Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)?
A class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is a secure digital credential that verifies the identity of a person or an organization in the online world.It serves the same function in digital transactions as a handwritten signature on paper by enabling users to legally and securely sign electronic documents.
Why is a class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) required?
A Class 3 DSC is required for high-security and legally binding online transactions where strict identity verification is mandatory. It is used for government portals, MCA e-filing, Income Tax e-filing e-Tendering, e-Procurement LLP Registration, GST Application e-Biding, ICEGATE, Foreign Trade IE Code Registration, Form 16 Patent and Trademark e-filing CBSE School, Director’s KYC, etc. to ensure authenticity, data security, and legal compliance.
Are digital signatures legally valid?
Indeed. In India, digital signatures are recognized by law thanks to the Information Technology Act of 2000. As long as they are issued by a licensed Certifying Authority, documents signed with a valid Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) have the same legal standing as handwritten signatures and are therefore enforceable.
What are the different types of Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)?
There are three main types of DSCs:
- Signature Certificate
- Encryption Certificate
- Document Signer Certificate
What is an Encryption Certificate?
An Encryption Certificate is a type of Digital Signature Certificate used to secure data by encrypting it, ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential during online transmission. It prevents unauthorized access and is commonly used for secure email communication, data exchange, e-Tendering, e-Procurement, e-Auction and protected digital documents.
How do I download a class 3 Digital Signature Certificate(DSC)?
After your DSC application is approved, the Certifying Authority provides a secure download link.To download your DSC, you must first ensure that you have a USB Token connected to your computer. You will then be able to download and register your DSC on the website you are using it with.
Where can I use a Digital Signature Certificate?
A Digital Signature Certificate can be used on government, regulatory, and private online platforms that require secure and legally valid digital authentication. It is commonly used for Income Tax filing, MCA filings, GST compliance, e-tendering, e-procurement, company registrations, and signing legally binding digital documents.
Why do I need a Digital Signature Certificate?
You need a Digital Signature Certificate to prove your identity online, sign documents securely, and comply with government or regulatory requirements and it is mandatory for company registration in India whether is LLP, PVT or OPC Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate is must.
Who can apply for a DSC?
Any individual or organization can apply for a DSC. This includes individual users, company directors, authorized signatories, professionals (CA, CS, CMA, advocates), businesses, LLPs, trusts, and government employees basically anyone required to sign or authenticate documents online legally.
What is the validity of a class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)?
A class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is typically issued with a validity of one or two years or three years You can renew it when the validity period expires.
What are the primary uses of a Digital Signature Certificate?
A DSC is used to verify the identity of individuals or organizations online and sign electronic documents securely. It is widely used for activities like GST filing, e-Tenders, Income Tax, EPFO, MCA filings, and more.
What can I do with a Class 3 DSC?
A Class 3 DSC is suitable for a wide range of online activities, including:
- Filing Income Tax Returns
- MCA e-Filing
- Submitting online tenders
Booking railway tickets (IRCTC) - Managing foreign trade documents (DGFT)
- Filing GST returns
- Registering intellectual property
- Managing EPF transactions
- And more.