Digital Signature Certificate

What Is a Digital Signature Certificate?

A digital signature certificate is an electronic document that verifies the identity of an individual or organization and ensures that the document has not been altered during the signing process.

It is used to create digital signatures on documents. A digital signature certificate ensures legal and secure online transmission of documents for all types of communication and transactions.

A digital signature certificate is provided by certifying authorities (CAs). A digital signature guarantees the authenticity of an electronic document and uses an encryption technique to provide proof of original and unmodified documentation.

Types of Digital Signature Certificates:

There are eight types of digital signature certificates available. Digital Signature Certificates are issued online by certifying authorities based on their purpose or security level.

1. Class 1 Digital Signature Certificate:

A Class 1 Digital Signature Certificate is used for basic identity verification; it provides A low level of security to confirm a username and email ID. This class certificate.

It is used for simple communication.

2. Class 2 Digital Signature Certificate:

This certificate is used for identity verification against the user information provided by the User. It provides a medium security level and is used for filling out forms and documents.

This class certificate is used for income tax filing and submitting ROC/MCA forms.

3. Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate:

This certificate is used for strong identity verification (physical or video confirmation).

It provides a high level of security and is used for legal, financial, and government purposes, “purposes such as e-tendering, court filing, e-procurement, high-value contracts, EPF, e-ticketing, ICEGATE, GST, income tax, IEC, and other similar services.”

4. Signature Certificate:

The certificate is used for PDF signing and legal agreements and for government forms.

5. Encryption Certificate:

The certificate is used for encrypting data and email.

6. Signing and Encryption Certificate:

It is used for secure documents and email.

7. Organization Certificate:

The certificate is issued to companies and organizations for corporate filing and official transactions.

8. Individual Certificate:

The certificate is issued to individuals for personal and professional use.

Eligibility Criteria:

The eligibility criteria for applying for a digital signature certificate depend on who is applying: “an individual or an organization.”

Eligibility criteria, which need to be followed;

Eligibility for personal use

1. The applicant must be 18+.
2. The applicant should have an official identification document. (Aadhar, PAN, or passport.)
3. Have a valid address proof
4. The applicant must have an active email ID and mobile number.
5. Complete identity verification.

Eligibility for Organization:

1. The organization must be legally registered.
2. The applicant is an authorized signatory.
3. An authorization letter or board resolution is provided.

Eligibility for special applicants:

1. A foreign applicant can apply for a digital signature using a passport and a visa.
2. Government employees may need official authorization.
3. Professionals (CA, CS, lawyer) may need membership proof.

Document Required:

Here are the documents required when you apply for a Digital Signature Certificate;

For Individual:

1. The applicant has an identity document. (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.).
2. Applicant bank statement.
3. You need to provide the last income tax return or audit report and the annual return.
4. Authorized signatory organization ID card or self-attested letter of organizational identity.

For the company and organization, the following documents are required:

1. Applicant's Aadhaar card and PAN card.
2. Organizational PAN card.
3. Bank details
4. Registration Certificate.
5. The first two pages of the bylaws, MOA & AOA, or rules.
6. The first two pages of the latest income tax return/audit report and annual return/self-affidavit with reason, if unavailable.
7. You need to submit a partnership deed, trust deed, or LLP agreement containing
   the list of partners or signatories.
8. Business registration certificate (S&E/ST/VAT)
9. Authorized signatory proof (board resolution)
10. Authorized signatory organizational card ID or self-attested letter of organizational identity.

Document required for a partnership firm:

1. Applicant's Aadhar and PAN card
2. Organizational PAN card
3. First two pages of the bank statement.
4. The first two pages of the partnership deed, trust deed, or LLP agreement containing the list of partners or signatories.
5. Authorized signatory’s organizational ID card or a self-attested letter of organizational identity.

Document required for a proprietorship firm:

1. Applicant’s Aadhar and PAN card
2. Bank details
3. The first two pages of the latest income tax return/audit report and annual return/self-affidavit with reason, if unavailable.
4. Business registration certificate (S&E/ST/VAT)
5. Self-attested letter of organizational identity or authorized signatory organizational ID card.

Document required for AOP/BOI:

1. Applicant's Aadhar and PAN card
2. Organizational PAN card
3. Bank details
4. You need to submit the incorporation or registration certificate.
5. The first two pages of the bylaws, MOA & AOA, or rules.
6. The first two pages of the latest income tax return/audit report and annual return/self-affidavit with reason, if unavailable.
7. Authorized signatory proof (board resolution)
8. Self-attested letter of organizational identity or authorized signatory organizational ID card.

Document required for LLP:

1. Applicant’s Aadhar and PAN card.
2. Organizational PAN card.
3. First two pages of the bank statement.
4. Incorporation/Registration Certificate.
5. The first two pages of bylaws/MOA & AOA/rules.
6. The first two pages of the partnership deed, or trust deed, or LLP agreement containing the list of partners or signatories.
7. Authorized signatory proof (Board Resolution)
8. Self-attested letter of organizational identity or authorized signatory’s organizational ID card.

Document required for NGO/trust:

1. Applicant's Aadhar and PAN card
2. Organizational PAN Card.
3. The first two pages of the bank statement.
4. You need to submit the incorporation or registration certificate.
5. The first two pages of the bylaws, MOA & AOA, or rules.
6. The first two pages of the latest income tax return/audit report and annual return/self-affidavit with reason, if unavailable.
7. The first two pages of the partnership deed, trust deed, or LLP agreement containing the list of partners or signatories.
8. Authorized signatory proof (board resolution)
9. Self-attested letter of organizational identity or authorized signatory organizational ID card.

Document required for a non-resident Indian:

1. Submit the attested copy of the passport.
2. Attested copy of PAN, if applicable.
3. You need to submit a copy of the applicant’s visa.
4. Copy of the applicant's driving license.
5. Attested copy of the applicant's residential permit.
6. Bank statement with signature and seal.

Document required for foreign nationals:

1. Applicant Passport.
2. VISA
3. Applicant ID proof.
4. Personal Contact Detail.
5. Verification of the applicant (video, mobile, and email verification).

Document required for a foreign organization:

1. You need to submit a copy of the applicant’s employee ID proof.
2. Address proof of the organization.
3. You need to submit a permission letter from the organization.
4. A copy of the registration document must be submitted.
5. Submit the details of the applicant and the organization.
6. Verification of the applicant through video, mobile, and email verification.

Procedure you need to follow for a digital signature certificate:

You have to follow the steps of the given procedure while applying for a digital signature certificates;

1. Step 1 Visit the online portal of the Digital Signature Certificate.
2. Step 2 You must have access to the page and select “usage type” from the dropdown.
3. Step 3 Please select ‘individual’ if you are applying as an individual, or select ‘Organization’ if you are applying as an organization.
4. Step 4 Select the default class type 3.
5. Step 5 Select certificate type: If you are applying for a signature certificate, choose ‘Signature,’ and if you are applying for a combo certificate, select ‘Combo.’
6. Step 6 Select the default 2-year validity.
7. Step 7 Enter applicant name.
8. Step 8 Enter the applicant's mobile number.
9. Step 9 Enter the applicant's e-mail ID.
10. Step 10 Enter the address of the applicant.
11. Step 11 Enter the PIN code.
12. Step 12 Enter the city.
13. Step 13 Enter the state.
14. Step 14 Enter the verification code; please fill in this code.
15. Step 15 Fill out the PAN card number of the applicant.
16. Step 16 Upload the Aadhar card.
17. Step 17 Please double-check the details you enter to avoid any errors.
18. Step 18 Submit the form. After checking, our executives will contact you as soon as possible.

Services Provided For DSC:

We provide services related to DSC (Digital Signature Certificates). The services we offer.

1. Digital Signature Certificate:

Apply for a Digital Signature Certificate by following the steps above to make documents legally valid for filing GST returns, MCA, income tax, EPF, IEC, and for patents and trademarks.

2. USB Token drivers:

It is a hardware device you will get after approving your DSC application.

The digital signature is downloaded onto a secure USB crypto token.

This can be plugged into your computer to sign documents.

3. Download the Digital Signature Certificate utilities file:

Download the Digital Signature Certificate utilities file by using e-Mudhra, eMclick, e-Mudhra Mantra MFS 1000 Drivers, e-Pass 2003 Admin Plugin, and e-Pass 2003 SDK.

4. Bulk Token Purchase:

Bulk purchasing is not usually for an individual who just needs one signature.

Bulk token purchases are used by;

1. Chartered accountants and tax consultants.
2. Company Secretaries.
3. Resellers/Agents
4. Large Corporations.

5. Digital token bulk purchase:

A digital token bulk purchase is a wholesale transaction in which you buy a large quantity of physical USB crypto-tokens at a discounted price. It is used by businesses, professionals, and government entities for signing documents and authenticating online transactions for multiple employees at once.

6. DGFT Digital Signature for import–export documentation

E-SIGNATURE USE CASES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

The Owner or manager of the company is often required to deal with multiple departments of his organization to keep up with the functioning. As a result, dealing with documents becomes a substantial part that requires signatures.

Still wondering about the efficacy of digital signatures? Look no further, we have got you covered. Below are the powerful use cases of e-signatures: