Digital Signature Certificate
What is Digital Signature Certificate ?
Digital Signature Certificate established the identity of the sender for filing or sending documents electronically through the internet. Similar to a handwritten Signature that establishes the signee’s identity and consent, DSC establishes the identity and consent for electronic records.
All government departments in India accept digitally signed documents from CCA like eMudhra, Sify, N-Code, etc.
RELATED LINKS
- Class 1 DSC
- Class 2 DSC
- Class 3 DSC : Complete Guide
- Electronic Signature
- Food Registration
- Labour License Registration
- Business Registration
use of Digital Signature Certificate
The use of digital signatures compulsory for e-filing of income tax returns, e-filing for a Registrar of Companies, online auctions (like e-tenders), challans, consignment notes, delivery orders, etc.
To restoring DSC a secure digital key that is issued by Certifying Authority to validate and verify the identity of the person (or a company’s authorized signatory) holding the certificate. It can be resent electronically prove about username, pin code, country, email address, date of issuance of the certificate.
How to get digital signature certificate
Business Starter can help you obtain Class 2 or Class 3 Digital Signatures with a validity of 2 or 3 years. There is no requirement to submit the documents manually or through courier. We can help you obtain Class 2 or Class 3 signatures from a certifying authority like E mudhra, Sify, or N-Code.
All the Digital signatures are provided in FIPS compliant ePass USB token to protect the Signature until the end of the validity.
Classes of digital signature certificate
- Class 1: The name and email address of individuals can be verified. This is not to be used by companies. Class 1 certificates shall be issued for both business personnel and private individuals use. These certificates will confirm that the information in the application provided by the subscriber does not conflict with the information in well-recognized consumer databases.
- Class 2: A Class 2 digital signature certificate verifies the identity of a person against a pre-verified, trusted database. This is the one needed for companies or trusts to file their tax returns. These certificates will be issued for both business personnel and private individuals use. These certificates will confirm that the information in the application provided by the subscriber does not conflict with the information in well-recognized consumer databases.
- Class 3: This is the highest and most secure digital signature certificate available in India. To get this a person needs to present himself or herself in front of a registration authority to prove his or her identity. This category is needed for those who want to participate in online auctions or tenders.
This certificate will be issued to individuals as well as organizations. As these are high assurance certificates, primarily intended for e-commerce applications, they shall be issued to individuals only on their personal (physical) appearance before the Certifying Authorities.
Document Required for Digital signature Certificate (DSC)
the documents required for digital signature differ based on the type of applicant.
documents required for indian nationals
the following documents must be submitted by the Indian nationals while applying for Digital Signature Certificate.
Identity Proof
- Passport
- PAN Card of the applicant
- Driving License
- Post office ID Card
- Bank account Passbook, which contains the photograph, is signed by an individual with attestation by the concerned bank official.
- A Photo ID Card issued by the ministry of home affairs of the Centre or state Government
- Any photo issued by the Government which bears the Signature of the individual
Address Proof
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID card
- Driving License (DL)
- Registration Certificate (RC)
- Water Bill (not older than three months)
- Latest Bank statements signed by the bank (not older than 3 months)
document for foreign nationals
In case the applicants is a Foreign National, he has to submit the following documents for identity & address proof.
Identity Proof
- Attested copy of Applicant Passport
- Attested copy of VISA. (If the applicant is out of the native country)
- Attested copy of resident permit certificate. (if the applicant is in India)
Address Proof
- Attested copy of the applicant passport.
- Attested copy of any other government issued address proof.
Validity of digital signature certificate in India
Most certifying authorities take between three and seven working days to issue a digital signature certificate in India.
Storage Digital Signature Certificate
Digital signature certificates are soft copies that you can store on your computer. Alternatively, you can buy a USB token to store these certificates, which is considered more secure. Note that if you delete this certificate or lose the USB token, there is no way to recover it. You will have to revoke that digital signature certificate and apply for a new one.