Digital Signature Certificate is a secure digital key (USB e-Token) that is issued by the certifying authorities to validate and verify the identity of the person or entity holding this certificate. It uses public-key encryptions to create the signatures and contains the signature in digital format.
A digital signature certificate (DSC) contains information about the user’s name, pin code, country, email address, date of issuance of the certificate, and name of the certifying authority.
1.Authentication: DSC helps in authenticating the personal information details of the holder when conducting business digitally.
2.Reduces Cost and Time: A Digital Signature Certificate holder does not need to be physically present to conduct or authorize a business. Instead of signing the documents physically and scanning them to send via email, the holder can quickly sign the hard copy documents online by using DSC.
3.Authenticity of Documents: Digitally signed documents give confidence to the receiver so they are assured of the signer’s authenticity. They can proceed and take action based on such documents without getting worried about the documents being forged.
4.Data Integrity: Documents that are signed digitally cannot be edited after signing, which makes the data safe and secure. The government agencies ask for DSC to validate business transactions.
There are three types of Digital Signature certificates issued by the certifying authorities:
1. Class 1 DSC Class 1 DSC is issued to individual subscribers and is used to confirm that the user’s name and email contact details from the clearly defined subject lie within the database of the certifying authority.
2. Class 2 DSC Class 2 DSC is issued to the director and signatory authorities of the companies for e-filing with the Registrar of Companies (ROC). Class 2 digital signature is mandatory for individuals who have to sign manual documents while filing returns with the ROC. However, w.e.f. 1st Jan 2021, the Controller of Certifying Authority has instructed to discontinue Class 2 DSC. Class 3 DSC will be issued in place of Class 2 DSC.
3. Class 3 DSC Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate is issued to the directors/ authorized signatories of companies, professionals, etc for signing the documents digitally. The vendors who wish to participate in the online tenders also must have a Class 3 DSC.
Aadhar Card
PAN Card
Passport size photo
Email Address
Mobile Number
When is Digital Signature Required?
Company Incorporation
The Digital Signature Certificate is mandatory for incorporating a Public Limited Company, Private Limited Company, Limited Liability Partnership or One Person Company.
Director Identification Number
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is used while you are applying for DIN number.
MCA Compliances
Ministry of Corporate Affairs has made it mandatory for companies to file all reports, applications, and forms using a digital signature only. If annual turnover of a business exceeds ₹60 Lakhs, it is mandatory to verify returns with DSC.
Income Tax Filing
Individuals and entities who are required to get their accounts audited have to file their income tax return compulsorily using a digital signature
GST registration/ return filing
It is mandatory for business entities (other than Sole Proprietorship) to have Digital Signature Certificate for both GST registration and verifying GST Returns online.
Import Export Code
It is mandatory to have DSC while applying for an Import & Export Code.
Intellectual Property
Digital Signature Certificate is required for filing of application for Intellectual Property rights like Trademark, Patent, etc.
Employee Provident Fund
The registered Employers in India can use the Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate for submitting their Employee Provident Fund Transfer Claim form online.
MCA has mandated Digital Signatures for following individuals:
Documents required for Issuance of DSC (Individual)
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