Digital Signature Certificate - What is DSC, Documents and Types
DSC stand for Digital Signature Cerificate. It is mandatory to have a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) to submit various online forms to the Government of India. It's like an electronic signature that you use to sign documents, emails, and other digital things. DSC makes things more secure by using fancy encryption technology. These are primarily used by businesses when they need to securely sign documents online and ensure that the signatures are genuine.
What is Digital Signature Cerificate?
As you know, the full form of DSC is Digital Signature Certificate. A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is a digital version of a physical or paper certificate. DSC serves as a proof of identity for a person or organization online or on a computer for a specific purpose. DSC verifies an electronic document just as a handwritten signature authenticates a printed or handwritten document. DSC can be used to e-verify the returns furnished by the taxpayer and is also mandatory in some cases.
Why Digital Signature Cerificate is required?
Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) are necessary for several reasons:
Authentication : DSCs provide a means to verify the identity of the sender of an electronic document or message. In situations where it is important to ensure that the sender is who they claim to be, such as in legal contracts or financial transactions, DSCs play a vital role in authentication.
Integrity : DSCs help maintain the integrity of electronic documents by ensuring that they are not altered or tampered with during transmission. The digital signature created using the sender's private key acts as a seal of authenticity, showing that the document is genuine and has not been altered since it was signed.
Non-repudiation : DSCs help establish non-repudiation, meaning the sender cannot refuse to send the document. Once a document is digitally signed using DSC, it provides irrefutable proof that the sender actually sent the document, as the signature is unique to the sender's private key.
Legal Compliance : In many jurisdictions, digital signatures have the same legal validity as handwritten signatures. The use of DSC ensures compliance with relevant laws and regulations governing electronic transactions and documentation.
Security : DSCs use advanced cryptographic techniques to secure digital communications. By encrypting and authenticating electronic documents, DSCs help protect sensitive information from unauthorized access, interception and tampering.
Documents Required Digital Signature Cerificate
To obtain a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), you usually need to provide certain documents and information.
Aadhar card
Applicant Passport-sized photo.
Pan Card
Application Form
Types of Digital Signature Cerificate
Digital signature certificates (DSCs) can be broadly classified into three types based on their intended use and verification level:
Class 1 DSC :
Class 1 DSC certificates are issued to individuals/private individuals.
These are primarily used to validate email IDs and provide basic assurance about the identity of the subscriber.
Typically, Class 1 certificates are used in scenarios where security risks are minimal, such as accessing a web portal or sending email.
Class 2 DSC :
Class 2 certificates are issued to both individuals and organizations.
They provide a higher level of assurance than Class 1 certificates by verifying the client's identity against a pre-verified database.
These are granted to official signatories for the purpose of e-filing forms on the government portal.
Class 3 DSC :
Class 3 certifications provide the highest level of assurance and security.
They require the customer to appear in person before the Certification Authority (CA) or their Registration Authority (RA) to prove their identity.
Class 3 certificates are typically used in applications where the risk and consequences of data compromise, fraud or identity theft are high, such as e-tendering, e-procurement, online auctions and high-value financial transactions.
These certificates are used for online participation/bidding in e-auctions and online tenders all over India.
FAQ's
What is Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)?
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is a secure digital key issued by a Certifying Authority to verify and authenticate the identity of the person holding this Digital Signature Certificate. A digital signature uses public key cryptography to create a digital signature.
Why is Digital Signature Certificate essential
Electronic documents such as electronic forms and PDFs must be digitally signed with a Digital Signature Certificate, just as physical documents must be signed manually.
For how long is the Digital Signature Certificate valid?
Certificate Authorities are authorized to issue digitally signed certificates with a one or two years validity period.
What is the procedure to obtain DSC from Certificate Authority?
The Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) applicant may approach the Certificate Authority (CA) directly with the original attachment, in which case a self-attested copy is sufficient.
DSC can also be obtained using Aadhaar eKYC-based authentication, wherever the CA provides, in which case supporting documents are not required.
We can accept the letter/certificate issued by the bank in which the DSC applicant's information is stored in the bank's database. The Bank Manager should attest such letters/certificates. Check Web Online CA and get the Digital Signature Certificate online.
How long does it take to obtain a Digital Signature Certificates (DSC)?
Digital Signatures can be obtained within 1-2 working days from the date of application along with the required documents. only on Web Online CA
Is physical verification required before issuing Digital Signatures?
No, physical verification is not required for issuing a Digital Signature Certificates (DSC). On Web Online CA
What are the documents required to register Digital Signature Certificates (DSC)?
To obtain a Digital Signature, an application form Web Online CA for the Digital Signature must be submitted along with a self-attested copy of the applicant’s identity proof and address proof and also along with a photograph of the applicant.
PAN Card Copy
PAN Card Copy