Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): Types, Uses, and How to Obtain
A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is an electronic credential that authenticates the identity of the holder when signing documents electronically. In India, DSCs are legally recognized under the Information Technology Act, 2000 and are mandatory for various regulatory filings.
Types of DSC: Class 1 DSC (for email security and basic authentication), Class 2 DSC (for MCA filings, income tax returns, and GST returns — the most commonly used type), and Class 3 DSC (for high-security transactions including e-tendering, customs filings, and court filings).
Uses of DSC: Filing company incorporation forms (SPICe+) with MCA, signing annual returns (MGT-7) and financial statements (AOC-4), GST return filing, income tax return filing (ITR-V), e-procurement and e-tendering, trademark and patent filings, and digital contract signing.
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Talk to an expertHow to Obtain: Identify a Certifying Authority (CA) authorized by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA). Popular CAs include eMudhra, Sify, Capricorn, and Vsign. Fill the DSC application form, submit identity and address proof (PAN card, Aadhaar card, voter ID, or passport), and pay the applicable fee.
Validity and Renewal: DSCs are typically issued with 1-year, 2-year, or 3-year validity. The cost ranges from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 3,000 depending on the class and validity period. DSCs must be renewed before expiry — late renewal may require re-issuance.
DSC Token: DSCs can be stored on a USB token (hardware dongle) or as a file-based certificate on the computer. USB tokens are more secure and portable, making them the preferred option for business use. Axaon can help you obtain your DSC quickly with the right class for your compliance needs.
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