How to get Digital Signature Certificate

A DSC is the digital equivalent of a physical or paper certificate. It can be presented electronically to prove one’s identity, access information or services on the Internet, or sign certain documents digitally. A DSC may be required for e-filing of income tax return, GST-related filing, government online tendering, etc.

A licensed Certifying Authority can issue a DSC. The list of licensed authorities is available on the MCA portal and can be accessed at https://www.mca.gov.in/MinistryV2/certifyingauthorities.html.

The different types of Digital Signature Certificates are: Class 2: Here, the identity of a person is verified against a trusted, pre-verified database. Class 3: This is the highest level where the person needs to present himself or herself in front of a Registration Authority (RA) and prove his/her identity.

The cost of obtaining a digital signature certificate varies as there are many entities issuing DSCs and their charges may differ.

One can obtain a DSC by filling up a form and submitting self-attested identification and address proofs. One can also opt for Aadhaar and PAN-based online application. After payment of the prescribed fee, the applicant needs to complete an e-KYC by submitting a recorded video to the certifying authority. A DSC is issued electronically while an encrypted pen drive is also sent to the applicant.

Nowadays, DSC 2 is not issued and/or renewed, while DSC 3, which is a highly secure signature, is issued to applicants. Digital signatures are legally admissible in a court of law, as provided under the provisions of the IT Act, 2000.(Content courtesy CIEL, ET Contributors)