Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) are the digital equivalent (that is electronic format) of physical or paper certificates. ... Likewise, a digital certificate can be presented electronically to prove one's identity, to access information or services on the Internet or to sign certain documents digitally.
A Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) is a secure digital key that is issued by the certifying authorities for the purpose of validating and certifying the identity of the person holding this certificate. Digital Signatures make use of the public key encryptions to create the signatures.
A Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) contains information about the user’s name, pin code, country, email address, date of issuance of certificate and name of the certifying authority.
Benefits of a Digital Signature Certificates (DSC):-
- Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) are helpful in authenticating the personal information details of the individual holder when conducting business online.
- Authenticity of documents: Digitally signed documents give confidence to the receiver to be assured of the signer’s authenticity. They can take action on the basis of such documents without getting worried about the documents being forged.
- The government agencies often ask for these certificates to cross-check and verify the business transaction.
- Reduced cost and time: Instead of signing the hard copy documents physically and scanning them to send them via e-mail, you can digitally sign the PDF files and send them much more quickly.
- Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) holder does not have to be physically present to conduct or authorize a business.
- Data integrity: Documents that are signed digitally cannot be altered or edited after signing, which makes the data safe and secure.
Classes of DSC
The type of applicant and the purpose for which the Digital Signature Certificate is obtained defines the kind of DSC one must apply for depending on the need. There are three types of Digital Signature certificates issued by the certifying authorities.
- Class 1 Certificates: These are issued to individual/private subscribers and are used to confirm that the user’s name and email contact details from the clearly defined subject lie within the database of the certifying authority.
- Class 2 Certificates:These are issued to the director/signatory authorities of the companies for the purpose of e-filing with the Registrar of Companies (ROC). Class 2 certificate is mandatory for individuals who have to sign manual documents while filing of returns with the ROC.
- Class 3 Certificates: These certificates are used in online participation/bidding in e-auctions and online tenders anywhere in India. The vendors who wish to participate in the online tenders must have a Class 3 digital signature certificate.
How to Apply for DSC?
Following are the requirements for Applying for Digital Signature Certificate
- Submission of DSC Application form duly filled in by the applicant
- Producing Photo ID proof
- Producing Address proof
- Producing Pan Card proof
- Mobile Number
- Email Id
Points to Remember
- Digital signatures are issued for 1 or 2 or 3 years. After their validity has expired, they need to be renewed.
- A person can have different DSCs – one for official purpose and the other DSC for personal purpose.
- Digitally signed documents are acceptable in legal courts as an evidence or proof.
