As it validates the identity of the sender of an electronic document on the Internet, a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is the electronic equivalent of a physical signature. The authorized person must apply for DSC after incorporation to file returns and verify papers. Additionally, the DSC must be submitted to file necessary government forms like the GST, income tax, etc.
The digital signature certificate is saved on a USB E-Token that can be accessed from a computer or laptop to sign documents online. Class First, Class Second, and Class Third Digital Signatures are the three different categories of digital signatures.
This blog discusses the definition of a digital signature certificate and the digital signature certificate registration procedure.
What is a Digital Signature Certificate?
The Digital Signature Certificate is a secured digital key that includes information about the person holding it, including name, country, pin code, email address, and the name of the authority that issued the DSC. DSC decreases fraud's cost, time, and breadth when e-filing or making other statutory filings.
DSC upholds the integrity of the Data and verifies the identity of the signer of the document. The consumers are confident that the documents they receive are authorized, and the potential for forgery is diminished even though the Authorized Signatory's actual presence is not necessary.
How to Obtain a DSC?
You can obtain DSC online by contacting the Certifying Authority or third-party service providers. It is necessary to submit both the original documents and their self-attested duplicates. The eKYC authentication procedure also applies to the DSC applicant. The authorities will also accept an applicant's certified document, which has been issued by the bank authorities and contains the applicant's database. Within 3 to 7 working days, DSC typically gets issued.
What types of digital signature certificates are there?
The person or business must deliberately select the class when applying for the certificate. The following list includes several types of digital signature certificates:
Class 1: Companies are not permitted to use this. It merely simply a person's name and email address.
Class 2: Businesses and other organizations require this. A Class 2 digital signature certificate reviews a person's identity against a previously confirmed, reliable database. You can utilize it to file tax returns.
Class 3: Certificates are no longer in existence as of January 1, 2021, and Class 3 Certificates have taken the place of Class 2 certificates under instructions from the Controller of the Certifying Authority.
Class 4: Participants in online auctions or tenders must have this to participate. It is the highest and safest type of certificate for a digital signature. The applicant must appear before a registration authority to receive this.
The process to Apply for DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) Registration?
The following stages must be completed for the digital signature certificate process to be met with the necessary care and devotion. The following are those:-
Step 1: Sign in and choose the type of entity.
Access the website of the Indian Certifying Authority, which holds a license to issue digital certificates. Then, you will be sent to the section for digital certification services.
Click on the sort of entity you want to apply for DSC under the "Digital Certification Services" section, such as an individual or an organization.
Click on "individual" if you applied for an individual DSC. A DSC Registration Form will be available on a new tab that will open. Get the DSC Registration Form here.
STEP 2: Complete all the Required Information
After downloading the form, complete it with all the necessary information as specified therein:
- DSC Validity Type Class: Only or Sign and Encrypt
- Candidate Name & Contact Information
- Household Address
- Identifier and GST Number Specifics of the Proof Documents
- Using a declaration document as identification
- A document proving your address
- Payment Information for the Attestation Officer
After providing all the required information, you must sign the statement and attach a recent photograph. Thoroughly review the form's completion. Print out the filled-out form.
STEP 3: Identity and address verification
An attesting officer must attest to the accompanying papers for them to serve as proof of identity and address. On documents serving as supporting proof, it must be assured that the attesting officer's signature and seal are legibly clear and present.
STEP 4: DSC remuneration
You can pay for your DSC application in the local registration authority's name, where you submit your application for verification by demand draught or check. By looking up the Certifying Authority authorized to issue Digital Certificates online, you can uncover the specifics of the Local Registration Authority for your residence.
STEP 5: Post the Necessary Documents
Put everything listed below in an envelope:
Completed DSC Registration Form
An attestation officer must certify all supporting documents for identity and address proof.
Demand draught or payment via check
Please mail the enclosed envelope to the Local Registration Authority (LRA) at the specified address for further processing.
By filling out the DSC Form, submitting the needed paperwork, and making the required payments, you have successfully finished the application procedure for a digital signature certificate.
If you need assistance regarding how to apply for a digital signature certificate or any help in DSC Registration, then you may contact Lawgical India for further assistance.
