• Filing GST Returns: The GST-registered individuals have to use DSCs to make submissions to the GST portal.

• Signing Documents Digitally: Any legal or formal document can be digitally signed like contracts, agreements, or applications for government schemes.

• e-Tendering and e-Procurement: While dealing with government tenders or e-procurement procedures, an individual DSC is most frequently used to verify the bidder’s submission.

• Banking Transactions: Some banks require Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs) to secure online transactions, such as high-value fund transfers (e.g., loan applications) or to control specific online banking operations.

• Legal Transactions: Digital signatures are used in signing legal documents for will, sale agreement and power of attorney.

Uses of Digital Signature

Class 3 DSC (Individual) can be used for:

• MCA e-filing
• Income Tax e-filing
• LLP Registration
• GST Application
• Form 16
• CBSE School
• Director KYC
• Patent and Trademark e-filing

The Digital Signature Certificate verification process mainly involves 3 type of Verification;

• Mobile Verification: An One Time Password (OTP) is sent on the registered user mobile number which will be required to be shared with Instabizfiling executive for verification process.
• Email Verification: Email verification is similar to Mobile Verification, wherein An One Time Password (OTP) is sent on the registered email id which will be required to be shared with Instabizfiling executive for verification process.
• Video Verification: Each applicant will be required to record a small 30 second video wherein the Applicant is required to speak the statements written on the video verification process page while recording the video.

Post the completion of the aforesaid verification processes, the verification process for issuance of DSC is completed and DSC can be issued within the next 2 working hours.

• Employees: Individuals filing income tax returns or engaging in online governmental processes like GST filings, PAN card applications, and more.

• Business Owners: Entrepreneurs who have to enter into contracts, agreements and other forms of legal documents.

• Freelancers/Consultants: Freelancers working with clients who require signed agreements or individuals filing tax returns.

• Students: Some universities require students to submit assignments, projects, or application forms with digital signatures.

• Property Owners: In certain cases, property owners use DSC to sign sale deeds, lease agreements, or rental agreements online.

• Encryption:

1. An Individual DSC employs cryptographic encryption methods (usually RSA or ECC) to make sure that the data is secure and cannot be accessed in an unauthorized manner.

• Private and Public Keys:

1. There are two cryptographic keys that make up the DSC.

• • Private Key: Maintained in secret and required to sign documents.
  • Public Key: Provided to the recipient and can be used to check the signature.

• Tamper-Proof:

1. Upon signing and DSC affixed on to the document a signed document becomes tamper proof. Any change performed to the document once it is signed will destroy the digital signature.

• Certificate Revocation:

1. In the event the private key is compromised or the certificate has to be cancelled, the certificate can be revoked by the Certifying Authority, thereby providing security.

• Installation Problems: Some users experience problems installing the DSC, particularly browser compatibility or OS issues. Always make sure that the necessary browser settings and software are up-to-date at all times.

• USB Token Issues: The USB token where your DSC is stored may sometimes go dysfunctional or get lost. Always backup DSC and secure the token.

• Expired Certificates: An expired Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) cannot be used for signing documents. To avoid inconvenience, renew your DSC before it expires.

• The periods of validity of an Individual DSC are usually 1-2 years. Once the validity period of DSC is over, you will have to renew DSC by filling out the renewal application along with the requisite documents.

• The renewal process is similar to the original application, but it is usually less complicated because your identity has been confirmed.

• PAN of Applicant – Colour Photo
• Aadhar of Applicant – Colour Photo
• Proof of Address, if different then Aadhar (Electricity Bill / Mobile Bill) – Colour Photo

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