How to Get Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) Online — Class 2 & Class 3

A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is the electronic equivalent of a physical signature. It is used to sign documents digitally and is legally valid under the Information Technology Act, 2000. If you are a company director, CA, CS, tax professional, or anyone who files documents on government portals like MCA, GST, or Income Tax, you need a DSC.

This guide covers everything — types of DSC, who needs one, how to apply online, documents required, USB tokens, validity, renewal, and the new paperless DSC process.

What Is a Digital Signature Certificate?

A Digital Signature Certificate is an electronic credential issued by a Certifying Authority (CA) licensed by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA), Government of India. It contains:

• Your name, email, and organisation details
• A public key for verification
• The issuing CA's details and digital signature
• Validity period (1 to 3 years)

DSC ensures that the document has not been tampered with after signing and confirms the identity of the signer. It is the most secure way to sign electronic documents and is mandatory for many government filings.

Types of Digital Signature Certificate

Class 2 DSC (Signing)

• Used for signing documents electronically
• Required for MCA filings (company incorporation, annual returns), GST registration, Income Tax e-filing for companies, and ROC filings
• Validates the identity of the subscriber against a trusted database (Aadhaar, PAN)
• Most commonly used DSC in India

Class 3 DSC (Signing & Encryption)

• Provides the highest level of assurance
• Required for e-Tendering, e-Procurement on government portals (IREPS, GeM, CPPP), and e-Auctions
• The applicant must appear before the CA or complete video verification
• Available as signing only or signing + encryption (combo)

Note: The CCA had earlier defined Class 1, 2, and 3 categories. In practice, Class 1 DSCs are no longer issued. Most users need either Class 2 (for filings) or Class 3 (for e-Tendering).

Who Needs a Digital Signature Certificate?

Who typically gets a DSC:

• Company directors and designated partners (LLP)
• Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries, Cost Accountants
• Authorised signatories for GST and Income Tax
• Bidders on government e-procurement portals
• Individuals filing patent or trademark applications

Licensed Certifying Authorities in India

The CCA licenses Certifying Authorities to issue DSCs. The major CAs are:

You can apply directly through their websites or through authorised Registration Authorities (RAs) — local agents who process DSC applications on behalf of these CAs.

Documents Required for DSC

For Individuals

• PAN Card (mandatory)
• Aadhaar Card (for e-KYC verification)
• Passport-size photograph
• Email ID and mobile number (for OTP verification)

For Organisations (Director/Partner)

• PAN Card of the applicant
• Aadhaar Card of the applicant
• Organisation's registration certificate (CIN for companies, LLPIN for LLPs)
• Authorisation letter (if applying on behalf of the organisation)

For e-KYC based DSC: Only PAN and Aadhaar are needed. The entire verification happens online via Aadhaar OTP — no physical documents need to be submitted.

How to Apply for DSC Online — Step-by-Step

Step 1: Choose a Certifying Authority

Visit the website of any licensed CA — eMudhra, Sify, n(Code), or Capricorn. Select the type of DSC you need (Class 2 or Class 3, Signing or Signing + Encryption).

Step 2: Fill the Application Form

Enter your details:

• Full name (as on PAN Card)
• PAN number
• Aadhaar number
• Email address and mobile number
• Organisation name and designation (if applicable)

Step 3: Choose Validity Period

Select the validity:

• 1 year — ₹800 to ₹1,500
• 2 years — ₹1,200 to ₹2,500
• 3 years — ₹1,500 to ₹3,500

Prices vary by CA and DSC type. Class 3 with encryption costs more than Class 2 signing.

Step 4: Make Payment

Pay online via net banking, UPI, debit/credit card, or other available methods.

Step 5: Complete e-KYC Verification

For e-KYC based (paperless) DSC:

1. An Aadhaar OTP is sent to your registered mobile number
2. Enter the OTP to verify your identity
3. Some CAs also require a video verification step for Class 3

For non-e-KYC DSC (older process):

1. Upload scanned copies of PAN, Aadhaar, and photograph
2. An attestation by a CA-approved authority may be needed
3. Physical documents may need to be couriered

Step 6: Download DSC on USB Token

Once verified, the DSC is issued and must be downloaded onto a USB crypto token (also called a dongle). The token:

• Stores your private key securely
• Is required every time you use the DSC
• Costs ₹300 to ₹800 (one-time purchase)
• Common brands: Watchdata, Moser Baer, ePass

If you already have a USB token from a previous DSC, you can reuse it.

Paperless DSC: Some CAs now offer fully paperless issuance where the DSC is downloaded directly to your USB token within 30 minutes to 2 hours after e-KYC completion. No document upload or courier needed.

USB Token — What You Need to Know

• A USB crypto token is a hardware device that stores your DSC's private key
• It connects to your computer via USB port
• You need to install the token driver on your computer before use
• DSC signing software (like eMudhra's emSigner or Java-based signers) reads the DSC from the token
• Never share your token PIN — it protects your digital signature
• If you lose the token, you need to apply for a new DSC

DSC Validity and Renewal

Validity Period

DSCs are issued for 1, 2, or 3 years from the date of issuance. After expiry, the DSC becomes invalid and cannot be used for signing.

How to Renew

1. Visit your CA's website before the DSC expires (you'll receive email reminders)
2. Select "Renew DSC" option
3. Complete e-KYC again (Aadhaar OTP)
4. Pay the renewal fee (same as new DSC pricing)
5. Download the renewed DSC to your existing USB token

Important: Renewal is essentially getting a new DSC. Start the renewal process at least 7-15 days before expiry to avoid disruption in your filings.

e-KYC Based DSC (Paperless DSC)

The CCA now encourages Aadhaar e-KYC based DSC issuance, which is fully paperless:

• No document upload — identity verified via Aadhaar OTP
• No physical verification — everything happens online
• Fast issuance — DSC can be ready in 30 minutes to 2 hours
• Available for both Class 2 and Class 3 (Class 3 may need video verification)

This has made DSC issuance significantly faster and more convenient. Most CAs now default to the e-KYC process.

Requirements for e-KYC DSC:

• Aadhaar must be linked to an active mobile number
• PAN must be active and not flagged
• Name on PAN and Aadhaar should match (minor variations are usually accepted)

Fees and Pricing Summary

Prices are indicative and vary by CA and RA. Check the CA's website for current pricing.

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Class 2 and Class 3 DSC?

Class 2 DSC is used for signing documents and filing on government portals like MCA and GST. Class 3 DSC offers higher security assurance and is required for e-Tendering, e-Procurement, and e-Auctions on government platforms. Class 3 is also available with encryption capability.

Can I use the same DSC for both MCA and GST filing?

Yes. A single Class 2 Signing DSC can be used across multiple government portals — MCA, GST, Income Tax, DGFT, and others. You just need to register the DSC on each portal separately.

How long does it take to get a DSC?

With the e-KYC (paperless) process, a DSC can be issued in 30 minutes to 2 hours. The non-e-KYC process with document upload and physical verification may take 3-7 working days.

What happens if I lose my USB token?

If you lose your USB token, your DSC is effectively lost since the private key is stored on the token. You must apply for a new DSC from a certifying authority and get a new USB token. There is no way to recover the old DSC.

Do I need a separate DSC for signing and encryption?

It depends on your requirement. If you only need to sign documents (MCA, GST, ITR filing), a signing-only DSC is sufficient. For e-Tendering portals that require document encryption, you need a signing + encryption combo DSC (Class 3).

Can NRIs and foreign nationals get a DSC?

Yes. NRIs and foreign nationals who are directors in Indian companies can obtain a DSC. They need to provide a passport, address proof, and may need to complete video verification instead of Aadhaar e-KYC.

Is DSC mandatory for company directors?

Yes. Every director of an Indian company must have a valid DSC to sign and file documents on the MCA portal. This includes annual returns, financial statements, and various forms under the Companies Act.

Key Takeaways

• A Digital Signature Certificate is legally valid and mandatory for many government filings
• Choose Class 2 for MCA, GST, and ITR filings; Class 3 for e-Tendering and e-Procurement
• Apply through licensed CAs — eMudhra, Sify, n(Code), or Capricorn
• The e-KYC (paperless) process using Aadhaar OTP is the fastest way to get a DSC
• DSC validity ranges from 1 to 3 years — renew before expiry
• Always keep your USB token and PIN safe — losing it means getting a new DSC
• A single DSC works across multiple government portals

For related guides, check out GST Registration Online, Company Registration on MCA, Income Tax Return Filing, and Udyam MSME Registration.