Your Ultimate Guide to Digital Signatures in India

Everything you need to know about DSCs, from applying to choosing the right provider.

What is a DSC and Where is it Used?

A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is the electronic equivalent of physical certificates, used to validate the identity of the signer.

GST and Tax Filings

Mandatory for companies and LLPs to file income tax returns and GST returns.

Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)

Required for various ROC e-filings, such as incorporation and annual reports.

E-Tendering & E-Procurement

Used to securely bid for government and private sector tenders online.

Top 3 Websites to Purchase Your DSC

Based on service quality, price, and customer support, we recommend these providers.

Website One (dscsignature.com)

₹1500 / 2 yrs

Best for Beginners. Offers excellent step-by-step guidance and phone support, making the process very simple.

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Website Two (esign.org.in)

₹2250 / 3 yrs

Best Value & Speed. Provides the fastest processing at a very competitive price point. Ideal for those who know the process.

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Website Three (dscexpress.com)

₹1200 / 1 yr

Best for Business Packages. Great if you need a DSC along with other services like company registration or GST filing.

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Brand Reviews: eMudhra vs. Capricorn

A quick look at the two most popular DSC brands in the market.

eMudhra

As India's largest Certifying Authority, eMudhra is the most recognized and widely accepted brand. Their processes are mature and support is generally robust.

  • Highly trusted and widely accepted.
  • Strong infrastructure and customer support.
  • Can be slightly more expensive than competitors.
Capricorn DSC

Capricorn is known for its competitive pricing and fast processing times. They have a large network of partners and focus on making the application process smooth.

  • Very competitive pricing.
  • Fast and streamlined application process.
  • Brand recognition is not as high as eMudhra.

Documents Required

Documentation requirements vary for individuals and organizations.

  • PAN Card (mandatory)
  • Aadhaar Card or other valid address proof (Voter ID, Passport, Driving License)
  • One passport-sized photograph
  • Email ID and Mobile Number for verification
  • Organization's PAN Card
  • Partnership Deed / Certificate of Incorporation / LLP Agreement
  • Copy of Bank Statement or Letter from Bank
  • Authorized Signatory's documents (PAN, Address Proof)
  • Board resolution appointing the authorized signatory

Types of Digital Signatures

DSCs are categorized into classes based on their security and verification process.

This is the most secure and widely used class of DSC. It requires both online and video verification. It has replaced Class 2 DSCs for most purposes.
Usage: E-tendering, e-procurement, GST filings, MCA filings, and all other major online transactions.

This is a special type of Class 3 DSC required for importers and exporters to digitally sign documents on the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) portal.

As per CCA guidelines, the issuance of Class 1 and Class 2 DSCs has been discontinued. All new DSCs are now Class 3, providing a higher level of trust and security.

DSC Brands & Registration Authorities

DSCs are issued by Certifying Authorities (CAs) licensed by the CCA, often through their Registration Authorities (RAs).

The Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) of India licenses a few companies to act as Certifying Authorities (CAs). These CAs issue DSCs to the public. The most prominent CAs in India include:

You typically purchase a DSC from a Registration Authority (RA), which is a partner or reseller authorized by a CA to verify applicants and process applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Have questions? We've got answers to some common queries about DSCs.

A USB Token is a hardware device that looks like a pen drive. As per CCA guidelines, a Digital Signature Certificate must be stored in a secure, FIPS 140-2 level 2 certified cryptographic token. This prevents unauthorized access, copying, or export of your private key, ensuring the highest level of security for your digital signature.

You can purchase a Digital Signature Certificate with a validity of 1, 2, or 3 years. After the validity period expires, you must renew it to continue using it. It's generally more cost-effective to buy a DSC with a longer validity period.

If you lose your USB token, you must immediately apply for a new Digital Signature Certificate. The old certificate cannot be re-issued or downloaded again for security reasons. The entire application and verification process needs to be completed again for the new DSC.

Yes. Digital signatures are legally admissible in a court of law as per the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000. They are treated as being equivalent to a physical, handwritten signature.

After successful submission of documents and completion of video verification, a Class 3 DSC can be approved and ready for download in as little as 15-30 minutes. The physical USB token is then dispatched, which can take 2-4 working days to reach you depending on your location.