Registrations
Digital signature certificate (DSC)
A digital signature certificate (DSC) is the electronic equivalent of a handwritten signature or a stamped seal. It is issued by a certifying authority licensed by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) and is needed to sign forms on the MCA, income tax, GST, DGFT and government tender portals. ISPEED processes Class 3 DSCs, usually the same day, and sends the USB token to you.
What you get
- Class 3 digital signature certificate
- Application processing, usually the same day
- Video verification guidance as per CCA rules
- USB token with the certificate loaded
- Help installing and using the DSC on the portals
For whom
- Directors and designated partners who sign MCA forms
- Authorised signatories filing income tax and GST returns
- Contractors bidding on government e-tenders
Time
Same day to 3 working days
Professional fee
FixedRs. 1,500
plus GST; USB token included. Plus GST at 18 percent on the fee.
What it is
A digital signature is also called a digital signature certificate, DSC, digital certificate or electronic signature. All these terms mean the same thing. It is stored on a USB token and proves that a document was signed by you and was not changed after signing.
It offers more security than a paper signature because it cannot be copied or forged without the token and its PIN, and it is legally valid under the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Types of digital signature certificate
Earlier, certifying authorities issued three classes. Class 1 confirmed a person's name and email address. Class 2 was used for company incorporation, LLP registration and filings by chartered accountants and company secretaries for themselves and their clients. Class 3 was a high assurance certificate for e-commerce and e-tendering, issued after the applicant appeared in person.
From 1 January 2021 the CCA discontinued Class 1 and Class 2. Class 3 is now the only class issued to individuals and organisations, and it works for all purposes including MCA, income tax, GST, DGFT and e-tenders. In-person appearance has been replaced by video verification.
- Signature only: for signing forms and documents. This is what most directors and signatories need.
- Signature and encryption (combo): needed for e-tenders and e-auctions where documents must also be encrypted.
- Individual or organisation: an organisation DSC carries the entity's name along with the signatory's.
- Validity of one, two or three years, after which the DSC is renewed.
Who needs a DSC
- Directors and designated partners, for every MCA e-form including incorporation and annual filings
- Authorised signatories of companies and LLPs, for income tax returns and GST returns and registration
- Applicants for an import export code and exporters claiming Foreign Trade Policy benefits
- Contractors and suppliers bidding on government e-tenders and GeM
- Chartered accountants, company secretaries and cost accountants who certify and file forms
- Individuals whose accounts need a tax audit, since their returns must be signed digitally
How it happens
- 01
Fill the simple form
You share your name as on PAN, mobile number, email and the type and validity of DSC you need. ISPEED starts the application with the certifying authority.
- 02
Submit documents and complete video verification
Upload a self attested PAN card, address proof and photo. You then complete a short video verification on your phone and approve the application through an OTP, as per CCA rules.
- 03
DSC and token sent to you
Once the certifying authority approves, the certificate is downloaded on a secure USB token and couriered to you, or handed over in person if you are nearby.
- 04
Start signing
ISPEED helps you install the token driver and register the DSC on the MCA, income tax or GST portal so you can sign your first form the same day.
Documents you will need
- Proof of identity: self attested copy of PAN card
- Proof of residence: water, electricity or telephone bill, credit card statement, voter ID card, driving licence or passport
- Passport size photograph
- Mobile number and email address for OTP and video verification
- For foreign nationals: passport and an attested address proof
- For an organisation DSC: authorisation letter and proof of the entity
Documents checklist
Digital signature certificate (DSC)
0 of 6 ready
Questions
What is a digital signature?
It is your signature in electronic form, stored on a USB token, which proves that a document was signed by you and has not been altered since.
Who can obtain a digital signature?
Any person, Indian citizen or foreign national, and any type of business entity such as a partnership, LLP, company or trust, through its authorised signatory.
How long does it take?
Usually the same day once the documents and video verification are complete, and within 1 to 3 working days in all cases. Courier time for the token is extra.
Is physical verification required?
No in-person visit is needed. A short video verification on your phone is part of the process, as required by the Controller of Certifying Authorities.
Which class of DSC do I need?
Class 3. Since 1 January 2021 it is the only class issued, and it works for MCA, income tax, GST, DGFT and e-tenders. For e-tenders you may need the combo (signature and encryption) version.
What happens when the DSC expires?
It stops working on the portals. It can be renewed before or after expiry with the same documents and a fresh video verification. The same USB token can usually be reused.
People also need
Private limited company registration
Register a private limited company with MCA and receive the certificate of incorporation, PAN and TAN.
plus government fees
Limited liability partnership registration
Register an LLP under the LLP Act, 2008 with limited liability for partners and fewer filings than a company.
plus government fees
Annual ROC compliance
Keep your private limited company, OPC or LLP in good standing with every annual ROC filing done on time.
per year for a private limited company; LLP annual filings from Rs. 18,000
Tell us what you are starting.
You get the all-in price, the government fee for your state and the list of documents the same day. Then you decide.