Company Directors
Mandatory for SPICe+, AOC-4, MGT-7, DIR-3 KYC and all MCA e-forms.
DIGITAL SIGNATURE CERTIFICATE
Digital Signature Certificate Registration
Legally valid electronic signature under the IT Act, 2000. Required for MCA filings, company registration, ROC compliance, Income Tax, GST, e-tendering and DGFT. Issued by CCA-licensed Certifying Authorities. USB token included. 1–3 year validity. Same-day processing for Indian applicants.
DedicatedExpert Assistance
Class 3Current Standard
Same DayFor Indian Applicants
MCA · GST · ITR · DGFT · E-TENDERING
Get Expert Consultation
Fill out the form to consult our specialists for Class 3 DSC with USB token and portal registration support.
Thanks! Your consultation request has been received. Our expert will contact you shortly.
SAMPLE
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) Certificate
Government Authority / MCA — sample official certificate
Illustrative sample. Your official certificate is issued after approval.
01
IT Act 2000
Digital signatures have the same legal standing as handwritten signatures
02
CCA Licensed
Issued only by Certifying Authorities licensed by the Controller of Certifying Authorities
03
USB Token
Private key stored on hardware token — not copyable; PIN protected
04
Multi-Portal
Works on MCA, GST, Income Tax, DGFT, e-tendering after registration on each portal
OVERVIEW
What is a Digital Signature Certificate?
A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is an electronic credential issued by a government-licensed Certifying Authority that authenticates the holder’s identity and enables secure digital signing of electronic documents. Under Section 3 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, digital signatures are legally recognised as equivalent to handwritten signatures.
DSC uses Public Key Infrastructure (PKI): a private key (stored on a USB crypto token) and a public key. Signing with the private key creates a unique signature that can be verified with the public key, ensuring authenticity and integrity. The Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) licenses CAs such as eMudhra, Sify, NSDL and others to issue DSCs after identity verification (typically video KYC).
Law
IT Act, 2000 · CCA
Current Class
Class 3 (Class 2 merged)
Storage
USB crypto token
Validity
1–3 years (typically 2)
TYPES
DSC Classes & Use Cases
| Type | Primary Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Class 3 (Signing) | MCA/ROC, ITR, GST, company filings | Standard for directors and compliance |
| Class 3 (Sign + Encrypt) | DGFT, e-tendering, high-security portals | Required for DGFT and many e-procurement portals |
| DGFT DSC | IEC, export incentives, DGFT portal | Class 3 with sign + encrypt for DGFT |
| Document Signer | Bulk organisational signing | Server-based; organisation verification |
Since 2021, new DSCs are Class 3 only. Class 2 was merged into Class 3. Old Class 2 certificates remain valid until expiry but renew as Class 3.
WHO NEEDS IT
Who Needs a DSC
LLP Partners
Required for FiLLiP, Form 8, Form 11 and ROC compliance for LLPs.
Tax & Compliance Pros
Income Tax e-filing, GST returns and registrations where DSC is mandated.
Exporters & Tenderers
DGFT portal, IEC and government e-tendering (GeM, CPPP, etc.).
DOCUMENTS
What You Typically Need
1. PAN
PAN card of the individual applicant (mandatory for Indian nationals).
2. Aadhaar
Aadhaar for address verification and video KYC (webcam required).
3. Photograph
Passport-size photograph of the applicant.
4. Contact Details
Active email and mobile number for OTP and verification.
5. Organisation (if any)
Authorisation letter and entity proof when DSC is for company/firm use.
6. Foreign Nationals
Passport and attested/apostilled address proof from home country.
PROCESS
How DSC is Obtained
1. Choose Type & Validity
Class 3 signing only or sign + encrypt; 1 or 2 years (2 years often more cost-effective).
2. Submit Documents
PAN, Aadhaar, photo and contact details to the Certifying Authority channel.
3. Video KYC
Complete identity verification via video call (webcam and microphone required).
4. Issuance & Token
Certificate generated and loaded on USB token; shipped or collected as arranged.
5. Install & Register
Install token drivers and register DSC on MCA, GST, IT or DGFT portals as needed.
WHY CHOOSE US
Why Corporate Mart for DSC?
Right Spec
Class 3 signing or sign + encrypt matched to MCA, GST, DGFT or e-tendering needs.
Same-Day Option
Video KYC and fast processing so directors and professionals can file without delay.
Token + Install
USB token included with installation support so the DSC is ready to use on portals.
Portal Registration
Guidance to register the same DSC on MCA, GST, Income Tax and DGFT where required.
Choose Type → Docs → Video KYC → Token → Portal Ready
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An electronic credential issued by a CCA-licensed Certifying Authority that enables you to digitally sign documents. It is legally equivalent to a handwritten signature under the IT Act, 2000. The private key is stored on a USB token.
No. Since 2021, Class 2 was merged into Class 3. All new DSCs are Class 3. Existing Class 2 certificates remain valid until expiry; renewal is as Class 3.
For MCA, GST and most Income Tax filings, Class 3 signing is sufficient. Sign + encrypt is required for DGFT and many e-tendering / e-procurement portals.
PAN, Aadhaar (for video KYC), passport-size photo, and active email and mobile. Foreign nationals need passport and attested address proof. Organisation DSC may need authorisation and entity proof.
Often same day to 1–2 working days for Indian applicants after successful video KYC. Foreign nationals may take 3–7 days. Token delivery can add 1–3 days.
Typically 1 or 2 years (3 years sometimes available). 2-year validity is often chosen for cost-effectiveness. Renew before expiry to avoid disruption of portal access.
Yes. Register the same Class 3 DSC on MCA, GST, Income Tax, DGFT, EPFO and e-tender portals. Each portal may require a one-time registration of the certificate.
Yes in many cases. The token can often be reused when you renew or get a new certificate, so you may not need to buy a new token every time.
