DSC-Digital Signature

Digital Signature Certificate

Apply for your Digital Signature Certificate online in minutes!

In modern DIGITAL WORLD, securing online transactions and verifying your identity is critical for compliance and trust. A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) acts as your digital identity, allowing you to sign documents electronically, ensure data integrity, and authenticate your credentials across various government and business platforms. Whether you're filing income tax returns, registering on the MCA portal, applying for GST, participating in e-Tendering, or accessing ICEGATE, a DSC is essential for safe and seamless digital communication.

At FRAS International LLP, we make it easy to obtain your DSC online. Our government-approved DSC solutions are fully compliant with all major Indian portals, including MCA, GST, Income Tax, ICEGATE, GEM, and more. Backed by expert support, secure token delivery, FRAS International LLP is your trusted partner for fast, reliable, and legally valid digital signature certificates.

Get your Digital Signature Certificate easily and securely with FRAS International LLP!

Our experts will guide you at every step to ensure a smooth, hassle-free experience.

What is Digital Signature Certificate?

A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is a secure digital key issued by a Certifying Authority (CA) to verify and authenticate the identity of an individual or organisation. It uses public key encryption to create a unique digital signature for electronically signing documents.

Advantages of a Digital Signature Certificate

Digital Signature Certificates offer multiple benefits that enhance the security, efficiency, and credibility of online transactions.
Authentication
A DSC helps verify the identity of the certificate holder, ensuring that the personal and organizational details used in online transactions are genuine.
Reduced Cost and Time

Digital signatures eliminate the need for printing, scanning, and physically signing documents. Files can be signed and sent electronically in seconds, saving both time and operational costs. Moreover, DSC holders do not need to be physically present to authorise or approve transactions.

Data Integrity
Document Authenticity
Importance of DSC for Fulfilling Statutory Compliances
Income Tax Filing:
Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Import and Export (DGFT):
Employees’ Provident Fund (EPFO)
E-Tendering and E-Procurement

Certifying Authorities for Issuance of a Digital Signature Certificate

The Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA),
Operating under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY),
Government of India, is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the issuance and management of Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs) in India.

To facilitate this, the CCA has licensed multiple Certifying Authorities (CAs) to issue DSCs to individuals, businesses, and government entities. Currently, 15 authorised Certifying Authorities are recognised for this purpose.

These CAs are entrusted with the task of verifying applicant identity and issuing DSCs in compliance with the guidelines laid down under the Information Technology Act, 2000.

A list of licensed Certifying Authorities, along with their official websites, is given here.

Types of Digital Signature Certificate

Digital Signature Certificates are categorized based on their functionality. Depending on the purpose, users can opt for one of the following types:

Sign DSC: A Sign DSC is used solely for digitally signing documents. It verifies the identity of the signer and ensures that the signed content remains unchanged and authentic. This type of DSC is commonly used for tasks such as filing Income Tax Returns (ITR), submitting GST returns, filing forms with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), and signing PDF documents, contracts, and other online files. It is ideal when the primary requirement is to assure the recipient of the document's legitimacy and the signer’s identity.
Encrypt DSC : An Encrypt DSC is designed for the encryption of sensitive data, protecting it from unauthorized access. It transforms readable data into an unreadable format, accessible only by the intended recipient with the correct decryption key. This type is especially useful for uploading documents on e-tender portals, securing e-commerce transactions, sharing legal documents, and sending confidential business or personal information. Encrypt DSCs are critical for individuals or organizations that prioritize data confidentiality in digital communication.
Sign & Encrypt DSC : The Sign & Encrypt DSC combines the functionalities of both signing and encryption, offering complete digital security. It ensures not only the authenticity and integrity of the data but also maintains confidentiality throughout the transaction. This DSC certificate is widely used for filing government forms and applications, exchanging sensitive business data, and submitting legal or regulatory documents. It is best suited for users who need a comprehensive solution to both verify their identity and protect their data during electronic exchanges.

Classes of Digital Signature Certificates

The type of applicant and the intended purpose determine the class of Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) one should apply for. Certifying Authorities in India issue three classes of DSCs.

Class 1 Digital Signature Certificates : Class 1 Certificates are issued to individuals or private subscribers and are used to confirm the user’s name and email address as listed in the database of the Certifying Authority. These certificates are generally used for securing basic personal communications and do not hold legal validity for signing official documents.
Class 2 Digital Signature Certificates : Class 2 Certificates were earlier issued to individuals and authorised signatories for e-filing forms on various government portals such as the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), Income Tax Department, and GST portal. However, as of January 1, 2021, the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) has discontinued the issuance of Class 2 Certificates. All functions previously served by Class 2 Certificates must now be fulfilled using Class 3 Certificates.
Class 3 Digital Signature Certificates :Class 3 Certificates are currently the highest level of DSCs in use and offer the highest degree of security. These are used for online participation in e-auctions and e-tendering processes across India. Vendors and individuals participating in such online processes are required to obtain a Class 3 DSC.

Following the discontinuation of Class 3 certificates, anyone filing forms with the Registrar of Companies (ROC), submitting income tax returns, customs filings, GST applications, patent and trademark applications, or other official documents online is now required to use a Class 3 DSC Certificate.

Digital Signature Certificate Validity

The validity of a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) online ranges from 1 to 3 years, as specified by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA). When purchasing a DSC, you can choose a validity period that suits your needs, with a minimum of one year and a maximum of three years.