Digital Keys (DSC)

What is a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)?

A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is a secure digital key issued by a certifying authority to validate and certify the identity of the person holding this certificate. DSCs use public key infrastructure (PKI) to provide the highest levels of security and authenticity. They are an electronic form of a signature that can be used to sign documents digitally.

Importance of DSC

1. Authentication: DSC ensures the authenticity of the signer’s identity while transacting online. It acts as a proof of identity for the person holding the certificate.

2. Data Integrity: Documents signed digitally cannot be altered or edited after signing, which safeguards the data integrity.

3. Non-repudiation: DSC ensures that the signer cannot deny having signed the document.

4. Cost and Time Efficient: It saves time and costs associated with physical document handling by enabling online transactions and filings.

Types of DSC

1. Class 1 Certificates: These are issued to individuals and are used to confirm that the user’s name and email ID are present in the certifying authority’s database.

2. Class 2 Certificates: These are used by individuals as well as organizations. They are mandatory for entities that need to file documents under the MCA21 (Ministry of Corporate Affairs) in India. They authenticate the identity of the person against a pre-verified database.

3. Class 3 Certificates: These are the highest level of DSCs and are used for e-commerce applications. They require the person to be present before the certifying authority to prove their identity. These are used in online trading, e-tendering, e-procurement, etc.

Uses of DSC

1. E-filing: DSCs are mandatory for companies and LLPs to e-file forms with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

2. Income Tax Filing: DSC is required for filing income tax returns online by individuals, professionals, and organizations.

3. E-tendering: In government and private sector tenders, DSC is used for authentication of the tender documents.

4. Legal Documents: Signing legal documents digitally to ensure their authenticity.

5. Other Applications: DSCs are also used in various applications like GST filing, EPFO, and more.

How to Obtain a DSC?

1. Select the Type of DSC: Determine the type of DSC required based on your needs.

2. Fill Application Form: Fill in the DSC application form provided by the certifying authority.

3. Submit Documents: Submit the required documents like proof of identity and address.

4. Verification: The certifying authority will verify the submitted documents.

5. Issue of DSC: Upon successful verification, the DSC will be issued, which can be in a USB token or can be downloaded from the certifying authority’s website.

Renewal and Revocation

• Renewal: DSCs come with an expiry date and must be renewed periodically, typically every 1 to 2 years.

• Revocation: A DSC can be revoked by the certifying authority if the keyholder’s credentials are compromised or upon request from the keyholder.

Certifying Authorities in India

Certifying authorities (CAs) authorized to issue DSCs in India include:

1. eMudhra
2. Sify Technologies
3. (n)Code Solutions
4. National Informatics Centre (NIC)
5. SafeScrypt (Sify)
6. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)