A digital signature certificate (DSC) includes information such as the user's name, pin code, country, email address, certificate issuance date, and certifying authority's name.

For purposes of confirming and certifying an individual's identity, digital signature certificates are issued by certification authorities. To create signatures, digital signatures make use of public key encryptions.

Types of Digital Signature Certificate

Depending on the necessity, the type of applicant and the reason for which the Digital Signature Certificate is obtained determines the type of DSC that must be applied for.

The certifying authorities provide three different types of Digital Signature certificates -

Class 1 Certificate :

These are supplied to individual/private subscribers and are used to ensure that the user's name and email contact details from the clearly defined subject are stored in the database of the certifying authority.

Class 2 Certificate :

These are supplied to the company's director/signatory authority for e-filing with the Registrar of Companies (ROC). People who have to manually sign documents while submitting returns with the ROC must have a Class 2 certificate in order to do so. However, beginning January 1, 2021, the Controller of Certifying Authority has directed that Class 2 Certificates be phased out and Class 3 Certificates be issued in their place.

Class 3 Certificate :

To participate in e-auctions or bid on online tenders anywhere in India, these certificates are required. A Class 3 digital signature certificate is required for all suppliers who desire to participate in the online tenders.

Advantages of Digital Signature Certificate

Reduced cost and time :

Instead of physically signing paper copies and scanning them to send through email, you can digitally sign PDF files and send them considerably faster. To perform or authorise a business, the holder of a Digital Signature certificate does not need to be physically present.

Authentication :

When conducting business online, authentication is useful in verifying the personal information details of the individual holder.

Data integrity :

Digitally signed documents cannot be changed or updated after they are signed, ensuring that the information is safe and secure. These certifications are frequently requested by government agencies in order to cross-check and validate company transactions.

Legitimacy of documents :

Receivers of digitally signed documents can be confident in the signer's authenticity. They can act based on such documents without risk of the documents being faked.

Documents required for DSC Application Submission

• Candidate's submission of a duly completed DSC application form
• Photo identification is required.
• Proof of address is required.

How to apply for DSC Application

STEP 1: Log in and choose your entity type.

STEP 2: Fill in the blanks with the required information.

STEP 3: Identity and address verification

STEP 4: DSC Payment

STEP 5: Submit the relevant documents - Enclose the following in an envelope:

• DSC Registration Form - Supporting document for evidence of identity and proof of address confirmed by an attesting officer.
• Payment will be made by demand draft/cheque.

For further processing, address the attached envelope to the Local Registration Authority (LRA) and mail it to the LRA's designated location.

You have successfully finished the application procedure for your Digital Signature Certificate after completing the above-mentioned steps by filling out the DSC Form and supplying the appropriate papers and payment.