Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is the electronic equivalent of a physical signature. It authenticates the identity of the sender of an electronic message or the signer of an electronic document and ensures that the original content is unchanged.

Classes of DSC

ClassVerificationUse Case Class 1Email verification onlyLow-risk transactions (discontinued) Class 2Database verificationMCA filings, Income Tax (discontinued) Class 3Physical presence verificationAll government filings, e-tendering

Note: Currently, only Class 3 DSC is available for individuals.

Documents Required

• PAN Card (mandatory)
• Aadhaar Card (for eKYC verification)
• Passport-size photograph
• Video verification (for remote issuance)

DSC for Company Registration

• All directors must have Class 3 DSC
• Required for signing SPICe+ and other MCA forms
• Valid for 1-3 years (choose during application)
• Cost: Rs. 1,500 - Rs. 3,000 depending on validity

Certifying Authorities in India

• eMudhra
• Sify
• NSDL
• IDRBT
• Capricorn