Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) Registration

DSC Registration refers to the process of applying for and obtaining a digital signature certificate DSC. Registering a DSC allows you to electronically sign documents online. You can secure a DSC from any certifying authority in India. You can connect with Registrationwala’s consultants for assistance in obtaining this certificate easily!

What is DSC?

DSC meaning can be explained as a cryptographically secure digital key issued by the Certifying Authority. It is the digital equivalent of a handwritten signature that validates and verifies the identity of the individual who holds it. 

A DSC is employed when an individual must electronically sign documents, securely authenticate the signature, and verify the signed copy's integrity. In India, certifying authorities licensed by the Controller of Certifying Authorities issue DSCs.

Who Requires a DSC?

Anyone required to file company-related documents on the MCA portal must register their DSC. This includes the following individuals:

• Company's Director

• Company's Manager

• Chartered Accountant

• Members of ICAI, ICSI, and ICWAI

• Practising Professionals 

• Business's Authorized Representatives

• IEPF's Nodal and Deputy Nodal Officers

Benefits of DSC Registration

There are many benefits of DSC Registration. Some of them are as follows:

• DSC registration is essential to ensure compliance with statutory requirements. Individuals and businesses that must get their accounts audited are required to file ITR using an electronic signature.

• At the time of company registration, DSC is required to digitally authenticate incorporation documents. Without getting DSC registration, you cannot register your company with MCA online. 

• DSC registration is really important to ensure digital transactions and documents meet the legal requirements.

• DSCs hold significance in the corporate world since they are necessary for signing various contracts, agreements, financial transactions and other key documents. They make it easier and more convenient for companies to conduct business.

• For safe online banking and financial transactions, banks and other financial organizations frequently require the use of DSCs. By doing this, fraud is avoided and financial data remains protected.

• DSCs are essential to global business and trade. They make it easier for trade-related documentation and transactions, like import-export licenses and trade agreements, to be exchanged securely and legally. 

• Many government authorities and departments mandate DSCs for filing e-forms, applications and other submissions. DSCs help to build trust in digital transactions with the govt.

Types of Digital Signature Certificates

Earlier, different types/classes of DSCs were available to guarantee security and authenticity in a variety of business and government applications. They helped the individuals and corporations to stay compliant with the legal frameworks for online transactions in India. There were three types of Digital Signature Certificates in India in total:

Class 1 DSC

Class 1 DSC digital certificate was issued to both business professionals and private individuals. This DSC type confirmed the user’s name and email contact within the certifying authority’s database. It was best suited for securing basic personal digital interactions, like low-risk transactions and email authentication. Now, Class 1 DSC has been discontinued. 

Class 2 DSC

Class 2 DSC was majorly used by business personnel for the purpose of filing documents with government agencies like the Registrar of Companies (ROC), Income Tax Return (ITR) filing, and e-forms of MCA. Its issuance has been discontinued now. However, those who have class 2 DSC can still use it till its expiry date as the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) has terminated only new issuance or renewal after 1st January 2021. 

Class 3 DSC

Class 3 DSCs offer the highest level of security. Earlier, they were only used for high-value transactions like e-tendering, e-bidding, e-procurement, and compliance with ROC, GST, IEC registration, and other sensitive online processes that required robust security. 

But now, they are used for all transactions requiring a DSC as Class 1 and 2 DSCs have been discontinued. Class 3 DSC is the only DSC class that is still in continuance.

List of Certifying Authorities (CAs) for DSC

Here is a list of some of the top certifying authorities that issue DSCs in India:

Documents for Digital Signature Registration

When you apply for a digital signature certificate India, you require certain documents to verify your identity. Based on whether the applicant is an individual, organization or foreign entity, the exact list of documents may differ a bit. Typically, you will require the following documents for DSC registration:

Government-Issued Identity Proof

For identity proof, you need to provide the following government-issued documents:

• Aadhaar Card (eKYC Service),

• Passport

• PAN Card

• Driving License

• Post Office ID Card

• Photo ID card issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs or Centre/State Governments

• Bank Account Passbook containing the applicant’s photograph, signed and attested by a bank official

Address Proof

For address proof, you need to provide the following documents:

• Aadhaar Card

• Voter ID Card

• Driving License

• Registration Certificate (RC)

• Telephone Bill

• Water Bill

• Bank Account Passbook/Statement

Passport-Sized Photograph

• All applicants need to submit recent passport-sized photographs.

DSC Registration Process

The DSC Registration process requires completion of several steps. To fulfill the registration procedure, you must follow the steps below:

Step 1: Visit the Certifying Authority’s Portal

About 15 approved CAs, including e-Mudhra, Sify, and NSDL, are able to issue DSCs. Visit the website of any authorized Indian Certifying Authority (CA). Then, go to the DSC application section on the website.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

Now, you must fill in the application with all the required information, like your name, email ID and contact details. If you are applying for a business, you must ensure all the required business details are included in the application form. 

The information you provide must match the details of the identity proof documents. Apart from this, you must also choose the validity period of DSC. 

Step 3: File Relevant Documents

Along with the application form, you must submit identity and address proof like Aadhaar Card, PAN card, passport, etc. If you want DSC for an organization, you must submit a certificate of incorporation and an authorization letter. 

Then, you must upload a passport-size photograph and complete the form by electronically signing the declaration. 

Step 4: Pay DSC Fee

Now, according to the DSC validity you’ve opted for, you must pay the applicable fee. You can make payment through debit/credit card, netbanking or any other payment method acceptable by the certifying authority’s website.

Step 5: Verification of Identity

Depending on the policy set forth by the Certifying Authority, your identity will be verified through a physical or video-based verification process. In certain circumstances, you may be required to present yourself before the registration authority for Class 3 DSC.

Step 6: Issuance of DSC

After the completion of verification, the Certifying Authority will issue your DSC certificate. Depending on the CA you choose, you will either receive your DSC as a file for download or on a USB token (also known as a USB e-token) for installation.

Step 7: Install DSC Certificate

Download your DSC from the CA’s portal. If the DSC is on a USB e-token, you must install the required drivers and follow the instructions for installing. Make sure the USB token is stored in a secure manner and you can easily access it for future use.

How to Rectify Mistakes in Digital Certificate?

If you’ve made any mistakes in the DSC or simply want to change the details you provided during the application process, don’t panic. You can fix the problem by following these steps:

• Visit the website of CA where you got your DSC from.

• Now, go to the ‘Change DSC details’ option.

• Afterwards, fill in all the required details.

• Finally, select the renewed/changed DSC option.

Validity Period of a DSC

Digital Signature Certificates remain valid for a period of 2-3 years from the date of issuance. Individuals must renew them before the validity expires for continuous and interrupted usage. 

Acquire Your DSC With Registrationwala

By reaching out to Registrationwala, you can obtain an Electronic Signature Certificate in the shortest time and smoothest possible manner. Here’s how we will assist you:

• Collection of all the necessary documents.

• Full assistance in filing the DSC application.

• Verification of documents and application and ensuring all the details are accurate.

• Delivering Digital Signature Certificate to your doorstep.

So, what are you waiting for? Connect with us as soon as possible!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the full form of DSC?

A. The full form of DSC is Digital Signature Certificate. It is an electronically generated certificate, regarded as the digital equivalent of a handwritten signature, and is issued by a Certifying Authority.

Q2. How does a DSC work?

A. A DSC works by using public key cryptography to verify the authenticity and integrity of e-documents.

Q3. How can you digitally sign government documents?

A. You can digitally sign government documents with the help of a DSC.

Q4. What is a Certifying Authority?

A. A Certifying Authority (CA) is an authority that issues digital signature certificates to individuals and businesses. 

Q5. Do I require a DSC for company registration?

A. Yes, you require a DSC for company registration. You need to sign company incorporation documents using DSC.

Q6. Can I get Class 1 and Class 2 DSCs?

A. No, now you cannot get Class 1 and Class 2 DSCs. Now, certifying authorities only issue Class 3 DSCs in India.

Q7. How can I get a DSC?

A. To get a DSC, you must visit the Certifying Authority’s website and file an application there.

Q8. What is a USB e-token?

A. USB e-token is a small, portable hardware device that stores a user’s Digital Signature Certificate. It is also known as a USB token or digital signature token.