Digital Signature

A Digital Signature is the equivalent of a physical signature in electronic format, as it establishes the identity of the sender of an electronic document in the Internet. Digital Signatures are used in India for online transactions such as Income Tax E-Filing, Company or LLP Incorporation, Filing Annual Return, E-Tenders, etc., There are three types of Digital Signatures, Class I, Class II and Class III Digital Signature. Class I type of Digital Signatures are only used for securing email communication. Class II type of Digital Signatures are used for Company or LLP Incorporation, IT Return E-Filing, Obtaining DIN or DPIN, and filing other forms with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Income Tax Department. Class III type Digital Signatures are used mainly for E-Tendering and for participating in E-Auctions. Digital Signatures come in the form of a USB E-Token, wherein the Digital Signature Certificate is stored in a USB Drive and can be accessed through a computer to sign documents electronically.

• Class II Digital Signature

Class II Digital Signatures are used for Income Tax E-Filing, Company or LLP Incorporation, Annual Return Filing, etc., Class II Digital Signatures are required to file documents electronically with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Income Tax Department.

• E-Token

Digital Signature Certificate are stored on a secure USB flash drive called a E-Token . The Digital Signature Certificate stored in the USB flash drive must be connected to a computer to electronically sign a document.

• Class III Digital Signature

Class III Digital Signatures provide the highest level of assurance and are used for E-Auctions and E-Tendering. Government entities like the Indian Railways, Banks, etc., require Class III Digital Signatures to participate in their E-Tenders.

• Validity

Digital Signatures usually come with a validity of one or two years. The validity of the Digital Signature can be renewed once the term of the previous Digital Signature expires.

• Reduced cost and time:

Instead of signing the hard copy documents physically and scanning them to send them via e-mail, you can digitally sign the PDF files and send them much more quickly.

The Digital Signature certificate holder does not have to be physically present to conduct or authorize a business

• Data integrity:

Documents that are signed digitally cannot be altered or edited after signing, which makes the data safe and secure.

The government agencies often ask for these certificates to cross-check and verify the business transaction

• Authenticity of documents:

Digitally signed documents give confidence to the receiver to be assured of the signer’s authenticity. They can take action on the basis of such documents without getting worried about the documents being forged.

Document 1 (Proof of identity)

Self attested copy of PAN Card. Valid Active PAN with the Income tax Department.

Document 2 (Proof of residence) - Any one

Self Attested Copy of latest bill : WATER / ELECTRICITY / POWER / TELEPHONE / CREDIT CARD or VOTER'S ID CARD / DRIVING LICENSE/PASSPORT in the applicant's name for address confirmation.

STEP 1: Log on and select your type of entity

Log on to the website of a Certifying Authority licensed to issue Digital Certificates in India.

Having accessed the page, you will be guided to the Digital Certification Services’ section.

Now under the ‘Digital Certification Services’ section, click on the type of entity for which you want to obtain the DSC:’ individual or organization’, etc.

In case you are applying for an individual DSC, click on ‘individual’. A new tab containing the DSC Registration Form will appear. Download the DSC Registration Form on your PC.

STEP 2: Fill the necessary details

Once you have downloaded the form, fill in all the necessary details as required in the form:

1. Class of the DSC

2. Validity

3. Type: Only Sign or Sign & Encrypt

4. Applicant Name & Contact Details

5. Residential Address

6. GST Number & Identity Details of Proof Documents

7. Declaration

8. Document as proof of identity

9. Document as proof of address

10. Attestation Officer

11. Payment Details

On filling up all the necessary details you must affix your recent photograph and put your signature under the declaration. Check thoroughly for completion of the form. Take a print of the completed form and preserve it.

STEP 3: Proof of identity and address

The supporting document provided as proof of identity and address must be attested by an attesting officer. Ensure the sign and seal of the attesting officer is visibly clear on the supporting proof documents.

STEP 4: Payment for DSC

A demand draft or cheque must be obtained towards payment for application of DSC in the name of the Local Registration Authority where you are going to submit your application for verification.

You can find the details of the Local Registration Authority according to your city of residence by searching for a Certifying Authority licensed to issue Digital Certificates online.

STEP 5: Post the documents required

Enclose the following in an envelope.

1. DSC Registration Form duly completed

-Supporting document for Proof of Identity and proof of address attested by the attesting officer

2. Demand Draft/Cheque for payment.

Address the enclosed envelope to the Local Registration Authority (LRA) and post it to the designated address of the LRA for further processing.

On completion of the above-mentioned steps by filling in the DSC Form and providing necessary documents and payment, you have successfully completed the application process for your Digital Signature Certificate.