Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): Types, Uses & Application Guide

Digital Signature Certificate is a secure digital key (USB e-Token) that is issued by the certifying authorities to validate and verify the identity of the person or entity holding this certificate. It uses public-key encryptions to create the signatures and contains the signature in digital format.

A digital signature certificate (DSC) contains information about the user’s name, pin code, country, email address, date of issuance of the certificate, and name of the certifying authority, and it can also be used along with the common seal for company documents.

A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is an electronic form of a physical signature, serving as proof of identity for individuals and organizations in digital communications. It ensures the authenticity, integrity, and non-repudiation of electronic documents and transactions.

Key Applications of Digital Signature Certificates:

• Company Incorporation: Mandatory for registering Public Limited Companies, Private Limited Companies, and One Person Companies.
• Director Identification Number (DIN): Required when applying for a DIN
• Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) Compliance: Obligatory for filing reports, applications, and forms electronically. For businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹60 Lakhs, DSC is mandatory for verifying returns.
• Income Tax Filing: Compulsory for individuals and entities with audited accounts to file returns using a DSC.
• GST Registration and Return Filing: Essential for business entities (excluding Sole Proprietorships) to register and verify GST returns online.
• Import Export Code (IEC)(IEC): Mandatory for obtaining an IEC.
• Intellectual Property Rights: Required for filing applications related to trademarks, patents, and other IP rights.
• Employee Provident Fund (EPF): Registered employers can use Class 3 DSC for submitting EPF Transfer Claim forms online.

Who requires a Digital Signature Certificate?

The MCA mandates DSCs for the following individuals:

• Directors
• Auditors
• Company Secretaries
• CEOs and CFOs
• Bank Officials
• Other Authorized Signatories

1. Aadhar Card: A copy of your Aadhar Card is needed as proof of identity and address. It establishes your identity and verifies your residential address.
2. PAN Card: A copy of your PAN (Permanent Account Number) Card is required for identity verification purposes. It ensures that the DSC application is associated with your tax-related information.
3. Passport Size Photo: You must provide a recent passport-sized photograph, which will be affixed to your DSC application form. The photo should be clear and meet the specified requirements.
4. Email Address: You need to provide a valid email address. This email address will be associated with your DSC and used for communication and delivery of the digital certificate.
5. Mobile Number: You are required to provide a valid mobile number. This number will be used for verification purposes and receiving any important notifications or OTPs (One-Time Passwords).