A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is an electronic credential issued by a licensed Certifying Authority (CA) in India. It allows the holder to sign electronic documents and government portal submissions with a legally recognised digital signature. DSC is required for company and LLP incorporation, ROC filing, GST registration, income-tax returns, e-tendering and various other government and commercial applications.
Key Benefits
Legally Valid Electronic Signatures
DSC is recognised under the Information Technology Act and accepted by government portals, courts and commercial counterparties.
Required for Key Filings
MCA, DGFT, GSTN, Income Tax, customs, e-tendering and various other platforms require DSC for designated signatories.
Secure & Tamper-Evident
Documents signed with DSC cannot be altered without invalidating the signature, providing document integrity.
One-Time Setup
Once issued and installed, DSC can be used across multiple portals and filings until the validity period ends.
Who Should Use This Service
Directors and designated partners of companies and LLPsAuthorised signatories for GST and income-tax filingsProprietors and partners filing company formsIndividuals filing income-tax returns with digital signatureProfessionals — CAs, lawyers, architects for regulatory submissionsBusiness owners participating in e-tenders and government procurementIndividuals needing DSC for import-export, customs or DGFT
What This Service Covers
DSC class and type identification — individual or organisation
Identity and address document collection and verification
Video verification coordination — required by certifying authorities
DSC application filing with the appropriate certifying authority
USB e-token procurement guidance and coordination
Driver installation and portal registration guidance
DSC renewal support — separate scope
Documents & Information Required
📄 Recent passport-size photograph
📄 PAN Card (mandatory)
📄 Aadhaar Card or valid passport for identity and address proof
📄 Mobile number linked to Aadhaar for OTP verification
📄 Email address for certificate delivery
📄 Organisation PAN and incorporation documents (for organisation DSC)
📄 Board resolution or authorisation letter for company DSC
Our Process
1
Class & Type Review
Identify whether Individual or Organisation DSC is required and confirm the portal requirement — Class 3 is now standard.
2
Document Verification
Collect photograph, PAN, Aadhaar or passport and organisation documents where applicable.
3
Application Filing
Submit the DSC application to the appropriate licensed Certifying Authority.
4
Video Verification
Coordinate the video KYC or in-person verification required by the CA.
5
USB Token
Guide the client on procuring a compatible USB crypto token for storing the certificate.
6
Certificate Issuance & Setup
On issuance, assist with driver installation, token setup and portal registration guidance.
What You Receive
DSC issued and stored on USB token
Certificate validity period details
Driver installation guidance
Portal registration steps for MCA, GST, income tax or other required platforms
Usage instructions for signing documents and filing forms
Not Included Unless Specifically Agreed
USB token hardware cost — purchased separately by the client
Certifying Authority government or processing fee
Legal advice on e-signature disputes
Ongoing portal-level technical support
DSC renewal unless separately included
Frequently Asked Questions
What class of DSC is required for MCA, GST and income tax?+
Class 3 DSC is now the standard requirement for most government portals including MCA, GST, income tax and DGFT. Class 1 and Class 2 were discontinued in 2021.
Can one DSC be used on multiple portals?+
Yes. A single DSC can generally be registered and used across multiple government portals — MCA, GST, income tax, e-tendering — as long as the portal supports the certificate and the token is configured correctly.
How long is a DSC valid?+
DSC validity is typically 1 year or 2 years from the date of issue, depending on the certificate applied for. Renewal is required before expiry to avoid disruption to filings.
Is DSC the same as an electronic signature on a PDF?+
No. DSC is a cryptographic certificate stored on a USB token and issued by a licensed government-approved Certifying Authority. A drawn or typed signature on a PDF is not a DSC.
What happens if the USB token is lost?+
If the token is lost, the certificate must be revoked and a new DSC applied for. The private key stored on the token cannot be recovered from the certificate alone.
Important: DSC is issued by licensed Certifying Authorities under the Information Technology Act. The certifying authority's identity verification requirements, fees and processing timelines apply. Portal compatibility and technical setup depend on the user's system and portal-specific requirements.
Get In Touch
Apply for Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
Our experts respond within 2 hours during business hours.
