A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is a trusted digital credential issued by certifying authorities to authenticate and verify the identity of the certificate holder. Digital Signatures rely on public key encryption for creating these secure signatures.
A DSC includes essential details such as the user’s name, postal code, country, email address, the certificate’s issuance date, and the certifying authority’s name.
Advantages of Having a Digital Signature Certificate
Verification: It aids in verifying the personal information of the individual engaging in online business transactions.
Efficiency and Cost Savings: Instead of physically signing paper documents and scanning them for email transmission, digital signatures allow for quick and streamlined PDF file signing and transmission. With a Digital Signature Certificate, individuals can conduct business and provide authorization remotely.
Data Integrity: Digitally signed documents offer an added layer of security by preventing unauthorized alterations or edits. Government agencies often require these certificates to ensure the accuracy of business transactions.
Document Trustworthiness: Digital signatures instill confidence in recipients regarding the authenticity of the signer. This assurance allows recipients to take action based on such documents without concerns about potential forgery.
Classes of DSC
The type of Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) you should apply for depends on your applicant category and the specific purpose for which you require it. Certifying authorities issue three distinct types of DSCs:
- Class 1 Certificates : These are designated for individual and private subscribers. They validate that the user's name and email contact details correspond to the certifying authority's database.
- Class 2 Certificates : Initially, these were issued to directors and signatory authorities of companies for e-filing with the Registrar of Companies (ROC). However, as of January 1, 2021, the Controller of Certifying Authority has directed the discontinuation of Class 2 Certificates, replacing them with Class 3 Certificates. Class 2 Certificates were mandatory for individuals signing physical documents while filing returns with the ROC.
- Class 3 Certificates : These certificates find application in online participation, bidding in e-auctions, and online tenders across India. Vendors desiring to engage in online tender processes are required to possess a Class 3 digital signature certificate.
Documents Required for obtaining DSC:
- A government-issued photo ID with your name and address
- Proof of residence, such as:
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o Aadhar Card
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o Voter Identity Card
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o Driving License
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o Electricity Bill
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o Telephone Bill
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o Bank Account Statement signed by bank
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o Property Tax receipt
- Proof of identification, such as:
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o Passport
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o PAN Card of the applicant
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o Post Office ID card
- Latest bank statements signed by the bank, not older than 2 months
- GST registration certificate
- Authorization letter from the organization, if you are obtaining a DSC on behalf of an organization
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
DSCs are used in various applications, including filing income tax returns, e-Tendering, Company or LLP Incorporation, GST registration, and for secure online transactions.
Yes, DSCs are legally valid in many countries and are often used to meet the legal requirements of electronic transactions and documentation.
Physical documents are signed manually, similarly, electronic documents, for example e-forms are required to be signed digitally using a Digital Signature Certificate.
The Certifying Authorities are authorized to issue a Digital Signature Certificate with a validity of one or two years.
Yes, DSCs are recognized and can be used for international transactions and communications. However, the acceptance and legal validity may vary from one country to another.
Yes, many DSCs are compatible with mobile devices, and there are apps available to use them for electronic signatures on smartphones and tablets.
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