Application for Digital Signature

A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is affixed on documents submitted in electronic form by the authorised person. It ensures the security and authenticity of the documents submitted electronically. DSC is affixed on all the documents filed on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal. Online transactions such as Incorporation of a company or LLP, Income Tax e-filing, etc., are validated using DSC.

The Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) has appointed Certifying Authorities (CA) for issuing DSC. CA's have the licence to issue Class 3 DSC.

Requirements for applying for a Digital Signature Certificate

• Aadhaar card.

• PAN card.

• Passport-sized photo.

• Address proof.

Who needs to apply for a Digital Signature Certificate?

With the e-commerce boom, government agencies have adopted digital signature, and it is also a statutory requirement for many e-forms to be digitally signed by the authorised signatory. So individuals and entities need to obtain the digital signature. A digital signature certificate establishes the identity of the holder. It is like a PAN card or a passport and enables the holder to prove his identity.

Where can I use the digital signature certificate?

A digital signature certificate is a valid legal instrument and can be used for digitally signing various documents. It can be used for filing income tax returns, e-tenders, and for various regulatory company filings.

What are the different classes of Digital Signature Certificate?

While applying for the certificate, the individual or company must purposely select the class. The different classes of digital signature certificates are as follows:

Class 1: This cannot be used by companies. It only verifies the name and email address of individuals.

Class 2: This is needed by companies and other entities. It can be used for filing tax returns. A Class 2 digital signature certificate verifies the identity of a person against a pre-verified, trusted database. However, from 01.01.2021, the Controller of Certifying Authorities has instructed to discontinue Class 2 Certificates and Class 3 Certificates will be issued in place of Class 2 Certificates.

Class 3: This is needed for individuals or entities who must sign online forms on government portals, such as company registration form, EPF registration form, etc., or who would like to participate in online auctions or tenders. It is the highest and most secure form of a digital signature certificate.