DSC Registration
A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) aka DSC registration is a digitized version of the physical signature used to authenticate official or sensitive paperwork. DSC has extensive applicability but it is primarily used to affix signatures to official documents. Some common documents requiring DSC include registration application, annual compliance form, authentication form, Tax e-filing, etc. DSC is issued by the Certifying Authorities i.e. CA that fall under the ambit of the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA).
Documents required for Digital Signature Certificate aka DSC registration
- Aadhaar card.
- PAN card.
- Passport-sized photo.
- Address proof.
How to Secure Digital Signature Certificate aka DSC registration?
Step 1: Navigate to the CA portal
Head to the CA portal and log in if required. Once you reach the home page, explore the option called DSC Class 3 registration/application.
Step 2: Fill out the necessary information
Fill out this form with valid information, including:
- Type of DSC: Sign only or Sign & Encrypt
- Applicant’s full name and contact information
- Class of the Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
- The validity period of the certificate
- The residential address of the applicant
- GST number and details of identity proof documents
- Declaration by the applicant
- Proof of identity document
- Proof of address document
- Attesting officer details
- Payment information and details
Once you are done filing information, upload a clear photograph and add an e-sign to the declaration. Before you submit the form, take the print and preserve it.
Step 3: Proof of identity and address
An attesting officer must share the mandatory paperwork while filing the DSC application. Enclose is the attesting officer’s seal to all the documents. Notably, you do not have to comply with this requirement if CAs facilitate Aadhaar eKYC-based authentication.
Furthermore, you can get in touch with CAs with required dossiers, authenticated via self-attestation. Doing so will mitigate the requirement of attestation of paperwork by an attesting officer. Another condition that supports the facility includes providing a letter granted by the bank.
Certain CAs may seek you to share a recorded e-verification video reflecting the required dossiers to reinforce identity.
Step 4: Payment for DSC
After filling out the application form, you must proceed with a fee submission. You can do so by leveraging online payment modes, including net banking and UPI.
Step 5: Issuance of DSC
In this step, CAs shall vet submitted dossiers for accuracy and legitimacy. If the vetting pans out well, CAs will share the DSC via an encrypted pen drive.
How to fix mistakes in Digital Signature Certificates aka DSC Registration?
If your DSC reflects details that you have mistakenly added, you can fix that by following the given steps:
- Got the CA portal.
- Navigate to the option viz. ‘Change DSC details’
- Fill out the details you wish to change.
- Select the renewed/changed DSC.
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning DSC Registration
Who needs to apply for a DSC Registration?
DSC applies to a variety of managerial officials, including directors and CEO. DSC helps authenticate delicate paperwork and online forms electronically with the highest level of encryption.
What are DSC classes?
DSCs are available in three different classes, each catering to different users and requirements. These include:
Class 1: Class 1 DSC helps authenticate an individual’s name and contact details. It does not apply to companies.
Class 2:
Class 2 DSC applies to registered companies. It can help with a number of tasks, such as tax return filing, form authentication, paperwork approval, etc. Class 2 DSC is not available anymore as it has been discontinued by the CCA.
Class 3:
Class 3 DSC has become a mandate for authenticating tenders and online forms on the government web portal.
How long does it take for CCA to approve DSC’s application?
The timeline for granting a DSC varies depending on the class. However, CCA typically takes around 3-7 days to issue DSCs in India.
What is the validity of the DSC Registration?
DSC comes with a standard validity of 1-2 years depending on its class.
What about the renewal of DSC Registration?
The DSC holder must renew the DSC registration within a week before the expiration. The credential for renewing should remain unchanged or you will need to apply via fresh registration.
How many DSCs can I hold?
You can hold as many as two DSCs against a single email ID, one for official use and the other one for personal use.
Are digital signatures and a digital certificate different?
A digital signature refers to an encrypted digital key that helps with document authentication. A digital certificate, on the other hand, is granted by the CA to reinforce the holder’s identity. The main difference between the two lies in the applicability. While the former ensures an encrypted signing process, the latter binds the digital signature to the object.
Conclusion
DSC Registration or DSC plays a vital in document verification and authentication. It avoids the hassle of dealing with physical paperwork, ensuring considerable time savings for the individuals. You can connect with Adviso to get your DSC in one go regardless of the class. With our robust liaison and capable professionals, you can expect minimal turnaround time when it comes to obtaining DSC.
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