Digital Signature Certificate - Benefits, Classes, How to Get DSC

Digital Signature Certificate is a secure digital key (USB e-Token) issued by certifying authorities to validate and verify the identity of the person or entity holding the certificate. It uses public-key encryption to create signatures and contains the signature in digital format. A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) contains information about the user’s name, pin code, country, email address, date of issuance, and the name of the certifying authority.

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Benefits of Digital Signature Certificate

• Authentication: DSC helps in authenticating the personal information details of the holder when conducting business digitally.
• Reduces Cost and Time: A DSC holder does not need to be physically present to conduct or authorize a business. Instead of signing documents physically and scanning them, the holder can quickly sign documents online using DSC.
• Authenticity of Documents: Digitally signed documents give confidence to the receiver, assuring the signer’s authenticity. They can proceed and take action based on such documents without worrying about forgery.
• Data Integrity: Documents signed digitally cannot be edited after signing, making the data safe and secure. Government agencies require DSC to validate business transactions.

Classes of Digital Signature Certificate

There are three types of Digital Signature Certificates issued by certifying authorities:

Importance of Digital Signature Certificate

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has mandated Digital Signatures for the following individuals:

• Directors
• Auditors
• Company Secretaries
• CEOs and CFOs
• Bank Officials
• Other Authorized Signatories

When is Digital Signature Required?

• Company Incorporation: Mandatory for incorporating a Public Limited Company, Private Limited Company, Limited Liability Partnership, or One Person Company.
• Director Identification Number (DIN): DSC is used while applying for a DIN number.
• MCA Compliances: MCA has made it mandatory for companies to file all reports, applications, and forms using a digital signature. If the annual turnover of a business exceeds ₹60 Lakhs, it is mandatory to verify returns with DSC.
• Income Tax Filing: Individuals and entities required to get their accounts audited must file their income tax return using a digital signature.
• GST Registration/Return Filing: Mandatory for business entities (other than Sole Proprietorship) for both GST registration and verifying GST returns online.
• Import Export Code: Mandatory while applying for an Import & Export Code.
• Intellectual Property: Required for filing applications for Intellectual Property rights like Trademark, Patent, etc.
• Employee Provident Fund: Registered employers can use Class 3 DSC for submitting their Employee Provident Fund Transfer Claim form online.

Documents Required for DSC Application

• Aadhaar Card
• PAN Card
• Passport size photo
• Email Address
• Mobile Number

Packages

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)