Digital Signature Certificate- Overview
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is attached on documents submitted in electronic form by the authorised person. It ensures security and authenticity of the documents submitted digitally. DSC is attached on all the documents filed on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal. Online transactions such as Incorporation of company or LLP, Income Tax e-filing is corroborated using DSC.
Digital Signature Certificate is a secured digital key that contains the details of the person holding DSC, such as the name, pin code, email, country, date of issuance, and the name of the regulatory authority that has granted DSC.
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Further, a DSC is able to cut down cost, save time, avoid the scope of fraud during e-filing or statutory filing of documents.
Also, a DSC authenticates the identity of the director or designated partner, signing the document and supports in maintaining Data Integrity.
Moreover, it is important to note that there is no need for the signatory to be physically present for signing the documents and the clients are given assurance as the scope of forgery or fraud gets minimized with the emergence of DSC.
With the e-commerce boom and emerging importance of digital and technological advancements, Digital Signature Certificate Registration is of utmost importance for individuals and businesssmen.
Digital Signature Registration Package
Rs.1,000/-+18% GST
- What we provide
- Documents required
- Digital Signature Certificate
- Free Business Consultancy
- Application Form of DSC
- Attestation by a gazetted officer, bank manager, authorized executive or post master
- Identity Proof of the Applicant
- Address Proof of the Applicant
Types of DSC
There are three classes of DSC as described below:
Class 1 Certificate
The term "Class 1 Certificate" is a certificate, the purpose of which is to serve both individuals and private subscribers. This type of certificate ascertains that the information and details covered within the application are not similar to the details available on the consumer database.
Also, it provides a basic level of certainty to the user regarding his/her information and is applicable only in those areas where the threat to forgery is low.
Class 2 Certificate
A class 2 certificate is usually used by business personnel and private individuals. Further, in terms of functionality, a class 2 certificate serves the same purpose of that of a class 1 certificate.
Class 3 Certificate
Generally, a Class 3 certificate is meant to benefit the big companies and has a larger scope in terms of applicability.
Also, this certificate is used for online trading platforms and it is granted to the person only on his/her personal appearance before the authorities issuing it. Moreover, a Class 3 Certificate is normally used in situations where the threat to data forgery is significantly higher.
How DSC works?
The working of a Digital Signature Certificate can be described as:
- It is an e-document that is used to authenticate the identity of an individual.
- It needs digital language to authorize data.
- The document is effectively encrypted and secured.
- The receiver needs to have proper key access to operate the DSC.
- A person having DSC can send the encrypted file to anyone by providing him/her the key access.
- DSC validates the authenticity of an e-document or a file.
Documents Required for Digital Signature Certificate Registration
The documents required to acquire a Digital Signature Certificate in India are as follows:
- Application Form of DSC
- Attestation by a gazetted officer, bank manager, authorized executive or post master
- Identity Proof of the Applicant
- Address Proof of the Applicant
FAQ on DSC Registration
Who can apply for a Digital Signature Certificate?
In this digital era, government agencies have adopted digital signature for several occasions. This is a statutory requirement for many e-forms to be digitally signed by the authorised signatory. So, individuals and entities should obtain a DSC. A digital signature certificate establishes authenticity of the identity of the holder.
Where can I use the DSC?
A digital signature certificate is a valid legal instrument and can be used for digitally signing various documents for various purposes. It is used for filing income tax returns, e-tenders, for various regulatory company filings, registration purposes etc.
How long does it take to obtain the digital signature certificate in India?
Most certifying authorities take about 5 to 7 days to issue a digital certificate in India.
What is the validity period of the Digital Signature Certificate?
The validity of digital signature certificate is 1 or 2 years depending upon the class of DSC being registered.
Can a person hold multiple digital signature certificates?
Yes, a person can hold a separate digital signature certificate for personal and professional purposes. As far as holding separate certificates for authorizing varied documents is concerned, an individual can apply to register for a Class 3 certificate and use it for vast range of services, as it is of the highest level and is most secure.
Do we have to renew the certificate?
Yes, the digital signature certificate can be renewed 7 days before the date of expiry of the certificate.
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