A digital signature is a type of e-signature used to verify the individuality of the person sending a message or signing a document, which guarantees that the message's or document's original content hasn't changed. Digital signatures are portable, and nobody can copy them. The sender cannot deny to communicate it later if it can be verified that the primary signed message has arrived. DSC validates online transactions, including LLP incorporation, income tax e-filing, and company incorporation. All documents published to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal require a Digital Signature Certificate stamp.
CA(Certifying Authority) has been appointed by the CCA(Controller of Certifying Authority) to issue a Digital Signature Certificate. CA's are authorized to issue Class 3 DSC.
This blog discusses in detail about digital signature registration procedure.
Requirements To Apply For Digital Signature Registration
Submitting a DSC application that the candidate has correctly filled out. Every person requesting a digital signature certificate should fill an application form for submission and personal information verification by the certifying body.
Verifying a photo ID.
Providing Address Verification documents.
Who Needs to Apply For the Digital Signature Certificate?
Government organizations have adopted digital signatures due to the e-commerce boom, and the authorized signatory must digitally sign many e-forms as a legal requirement. Therefore, both individuals and entities must acquire a digital signature certificate. A digital signature certificate confirms the owner's identity. It allows the holder to confirm his identity and functions similarly to a passport or PAN card.
What Types of Digital Signature Certificates are there?
When applying for the digital signature certificate, the person or organization must consciously select the class. Several different types of digital signature certificates are included in the list below:
Class 1: This cannot be used by businesses. Just a person's name and email address are verified under this class.
Class 2: This is necessary for organizations and businesses. A Class 2 digital signature certificate verifies a person's identity against a trustworthy database that has already been verified. It can be used for filing tax returns.
As of 1 january 2021, Class 2 Certificates are no longer valid, and Class 3 Certificates have taken their place as per directives from the Controller of the Certifying Authority.
Class 3: This is required to participate in online auctions or tenders. This form of certificate for a digital signature is the best and most secure. To receive this, the petitioner must go before a registration authority.
What is the Duration for which a Digital Signature Certificate is Valid?
You can purchase digital signature certificates with a 1, 2, or 3-year validity. (The regulatory body, i.e., The Controller of Certifying Authority CCA, is responsible for regulating this validity. A DSC will be valid for more than a year or less than three years.)
What is The Process of applying for Digital Signature Registration?
The following steps must be finished to apply for the digital signature registration process, and it needs to be handled with the required care and dedication. These are those things:
Step 1: Sign In and Choose The Entity Type:
Visit the website of the Indian Certifying Authority to obtain digital signature certificates, which maintain a license to do so. You will then reach the site where you can obtain digital certification services.
Select the type of entity, such as an individual or a company, for whom you want to submit a DSC application under the "Digital Certification Services" section.
If you submitted an individual DSC application, select "individual." On the newly opened tab, there will be a DSC Registration Form.
Step 2: Complete All The Necessary Information
After downloading the form, fill it out completely with the required details as listed there:
DSC Validity Class Type: Sign and Encrypt or only.
Name and contact details of the applicant
Residence Address
Specifications of the Proof Documents, including Identifier and GST Number
Identity proof with a declaration document
A document providing your address proof
Information regarding the Attestation Officer's Payment
You must sign the statement and include a recent photo after providing all the necessary information. Review the completed form in detail. Print the completed form.
Step 3: Your Identity and Address Proof
The accompanying papers must include an attesting officer's signature in order to function as identification and address documentation. You must ensure that the attesting officer's signature and seal are present and legibly apparent on all documents used as supporting evidence.
Step 4: DSC Remuneration
When submitting your application for verification, you can pay for your DSC application in the name of the local registration authority by demand draft or cheque. You can learn very much about the Local Registration Authority in your area by searching online for the Certifying Authority that is permitted to issue Digital Certificates.
Step 5: Submit all the Required Documents
Put the following list of documents in an envelope for digital signature registration:
DSC Registration Form completed
All supporting documentation for Proof of Identity and Address must be certified by an attestation officer.
Demand draft or check-based payment. For further processing, send the enclosed envelope to the Local Registration Authority (LRA) at the provided address.
By filling out the Digital Signature Certificate Form, submitting the required paperwork, and making the payments, you have successfully ended the application procedure for a digital signature registration.
