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About Digital Signature Certificates (DSC)

The Information Technology Act, 2000 has provisions for use of Digital Signatures on the documents submitted in electronic form in order to ensure the security and authenticity of the documents filed electronically. This is secure and authentic way to submit a document electronically. As such, all filings done by the companies/LLPs under MCA21 e-Governance programme are required to be filed using Digital Signatures by the person authorised to sign the documents.



MCA has mandated digital signatures for the following individuals:

  • Directors
  • Auditors
  • Company Secretaries - Whether in practice or in job
  • Bank Officials - for Registration and Satisfaction of Charges
  • Other Authorized Signatories


Classes of DSC:

  • Class1 Certificates: These are issued to individual/private subscribers and are used to confirm that the user’s name and email contact details from the clearly defined subject lie within the database of the certifying authority.

  • Class 2 Certificates: are issued to the director/signatory authorities of the companies for the purpose of e-filing with the Registrar of Companies (ROC). Class 2 certificate is mandatory for individuals who have to sign manual documents while filing of returns with the ROC.

  • Class 3 Certificates: These certificates are used in online participation/bidding in e-auctions and online tenders anywhere in India. The vendors who wish to participate in the online tenders must have a Class 3 digital signature certificate.


Requirements to apply for DSC:

  1. Submission of DSC Application form duly filled in by the applicant
    Any individual applying for a Digital Signature Certificate is required to fill an Application Form for online submission and verification of personal details by the certifying authority
  2. Photo ID proof PAN Card;
  3. Proof of Address (Aadhar/Passport/Voter ID/ Driving License/Bank Statement/Utility Bill);
  4. Colour passport size photographs;
  5. An E-mail ID and a Mobile Number for verification purposes.


Interesting points about DSCs:

  • Digital signatures are issued for 1 or 2 years. After their validity has expired, they need to be renewed.
  • A person can have different DSCs – one for official purpose and the other DSC for personal purpose
  • Digitally signed documents are acceptable in legal courts as an evidence or proof