(DSC) Digital Signature Certificate :- Online- Process, Fees

Digital Signature Certificate is a secure digital key (USB e-Token) that is issued by the certifying authorities to validate and verify the identity of the person or entity holding this certificate. It uses public-key encryptions to create the signatures and contains the signature in digital format.

A digital signature certificate (DSC) contains information about the user’s name, pin code, country, email address, date of issuance of the certificate, and name of the certifying authority.

When is Digital Signature Required?

• Company Incorporation -The Digital Signature Certificate is mandatory for incorporating a Public Limited Company, Private Limited Company, Limited Liability Partnership or One Person Company.
• Director Identification Number - Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is used while you are applying for DIN number.
• MCA Compliances - Ministry of Corporate Affairs has made it mandatory for companies to file all reports, applications, and forms using a digital signature only. If annual turnover of a business exceeds ₹60 Lakhs, it is mandatory to verify returns with DSC.
• Income Tax Filing - Individuals and entities who are required to get their accounts audited have to file their income tax return compulsorily using a digital signature
• GST registration/return filing - It is mandatory for business entities (other than Sole Proprietorship) to have Digital Signature Certificate for both GST registration and verifying GST Returns online.
• Import Export Code - It is mandatory to have DSC while applying for an Import & Export Code.
• Intellectual Property - Digital Signature Certificate is required for filing of application for Intellectual Property rights like Trademark, Patent, etc.
• Employee Provident Fund - The registered Employers in India can use the Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate for submitting their Employee Provident Fund Transfer Claim form online.

Who requires a Digital Signature Certificate?

MCA has mandated Digital Signatures for following individuals:

1. Directors
2. Auditors
3. Company Secretaries
4. CEOs and CFOs
5. Bank Officials
6. Other Authorized Signatories

To apply for a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), you will need to provide certain documents and information. The following documents are typically required:

1. Aadhar Card: A copy of your Aadhar Card is needed as proof of identity and address. It establishes your identity and verifies your residential address.
2. PAN Card: A copy of your PAN (Permanent Account Number) Card is required for identity verification purposes. It ensures that the DSC application is associated with your tax-related information.
3. Passport Size Photo: You must provide a recent passport-sized photograph, which will be affixed to your DSC application form. The photo should be clear and meet the specified requirements.
4. Email Address: You need to provide a valid email address. This email address will be associated with your DSC and used for communication and delivery of the digital certificate.
5. Mobile Number: You are required to provide a valid mobile number. This number will be used for verification purposes and receiving any important notifications or OTPs (One-Time Passwords).