The full form of DSC is the Digital Signature Certificate
The Digital Signature Certificate is abbreviated as DSC. It is a secure digital key issued by certifying authorities to authenticate and verify the identity of the certificate holder. To create a digital signature, public key authentication is used. The DSC includes details about the user’s profile, pin code, country, email address, certificate issuance date, and the certifying authority’s name.
DSC stands for “Digital Signature Certificate,” which is an electronic signature document that can be scanned and used to file e-forms. It provides confirmation of the signer’s identity and is highly secured by certifying authorities. This certificate serves as an identity proof for various purposes, including Aadhar card, PAN card, driving license, passport, visa, etc. It enables the signing of digital documents and contains personal information such as name, email address, certificate expiry date, pin code, and sometimes even house address. These details are encrypted to prevent unauthorized access, ensuring that only the owner or the authorized company can access them.
Types of Digital Signature Certificate
Digital signature certificates are classified into three types:
Class 1 certificate (Sign): This certificate is used for signing documents such as PDF files for tax purposes, MCA (Ministry of Cooperative Affairs) signing, and more. It also verifies the individual’s information against their stored database information.
Class 2 certificate (Encrypt): This certificate is issued to higher authorities such as directors or signatories of an organization or company after being signed and verified. The downloaded certificates are encrypted.
Class 3 certificate (Sign and Encrypt): This certificate provides both encryption and signing features and is highly secure. It is issued to individuals whose identity proof has been verified by the Registration Authority. It is used for online training, online vending, e-bidding, GST (Goods and Service Tax) application filing, patent and trademark e-filing, and more.
How to apply for Digital Signature Certificate?
To apply for a digital signature certificate, follow the steps below:
- Log in to the Certifying Authority Licence website that issues DSC.
- Select the type of certificate you need by clicking on the “Digital Certification Services” section.
- Download the form and fill it out accurately with all necessary identity proofs, such as address proof, Aadhar card (if required), photo ID proof, and a demand draft with the name of the Local Registration Authority on it. Attach your digital signature and photo to the form.
- Submit the form and wait for 3-7 days for the Certifying Authority to issue the digital signature certificate.
Facts about DSC
- The use of Digital Signature ensures that the data in a digitally signed document cannot be tampered with.
- MCA21 is a renowned e-Governance program launched by the Ministry of Company Affairs.
- A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) typically remains valid for 1 or 2 years and needs to be renewed thereafter.
- Digital Signature Certificates used for e-forms carry the same legal recognition and validity as handwritten signatures.
- The Information Technology Act, 2000 has provisions for the use of Digital Signatures on electronically filed documents to ensure their security and authenticity.