A DSC holds information about the user’s name, e-mail address, country, pin code, date of issuance of certificate and name of the CA issuing the DSC. It proves the identity of the person and is legally acceptable.
When you use a DSC to file an e-form, it automatically fetches the required information which saves the hassle of entering the details manually. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has made it mandatory to file all reports, applications and forms using a DSC only.
For example – You require a DSC to file Income Tax and GST returns.
In case of an encrypted DSC, a private key or code is to be entered to read the stored information.
You can use the sign only DSC in filing income tax, sign forms on MCA Portal and e-ticketing while Sign and Encrypt DSC is usually used for e-Tendering.
The issuance of DSC depends on the type of individual or business filing for it. DSC can be filled under the following classes.
This DSC is used to confirm basic details of the user like name, contact details, e-mail address and can be issued to both individuals and businesses. The same data is also stored in the Certifying Authorities Database for verification purposes.
This can be used when there are fewer chances of data compromises since it involves basic information about the applicant.
If you are a director or have signing authority in a company, then you would require Class II DSC for e-filing purposes with the Registrar of Companies (ROC) or income tax department.
It can also be issued to sole proprietors to sign e-tax returns. Under Class II DSC, the identity of the owner can be verified against a pre-verified database.
Company Secretaries and Charted Accountants can also register themselves under this DSC type for filing company related e-forms. It involves higher data security.
To obtain Class III DSC, you will have to appear in front of the Certifying Authority. This DSC can be issued to individuals and/or organisations for participating in online auctions and tenders.
Certified Authority is a person who has the license to issue DSC. You can get the information about such CA’s on the MCA portal online.
Once registered, a DSC is valid for 2 years. Here are few of the benefits of the certificate.
All the documents for the registration can be submitted through online mode only. To apply for a DSC, you need a copy of the following documents –
Since the Ministry of Corporate Affairs has authorised different Certifying Agencies for DSC Registrations, they charge differently for it. There are no fixed charges for DSC Registration in India.
According to the MCA, DSC Registration cost will include the cost of the issuance and a one-time charge for the medium (USB token).
Quick Company, have minimal charges for DSC registration which also includes step by step guidance throughout the registration process.
*We prepare the necessary documents and take care of the complete filling process on your behalf.
Only Certifying authorities can issue a Digital Signature Certificate in India. The process takes about 2 working days to complete.
You need to follow these steps for applying for a DSC.
It is mandatory to perform a Video Verification process in order to confirm your details and get a DSC. You will get a link to make the video on your registered e-mail address.
The e-mail will provide different options to proceed for Video Recording through -
Select the appropriate option according to your convenience and it will automatically take you to the authorized gateway. Complete the process which follows and submit your details after confirming.
The applicant can track the status of DSC Registration through the application number provided during the process. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has authorized e-Mudra as one of the Certifying Authorities for DSC Registration.
You can either download the application or view the status on their online portal. The status reflected against the application refers to the different stages of the registration process.
Following status are reflected once the application is processed for registration –
You must register your DSC on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal if you wish to use it for filing e-forms or returns for your business. This step allows MCA to identify people using the DSC and know of unauthorised uses (if any).
You can also cancel your DSC Registration if you do not wish to use it in the future or feel that the authenticity has been compromised. An applicant can also apply for the cancellation of DSC due to the following reasons.
You can file the request of Cancelling your DSC online through the E-Mudra portal and fill the necessary details to initiate the process.
To continue the use of DSC you need to renew the registration after 2 years. There is no process for DSC Renewal since you will have to file a fresh application and undergo the registration process again.
Once your DSC is renewed, you will have to update the same on MCA Portal as well. If you do not renew you DSC it will automatically get canceled.
Citizens of other countries or Foreign Nationals/organisations can also apply for DSC in India. They would require following a similar process that goes for the Indian applicants. However; there are a few documents that may differ in some of the cases.
**All the documents in the case of foreign applicants must be notarized by the Public Notary and apostilled by the Governing Authority of the respective country.
Through the issuance of DSC, it bcomes easier to conduct business opreations even for foreign organizations and the data stays protected from any fraud or duplicacy.