Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

What is a Digital Signature Certificate?

A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is the electronic equivalent of a physical signature. It verifies your identity when you sign documents and forms online. DSCs are issued under the Information Technology Act, 2000 by Certifying Authorities licensed by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA). The certificate is stored on a secure, password-protected USB token, and is used with a small utility installed on your computer.

Types of DSC

• Class 3 Signing DSC: the standard certificate for MCA, GST, income tax, DGFT, EPFO and most government portals.
• Class 3 Signing and Encryption DSC: required for e-tendering and e-procurement portals where bids must be encrypted.
• DGFT DSC: used by importers and exporters for DGFT applications.
• Individual and organisation DSCs: issued to an individual, or to an authorised person on behalf of an organisation.

Where a DSC is used

• Company, OPC and LLP incorporation and ROC filings with the MCA
• GST registration and return filing for companies and LLPs
• Income tax returns that require digital signing, including audit reports
• Import Export Code applications and updates on the DGFT portal
• Government e-tenders, GeM registration and e-procurement
• EPFO, trademark filings and other online government services

Documents required

• PAN card
• Aadhaar card, with mobile number linked for OTP
• Passport-size photograph
• Email ID and mobile number
• For organisation DSCs: GST certificate or incorporation documents, and an authorisation letter

Our DSC process

1. Choose your DSC: we recommend the right class, type and validity for your needs.
2. Application: we submit your application with a licensed Certifying Authority.
3. e-KYC verification: you complete Aadhaar or PAN-based verification and a short video recording on your phone.
4. Approval: the Certifying Authority verifies the details and approves the certificate.
5. Download to token: the DSC is downloaded onto a secure USB token.
6. Delivery and setup: we deliver the token in Chennai or courier it, and help you register it on MCA, GST or income tax portals.

Timeline and cost

Most DSCs are issued within the same day or the next working day after verification. The cost depends on the class, type, validity and whether you need a new USB token. We confirm the price before applying.

Keep your DSC safe

Never share your DSC token or password with unknown people, as anything signed with it is legally treated as signed by you. Keep the token in a safe place, note the expiry date and renew it in advance, especially before busy filing seasons such as September, October and December.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which DSC do I need for company registration?

A Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate is required for directors and professionals signing MCA forms, including company and LLP incorporation.

Can I get a DSC without visiting any office?

Yes. DSCs are issued through paperless Aadhaar e-KYC or PAN-based verification with a short video recording. The USB token can be couriered or collected.

How long is a DSC valid?

A DSC can be issued with a validity of one, two or three years. It must be renewed or reissued after expiry.

Can one DSC be used for GST, income tax and MCA?

Yes. A Class 3 DSC can be used across government portals such as MCA, GST, income tax, DGFT and e-tendering, once registered on each portal.