Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) aids in certifying the identity of authorized signatory. Accordingly, it covers the basic details such as name, email, country, APNIC account name and the public key of the holder. This provides a sense of protection to privacy as anything encoded by a key can be decoded only via the corresponding key. Further, it is necessary for online registration for pan card, filing GST, applying for government schemes and many more.
Types of Digital Signature Certificates
Class 1, 2 and 3 are the types of Digital Signature Certificates. That is Class 2 is verified against an email address and holds no legal liability. While class 2 is checked against a pre-verified database. Whereas, Class 3 is the highest form of DSC that aids in establishing the identity of the individual in e-commerce and e-tendering.
eMudhra Digital Certificate
DSC in India is issued by eMudhra, the Certifying Authority appointed by the Controller of Certifying Authority (CAA). Similarly, eMudhra provides the same variety of classes 1, 2, and 3. Further, the Digital Signatures (DS) will assist any requirements regarding Income tax filing, MCA, e-tendering, e-procurement, and Foreign Trade.
eToken
The main purpose of eToken is to safeguard the DSC even in case of a computer crash or formatting. Further, the said USB token is safe from viruses, thus the DSC once under e-token will be secure. Also, it is effective since 7th December 2013 as per the orders of CCA. However, it issues only class 2 and 3 tokens on FIPS 140- 2 level 2 certified crypto tokens. Additionally, it emphasizes on collecting trustKey Tokens, as they are widely accepted and secure in India for storing DS.
Advantages of encrypting over manual signatures
Most importantly, encryption provides extreme confidentiality. As mentioned earlier, once encrypted it can be assessed only with the corresponding Key. That apart, it guarantees data integrity, message substantiation, and non- refutation. Thus, can be considered as one of the best ways to safeguard confidential documents.
Documents required
- The application form from the applicant
- ID photo as proof
- Address proof
Procedure for obtaining DSC online
Apart from eMudra, other Case such as Sify or N code issue DSC in India. Note that, the cost to obtain DSC varies concerning the producers. For instance, eMudra offers to issue DSC ranging from Rs 899 to 5,999 depending on the class and duration. Herewith, the steps to apply for DSC is as follows:
Logging in and selecting the type of unit
- Log in to the website issuing DSC in India
- Go to the “Digital Certification Services” Click on the type of entity (the preferred entity of DSC) found under Digital Certification Services
- instance, an individual applying must click on ‘individual’
3. Following that, a new tab with the DSC registration form will open
4. Click on download to obtain the form on your computer.
Filling the necessary details
- After downloading, fill in the field provided with authentic data
- The fields will contain questions regarding the following
- Class of DSC
- Validity (Duration ranges from 1 to 3 years)
- Type (Sign or encrypt)
- Applicant name
- Contact details
- Permanent address
- GST number
- Mention the ID proof documents
- Declaration
- Documents of Address and identity proof
- Attestation officer
- Payment details
Note: Consequently, upload photograph and sign under-declaration
Print a copy of the completed form for future references. Check the details thoroughly prior to submission and take a print out
Submitting proof of Identity
It is necessary to attest to the supporting documents from an Attesting officer. Bear in mind to cross-check the sign and seal and ensure clear visibility. Following that, submit the necessary documents along with application form
Payment to DSC
Payment is via demand draft or cheque only. Likewise, the title of the payment is ‘Payment for DSC application’ in name of Registration Authority (RA). Here, the applicant’s RA will be the place of form submission. This is easily detectable by searching for CA issuing DSC in a particular area.
Attach the Documents required
The envelope the applicant submits to the RA must contain
- The filled registration form
- Demand draft / Cheque of payment
- The documents as proof of identity and address
Finally, submit to the local RA and completing the said points marks as the end of the application process of DSC. After scrutiny and within 3-7 working days, the applicant will receive the DSC in India.