DSC Registration Online
Get Your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) Online – Now at ₹2,350 (16% OFF) 2800RS
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is the electronic equivalent of a handwritten signature, used to sign documents and conduct transactions online. Issued by licensed certifying authorities, a DSC ensures data integrity and verifies that a document has not been altered after being signed.
In India, DSCs are widely used for filing income tax returns, registering companies, submitting tenders, and accessing various secure digital services. They not only provide secure online authentication but also streamline digital paperwork by eliminating the need for physical signatures.
Typically stored in a secure USB token, DSCs are legally recognized under the Information Technology Act, 2000.
👉 Need a Digital Signature for Your Online Filings? Talk to an Expert Before You Apply. Book a CS Consultation.
Why Choose DigiLawyer for Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) Registration?
Need a Digital Signature Certificate for online filings, company registration, or secure transactions? Here's how DigiLawyer makes it simple:
How DigiLawyer Can Help With Your DSC Needs?
At DigiLawyer, we make obtaining your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) fast, secure, and hassle-free. Here's how we can help:
Online Filing: Online application and form filling - we do it for you. And submission to a government-approved Certifying Authority (eMudhra, Capricorn, NSDL, or equivalent)
Verification: Aadhaar eKYC or video-based identity verification -- no office visits
USB Token Delivery: USB token sourced and delivered to your door with tracking
Registration on Portal: DSC registration on MCA and Income Tax e-filing portal portal on your behalf.
Expert Assistance: Support from our CS and CA team throughout
Renewal Assistance: Renewal reminders before your DSC expires
👉 Get Your DSC Done in 3-7 Days - Fill the Form or WhatsApp Us
1,00,000+ businesses and professionals have trusted DigiLawyer
Types of DSC DigiLawyer Provides in India
DigiLawyer offers all major DSC types here’s a comparison to help you understand which one works, which one is outdated, and which one you should actually get.
Class | What It Is For | Accepted On | Our Verdict |
Class 1 | Basic email authentication. Rarely used anymore. | Almost nowhere that matters | Skip it |
Class 2 | GST and ITR filings for individuals | Being phased out by government guidelines | Being replaced |
Class 3 (Recommended) | Company filing, GST, ITR, e-tendering, trademark, startup registration, legal contracts | MCA, Income Tax, GST portal, EPFO, IP India, GeM, all e-procurement portals | Get this one |
🔐 Order Your Class 3 DSC from DigiLawyer Today and Use It for MCA, GST, Income Tax, Tenders, and Legal Filings.
Class 1 Vs Class 2 Vs Class 3 DSC
Digital Signatures are categorized based on the level of security they provide and the type of verification required. The following table outlines the main types of DSCs, along with their purposes, verification levels, validity, and estimated cost:
Aspect | Class 1 DSC | Class 2 DSC | Class 3 DSC |
Use Case | High-security needs such as e-tendering, patent/trademark filings, online auctions, Startup India registration, and legal contracts. | Filing income tax returns, GST returns, MCA forms, and other medium-security applications. | High-security needs such as e-tendering, patent/trademark filings, online auctions, Startup India registration, and legal contracts. |
Security Level | Basic; verifies the email address and username. | Identity verified through trusted databases (e.g., PAN, Aadhaar). | Involves physical or video verification of the applicant. |
Suitability | Personal and non-critical communication tasks. | Suitable for individual professionals, businesses, and regulatory compliance. | Mandatory for organizations and individuals involved in high-trust transactions. |
Note | Not suitable for legal, financial, or high-security online transactions. | As per recent guidelines by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA), Class 2 DSCs are being phased out and replaced by Class 3 for higher security standards. | - |
- Mandatory Use: Class 3 DSC is now required for most secure government portals including eProcurement, Startup India, and IP India.
- Secure Storage: DSCs are usually stored in USB tokens (costs ₹500–₹800 extra) to ensure safe and tamper-proof usage.
- Top Certifying Authorities: Trusted providers include eMudhra, Capricorn, Sify, nCode, etc.
Cost to Apply for a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) in India
The DSC registration fees depend on validity period and whether you need a USB token. The DSC token price is a separate line item from the certificate fee. Here is what DigiLawyer charges:
What You Are Paying For | 1 Year | 2 Years | 3 Years (Most popular) |
Class 3 DSC - Individual (Sign Only) | Rs. 1650 | Rs. 1999 | Rs. 2599 |
Class 3 DSC - Organization (Sign + Encrypt) | Rs. 1999 | Rs. 2500 | Rs. 2999 |
USB Token (secure device to store your DSC) | Rs. 599 | Rs. 599 | Rs. 599 |
DSC Registration on MCA + Income Tax Portal | Included | Included | Included |
👉 No Hidden Charges. The Price Includes DigiLawyer's Expert Handling, CA Fees, Identity Verification, and Portal Registration on MCA and Income Tax. The USB Token Is the Only Add-On.
How Does the DSC Application Process Work at DigiLawyer?
The entire DSC online application takes about 30 minutes of your time. Everything after that is handled by DigiLawyer:
What Happens | Time Required | |
1 | Fill a short form or WhatsApp us with your name, PAN, Aadhaar, email, and phone | 5 minutes |
2 | Choose DSC type: Individual or Organization, Sign Only or Sign + Encrypt | 2 minutes |
3 | Complete Aadhaar OTP eKYC - no document uploads needed in most cases | 10 minutes |
4 | DigiLawyer submits your application to the Certifying Authority | Same day |
5 | CA verifies and issues the certificate | Same day |
6 | DigiLawyer registers your DSC on MCA and Income Tax portal | Within 1 working day of issuance |
7 | Your USB token is shipped to your address with tracking | 1-2 additional working days |
👉 Get Your USB Token Delivered to Your Doorstep in Just 1 to 3 Working Days From the Time You Apply
Documents Required to Apply for DSC Registration (for Indian Citizen)
The documents required for DSC registration are minimal if you use Aadhaar eKYC. Here is what to keep ready:
For Individuals
For Organization
- Aadhaar or PAN
- Mobile number (Aadhar linked)
- Passport-sized photo
- Identity Proof – Anyone from Aadhaar (eKYC Service), Passport, PAN Card, Driving License, or Government-issued photo ID with Name & Address
- Address proof – Anyone from Aadhaar (eKYC Service), Telephone/Electricity/Water/Gas Bill, Bank Statement (signed), Service Tax/VAT Registration, or Government-issued photo ID
- Authorization Letter
- Identity and Address proof of Authorized Signatory
- Organizational proof – Below documents vary based on the type of organization.
- Copy of PAN Card
- Recent Bank Statement or Bank Certificate
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Business Registration Certificate
- Partnership Deed or Authorization Letter
- Proof of Authorized Signatory
- ID Proof of Authorized Signatory
- Copy of Applicant’s PAN Card
Certified Authorities for Digital Signatures
As per Section 35 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) are issued by Certified Authorities (CA’s) to ensure secure online transactions. Below is a list of recognized issuers in India.
Safescrypt | JPSL |
Indian Air Force | SignX |
IDRBT | ProDigiSign |
CSC | Indian Navy |
(n)Code Solutions | xtra Trust |
RISL (RajComp) | Vsign (Verasys) |
e-Mudhra | Panta Sign |
Indian Army | Protean (NSDL e-Gov) |
CDAC | CDSL Ventures |
IDSign | Capricorn |
Care 4 Sign | IGCAR |
Speed Sign | - |
Parties Involved in Digital Signature Certificates
The main parties involved in a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) include:
- Applicant- This is the individual or organization that applies for the DSC. They request the certificate to digitally sign documents and ensure their authenticity.
- Certifying Authority (CA)- A trusted organization responsible for issuing the DSC. The CA verifies the identity of the applicant before issuing the certificate, ensuring the legitimacy of the digital signature.
- Subscriber – The individual or organization who owns and uses the DSC. They use it to digitally sign documents, emails, and other online transactions.
Purpose of DSC in Digital Transactions
- Authentication: A DSC verifies the identity of the sender of the digital document, ensuring that the individual or entity behind the document is authentic.
- Integrity: It guarantees that the document has not been altered during transfer. Any modification of the signed document would make the digital signature invalid.
- Non-repudiation: A DSC provides proof of the origin of the digital document. Once a document is signed, the signer cannot deny having signed it, preventing any future disputes.
- Confidentiality: When used in encryption, DSC ensures that only the intended recipient can decrypt and read the message or document.
- Legal Validity: In many countries, a DSCs hold the same legal validity as a handwritten signature for electronic transactions, ensuring the document is legally binding and enforceable.
Where Is a Digital Signature Certificate Used in India?
A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is essential for secure, authenticated, and legally valid digital transactions. Key use cases include:
- Income Tax e-filing - mandatory for companies and individuals whose accounts are audited under Section 44AB
- MCA and ROC filings - company incorporation, director KYC, annual compliance
- GST registration and returns - required for signing forms on the GST portal
- E-tendering and GeM - essential for submitting bids in government procurement
- Trademark and patent applications on IP India
- EPFO - EPF and ESI submissions
- Import Export Code (IEC) applications and customs filings
- Startup India registration
- Signing PDFs, contracts, and legal agreements digitally
Who Needs to Apply for a DSC in India?
If any of these apply to you, you need one:
- Company directors and founders -- mandatory for company incorporation and ROC compliance on MCA
- Chartered Accountants -- for e-filing income tax returns and audit reports on behalf of clients
- Business owners -- for GST registration and return filings that require a digital signature
- Government contractors -- required to submit bids on GeM, CPPP, or any e-tendering portal
- Startup founders -- for Startup India registration, trademark and patent filings on IP India
- Individual taxpayers -- mandatory for e-filing if accounts are audited under Section 44AB
- Importers and exporters -- for IEC applications and customs filings
- Legal professionals -- for digital court filings and contract signing
Digital Signature vs Digital Certificate: What Is the Difference?
People mix these up. They are different things.
Digital Signature | Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) | |
What it is? | The electronic signature applied to a document | The credential that proves your identity and lets you create the signature |
Accepted on | You do not buy it - you generate one each time using your DSC | You buy the DSC. The signature is produced using it. |
Who needs it? | Anyone filing on a government portal | Internal document signing where portals are not involved |
If You Are Dealing With Any Government Portal In India, You Need A DSC. Esign Will Not Work.
Benefits of Digital Signature Certificate
- Time Efficiency: DSCs enable paperless transactions, saving time by eliminating the need for printing, signing, and scanning documents. This significantly speeds up processes such as tax filing, contract execution, and government applications
- Cost Savings: By reducing paper, printing, and mailing costs, DSCs help save money. Digital documents also minimize risks of loss or damage, lowering expenses related to handling physical documents.
- Convenience: DSCs allow documents to be signed and submitted online from anywhere, at any time, providing greater convenience, especially in remote or time-sensitive situations.
- Transparency and Trust: DSCs enhance transparency in digital transactions by clearly verifying the document's origin and integrity, fostering trust among parties in legal, business, or government dealings.
- Compliance with Regulatory Requirements: DSCs are often required for compliance with regulations such as e-filing, digital contracts, and other electronic business practices (e.g., tax filings, company registrations).
- Protection Against Fraud: DSCs help protect against fraud by confirming the signer's identity and ensuring data integrity, reducing risks like identity theft, unauthorized transactions, and document forgery.
Do's & Don'ts
Do's
Don'ts
- Choose a Trusted CA: Apply through a recognized Certifying Authority accredited by the government.
- Verify Your Identity: Submit accurate proof of identity and address for verification.
- Ensure Correct Details: Double-check all details in your application to match official documents.
- Keep Your Private Key Safe: Store your private key in a secure device like a USB token or smart card.
- Choose the Right DSC Class: Select the appropriate DSC class based on your needs (Class 1, 2, or 3).
- Keep Backup Copies: Backup your DSC securely in encrypted storage for recovery.
- Renew on Time: Ensure you renew your DSC before it expires to avoid service disruption.
- Read Terms and Conditions: Understand the legal responsibilities and terms associated with your DSC.
- Don’t Share Your Private Key: Never share your private key with anyone under any circumstances.
- Don’t Provide Incorrect Information: Ensure your application details are accurate to avoid rejection.
- Don’t Use Insecure Storage: Avoid storing your private key on unsecured devices or cloud services.
- Don’t Ignore Expiry Dates: Renew your DSC well before it expires to prevent interruption.
- Don’t Share Passwords: Keep your DSC passwords private and never share them.
- Don’t Use Untrusted Sources: Apply only with certified and authorized Certifying Authorities.
- Don’t Misuse DSC: Avoid using your DSC for illegal or unauthorized activities.
- Don’t Neglect Security: Regularly update security software and avoid phishing or malware risks.
Manage and Maintain Your DSC
Track DSC Application
Renew DSC
Lost/Stolen DSC
Suspend/Revoke DSC
How to Track the DSC Application Status?
To track the status of your DSC application, follow these steps:
- Visit the CA Website: Go to the Certifying Authority's (CA) website where you applied for the DSC.
- Log In to Your Account: Use your credentials to log in to your account.
- Navigate to Application Status: Look for the "Track Application" or "Status" section on the website.
- Enter Required Details: Enter your application number or reference number (provided during the application process).
- Check Status: The website will display the current status of your DSC application (e.g., under processing, issued, pending verification).
Process of Renewing the DSC
- Check DSC Expiry Date: Verify that your DSC is nearing its expiration (usually 1-2 years of validity).
- Visit the Certifying Authority (CA) Website: Go to the website of the Certifying Authority (CA) that issued your DSC (e.g., e-Mudhra, NCode, SafeScrypt, etc.).
- Log In to Your Account (If required): If you have an account with the CA, log in. If not, create a new account on the CA's portal.
- Click on "Renew Certificate": After logging in, navigate to the renewal section and click on “Renew Certificate”.
- Select User Type: Choose the appropriate user type (Individual, organization)
- Select Certificate Type: Choose the certificate type (signature, encryption, both) based on your need
- Choose Validity Period: Select the validity period for your DSC (1 year, 2 years, 3 years, etc.).
- Click on “Buy Certificate: Once the details are filled, click on “Buy Certificate” to proceed with the renewal purchase.
- Verify Your Identity: Complete the online verification with documents (e.g., PAN, Aadhaar) or digital methods.
- Download Your Renewed DSC: After verification and payment, the CA will issue, and you can download your renewed DSC.
What to Do if Your Digital Signature is Lost or Stolen?
- Notify the Certifying Authority (CA): It is important to inform the Certifying Authority (CA) immediately to ensure that your DSC is cancelled and to prevent any unauthorized use.
- Request DSC Revocation: The CA will cancel the DSC, ensuring it is no longer valid and cannot be used for signing documents or accessing secure information.
- Apply for a New DSC: After cancellation, you can apply for a new DSC. The CA may require re-verification of your identity, typically through official documents like PAN, Aadhaar, etc.
- Update Signature Records: Once you receive the new DSC, you’ll need to update it on any platforms or services where the old DSC was being used.
- Secure Your DSC Going Forward: Storing your DSC and USB token securely and using a strong PIN is essential to prevent future losses or unauthorized access.
- Monitor for Unusual Activity: It's important to monitor accounts where your DSC was used to catch any suspicious or fraudulent activity early.
- File a Police Report (if necessary): If you suspect your DSC was stolen and could be used for illegal activities, filing a police report is a prudent step, especially for legal protection and any potential fraud cases.
- Change Related Passwords: Changing the passwords associated with your DSC is a good security measure to ensure unauthorized access is prevented.
- Inform Relevant Organizations: If you use your DSC for business or government-related services, it’s crucial to inform the respective organizations to prevent any misuse.
When Can the Applicant Suspend or Revoke a DSC?
Suspension of DSC (Section 37)
An applicant (subscriber) can request the suspension of their Digital Signature Certificate under the following conditions:
- If they no longer wish to use the DSC temporarily.
- If there is a security concern or misuse of the DSC.
- If they have been authorized to act on behalf of another person or organization and need to suspend the DSC.
Revocation/Cancellation of DSC (Section 38)
An applicant (subscriber) can request the cancellation of their Digital Signature Certificate in these cases:
- If they no longer need the DSC, or if they want to permanently stop using it.
- In case of loss of the private key or if the key has been compromised.
- If the subscriber passes away or the organization (like a company or firm) dissolves.
- If the information in the DSC is found to be incorrect or misleading.
FAQs Related to DSC
The cost of Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) registration depends on the type of certificate and the validity period you choose. Below is the pricing breakdown:
Class 3 DSC – Individual (Sign Only):
- 1 Year: ₹1650
- 2 Years: ₹1999
- 3 Years: ₹2599 (Most popular)
Class 3 DSC – Organization (Sign + Encrypt):
- 1 Year: ₹1999
- 2 Years: ₹2500
- 3 Years: ₹2999
USB Token (Secure device to store your DSC):
- ₹599 (same for all validity periods)
Prices may vary slightly depending on the provider or additional services included.
A Digital Signature certificate is usually valid for 1 or 3 years, depending on the option selected during application. After expiry, it needs to be renewed.
Yes, a DSC stored in a USB token can be used on any computer. However, the DSC itself cannot be copied or installed on multiple devices directly, it must be accessed through the token.
The time frame for issuing a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) typically ranges from 3 to 7 business days. However, it may take longer if additional verification or documents are required.
A Signature Certificate is used to digitally sign documents, ensuring the signer’s authenticity and that the content remains unchanged.
An Encryption Certificate is used to securely encrypt data, ensuring only the intended recipient can read it.
To create a digital signature online, select a Certifying Authority (CA), fill out the application, and submit necessary documents (e.g., PAN, Aadhaar). Complete identity verification, make the payment, and download your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) once issued.
Yes, you can hold multiple DSCs. There are no restrictions on the number of DSCs an individual or business can possess. In fact, having multiple certificates may be beneficial in certain cases, such as when you need different certificates for various purposes (e.g., personal, business, or legal).
Yes, a DSC can be used across multiple businesses if you are the authorized signatory for each. However, for organization-level encryption or signing, a separate organizational DSC may be required.
You can apply for a DSC through licensed Certifying Authorities (CAs) like eMudhra, Capricorn, or Sify. The process typically involves—or you can let the DigiLawyer team handle it for you:
- Choosing the type of DSC (Class 2 or Class 3).
- Submitting identity and address proof documents.
- Undergoing Aadhaar-based eKYC or in-person verification.
- Receiving the DSC on a USB token.
While it is common for Chartered Accountants (CAs) to hold DSCs on behalf of clients, it is essential to ensure its security:
- Regularly monitor your account activities.
- Change passwords associated with the DSC.
- If concerned, request the return of the DSC token or revoke its usage through the Certifying Authority.
Many frauds related to NCLT involve sharing DSCs; therefore, never share your DSC with anyone except yourself.
If you lose your DSC token or suspect misuse:
- Immediately inform your Certifying Authority to block the DSC.
- File a complaint with the relevant authorities if necessary.
- Obtain a new DSC if required.
Yes, with Aadhaar-based eKYC, you can apply for a DSC online without being physically present in India. The process involves secure video verification and submission of necessary documents. The DigiLawyer team can assist you throughout this entire process, with expert professionals managing everything for you.
Yes, NRIs can use a DSC for e-filing income tax returns in India. However, in many cases, using Aadhaar OTP or net banking may be sufficient for verification. DSCs are often used for compliance and convenience. The DigiLawyer team has expert income tax professionals who can help you with the entire process
Disclaimer: DigiLawyer is not a law firm, a substitute for a lawyer or law firm, a chartered accountancy firm, or a company secretary firm. We act solely as an intermediary between users and registered professionals, and also offer AI-powered legal assistance, consultation, and document drafting tools to improve access to legal support. Use of our website, services, or AI tools is at the sole risk of the user and does not create any lawyer-client or professional relationship. All consultations and interactions facilitated through our platform are strictly between the user and independent professionals. DigiLawyer is not liable for any actions, decisions, or outcomes arising from the use of our platform, AI tools, or reliance on any advice, consultation, or content provided by us or third-party professionals.
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