DSC : Digital Signature Certificate

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Zainab Hawa

DSC
DSC Registration
DSC Utility
Last updated on April 19th, 2023

DSC stands for Digital Signature Certificate and it allows users to securely sign documents and protect themselves from fraud or identity theft. Hence, in today’s era where a lot of documentation takes place in electronic format, it is in the best interest of individuals & businesses to apply for digital signatures as it ensures a high level of security and confidentiality.

What is Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)?

Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is an electronic form of signature stored in a USB drive and helps to authenticate the identity of the sender of a message or the signer of the document. It contains information such as user name, PIN code, E-mail address, date of issuance of the certificate, etc. Moreover, it ensures:

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Types of DSC

As an applicant, before you proceed towards DSC registration, it is important to know about the types of DSCs. The purpose of obtaining the Digital Signature Certificate defines the kind of DSC one must apply for depending on the need. The Certifying Authority (CA) issues the signatures that fall into the following three categories:

On November 26, 2020, the Controller of Certifying Authority (CCA) released instructions for the CAs regarding the issuance of these certificates. The rules include a clause stating that Class 2 DSC would no longer be used as of January 1, 2021.

As a result, from 1st January 2021, class 3 certificates will be issued in place of class 2 and class 1 certificates.

The applicant can process the DSC via Aadhar or PAN based mode. You can visit the CCA website and see a list of authorised CA’s which can issue the signature.

Validity of the signature

Usually the signature is valid for 2 years. Albeit, the DSC can be renewed by submitting an application to the authority.

The DSC renewal application must be submitted 7 days before your current DSC expires..
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The DSC renewal application must be submitted 7 days before your current DSC expires..

Uses of the signature

The use of a digital signature is the same as that of a handwritten signature. However, DSC uses digital keys to authenticate a person. The use of digital signatures is increasing because unlike a handwritten signature, it is difficult to fake a digital signature.

Below are the foremost uses of DSC:

FAQs

Where can I get Digital Signature Certificate?

Legally, valid Digital Signature Certificates are issued only through a Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA). Hence, you can visit the CCA website to see the list of CA’s who can issue the signature. Alternatively, Registration Authority like Quicko can also help you with the DSC process through the Certifying Authority.

Why do I need a Digital Signature?

A Digital Signature Certificate authenticates your identity electronically. Therefore, it provides you with a high level of security for your online transactions by ensuring absolute privacy of the information exchanged using a Digital Signature Certificate. Further, you can use certificates to encrypt information such that only the intended recipient can read it. You can digitally sign information to assure the recipient that it has not been changed in transit. And also verify your identity as the sender of the message.

What are the documents required to submit a DSC application?

While applying for the signature, the basic requirements are identity proof and address proof.

Got Questions? Ask Away!

  1. Hey @HarishMehta

    Yes, DSC is issued for a limited time period, i.e. for 1 year or 2 years . After the completion of the validity of the DSC, one must obtain a renewed DSC for which an application has to be made.

    Hope this helps!

  2. Hi, in IT site says to register the Digital Signature. Is it for individuals or for CAs, or for both?
    tnks

  3. Hey @Panneer_Selvam , only individuals and entities who are required to get their accounts audited have to file their income tax return compulsorily using a digital signature. You can read more about it from the article shared below:

  4. Hi, I think I was not clear. I have a DSC token as an individual. Shall I have to register the DSC in the new income tax site?