A digital signature is a form of electronic signature, that is a mathematical algorithm used to reflect that a digital key is issued by authenticated authority. Moreover, a digital signature acts as a digital fingerprint that is unique for every individual or establishment.

According to the provision of the Information Technology Act, of 2000, digital signatures should be used on electronically submitted documents to ensure authenticity and security. For instance, filling completed by companies or LLPs under the MCA21 E-governance program required a digital certificate signed by the authorized person on the filled documents. 

What is a DSC certificate?

A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is a safe digital key that reflects the authenticated identity of the certificate holder and is issued by the sanctioned Certifying Authorities.

Can a foreign national obtain a DSC certificate?

Yes, a foreign national can obtain a DSC certificate under Section 3 of the Identity Verification Guidelines (CCA-IVG).  

Benefits of Digital Signature CertificateBenefits of DSC Registration

1. Ensure Authenticity and Integrity

In an establishment, a message often includes information regarding the sender of a message, that information could be unreliable. As a result of this, a digital signature certificate (DSC registration) is a perfect tool to authenticate the identity of the sender or message source. 

Thus, the possession of a digital signature certificate (DSC registration) is bound to the identity of the user.

For instance, a bank office sends a message to the Central office to change a balance in a specific account. Moreover, acting on such a request without fully convincing (message not including digital signature certificate) would be an aberration.

Apart from ensuring authenticity, a (Digital Signature Certificate) DSC certificate also guarantees integrity, especially when there is a possibility to maintain the confidence that the message has not been modified during transmission. Thus, to maintain the integrity of the message, any change in the message will nullify the digital signature.

Afterward, the message can not alter the digital signature’s affix because it will be considered computationally improbable.

2. Saves Time and Cost

A DSC certificate ensures the smooth flow of activities of an establishment and reduces the dependency on a person because it allows an individual to sign the documents just with a click. Also, an individual does not have to be present in the establishment because, with the help of a digital signature, a person can sign the document from any location.

As per the Information and Technology Act, of 2000, a DSC certificate can serve as evidence in court like any other signed document.

4. Ensures Global Acceptance

A DSC certificate is not only acceptable in government bodies such as MCA, GST, Income Tax, etc. However, it is acceptable worldwide because it ensures security and authenticity. 

Also, it provides excellent assistance in obtaining government tenders.

Types of Digital Signature Certificates (DSC Registration)

1. Class 1 DSC (Digital Signature Certificate)

Individuals and businesses use class 1 certificates or private subscribers to validate the user’s name and email as mentioned in the database of the consumer.

To be noted, it is an ordinary assurance and is not considered essential.

2. Class 2 DSC (Digital Signature Certificate)

As a Class 1 certificate, a Class 2 certificate is used by businesses and private subscribers to validate their database information. It is used during substantial risk of malicious activity such as monetary transactions to acquire personal information of someone and other such activities.

Apart from using it during substantial risk, it is also helpful in filling the government tenders/forms.

3. Class 3 DSC (Digital Signature Certificate)

It is an improved version of the Class 2 certificate for individuals and organizations with the motive to acquire government/online tenders or auctions.

How Does DSC Certificate/ DSC Registration Work?

DSC works by demonstrating that a message can not be altered intentionally or unintentionally after being signed. It is done by creating a unique hash of the message and documenting and encrypting it using a private sender key. 

As mentioned, the hash of a particular message is unique, and if the message is altered, its hash will be modified. 

So, when a sender sends a message to the recipient, it contains a digital signature that is obtained through DSC registration. To decrypt the sender’s hash, the recipient generates its hash through the sender's public key. 

Further, the hash of the sender and recipient should match that would be considered that the message is not altered and the sender is authenticated.

Documents Required to Apply For Digital Signature Certificate Online (Apply for DSC) | Documents For DSC Registration

Documents Required For Individuals to Apply for Digital Signature Certificate Online

  • Identity proof such as driving license, passport, and other ID proof authorized by the government.
  • Address proof.
  • PAN card.
  • Proof from attesting officer.

Documents Required For an Organization to Apply for a Digital Signature Certificate Online

  • PAN of organization or establishment.
  • If required, you need to submit the Partnership Deed.
  • Certificate of GST.
  • A list of Authorized Signatory could be the list of directors,
  • Board Resolution, etc.

Note- The documents can differ depending on the business structure.

Documents Required For Foreign Individuals and Organizations to Apply for Digital Signature Certificate Online

  • PAN of organization or establishment.
  • If required, you need to submit the Partnership Deed.
  • Certificate of GST.
  • A list of Authorized Signatory could be the list of directors,
  • Board Resolution, etc.

Note- The documents can differ depending on the business structure.

Documents Required Foreign Attestation to Apply for Digital Signature Certificate online

The authorization letter should possess the company seal and signature,

  • If the candidate belongs to the native country, you must submit the information concerning the Embassy of the native country.
  • If the company is not located in the Hague Convention, Consularized by the native country after the Public Notary.
  • In case a company is established in Hague Convention, Apostilled by native country after Public Notary.

How to Get Digital Signature Certificate | DSC Registration Process

Below-mentioned is the registration process of how to get a digital signature certificate (DSC registration), 

Apply For Digital Signature Certificate Online For Director

  • Visit the homepage of the MCA portal and click on “Register DCS.”
  • You will be redirected to the next screen, choose “Director,” and enter DIN (Director Identification Number).
  • As you enter the DIN, the system will verify it. If you have entered the wrong DIN or if the DIN is not approved, the system will show an error. 
  • Next, as per DIR-3, fill in the required information. However, if the candidate filled out the DIR-6, you need to submit the DIR-6 form.
  • As you will click “Next,” the system will confirm the mentioned details. 
  • After verifying your details, the system will immediately ask you to select the DSC.
  • To select the DSC, click on “Select Certificate” to browse and choose the certificate. 
  • After selecting the DSC, you will be informed if a DSC is already registered with the given DIN. However, if a different DSC is registered with the same DIN, you will be asked to update the DSC.
  • Further, you have to type the system-generated text in the box for verification.
  • Click on “I agree” to agree that the information given by you is accurate.
  • Then, click on “Submit.”
  • As you will get an acknowledgment message, for further reference, take a printout.

Note- If the details mentioned in forms DIR-3 or DIR-6 do not match, maybe due to a lack of information concerning the DIN application, you can obtain the data from the company.

Apply For Digital Signature Certificate Online For Practicing Professional

  • Visit the MCA homepage and click on “Register DCS.”
  • On the next screen, choose “Practicing Professional” and fill in the required information according to the records provided by the professional institute.
  • As you click on “Next,” the system will automatically verify the information with the concerned institute.
  • After verifying, that the information provided by you is accurate, you have to enter the Income Tax PAN.
  • As you will verify and confirm the PAN, you will have to select the DSC by clicking on “Select Certificate.”
  • Now, for verification, type the system-generated text in the box.
  • Choose “I agree” to declare that the information provided by you is accurate.
  • Last, click on “submit” to submit your details to the authority.
  • Print the acknowledgment slip for future reference.

Note- The information you have filled in should match the record provided by the professional institute. If not, the system will show an error. Consequently, you can obtain the details from the professional institute.

Apply For Digital Signature Certificate Online For Manager/Secretary/CEO/CFO

  • Visit the MCA homepage and click on “Register DCS.”
  • On the next screen, choose “Practicing Professional” and fill in the required information according to the records provided by the professional institute.
  • As you click on “Next,” the system will automatically verify the information with the concerned institute.
  • After verifying, that the information provided by you is accurate, you have to enter the Income Tax PAN.
  • As you will verify and confirm the PAN, you will have to select the DSC by clicking on “Select Certificate.”
  • Now, for verification, type the system-generated text in the box.
  • Choose “I agree” to declare that the information provided by you is accurate.
  • Last, click on “submit” to submit your details to the authority.
  • Print the acknowledgment slip for future reference.

Note- The information you have filled in should match the record provided by the professional institute. If not, the system will show an error. Consequently, you can obtain the details from the professional institute.

We - at JR Compliance will invest our sustained efforts to learn how to get a digital signature certificate (or complete DSC registration) by emphasizing on reliability, adaptability, and transparency. We possess all the resources that will make the DSC certificate process unchallenging for our clients. Moreover, our DSC registration experts will provide you with 100% assistance, be it a Director, Practicing professional, or Manager/Secretary/CEO/CFO- we have got it all. 

Our Role in Obtaining a DSC Certificate

  • Our DSC registration consultant guarantees to educate you concerning each aspect of the DSC certificate or how to get a digital signature certificate.
  • Our DSC consultants will assist you throughout the process of registration promptly.
  • Our DSC certificate consultants will directly coordinate with the officials for proper follow-ups and acknowledgment. 
  • Our consultants will assist you in keeping track of your DSC certificate process.
  • Our DSC registration consultant will provide you with the most satisfactory solution to your queries.

Conclusion

To file an application for a DSC certificate or to apply for a Digital Signature Certificate online for different members, you must follow different procedures to register as a director, practicing professional, and CEO/CFO/manager/secretary. That would make the DSC certificate/ DSC registration process tedious and time-consuming. 

Consequently, JR Compliance - a Delhi-based compliance service provider comprises the experience, expertise, and professionalism that makes us an exemplary choice to register your establishment, including completing DSC registration on time. Our services are prominent, which is evident because we have worked with reputed brands such as Newline, Samsung, Milton, and more.

Hence, for expert and professional services, contact us immediately to learn how to get a digital signature certificate.