How to Obtain Digital Signature Certificate?

In addition to this, it contains the details of various types and classes of the digital signature certificate. 

A Digital Signature Certificate is used to validate the content of documents filed online.  Thus, Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) are the digital equivalent (that is electronic format) of physical or paper certificates.

Who can issue the Digital Signature Certificate?

Under Section 24 of the Indian IT-Act 2000 certain person are granted an authority to issue a valid digital signature certificate. These persons are called licensed Certifying Authority (CA). Only the persons who have obtained such license are empowered to grant DSC to the applicants. To assist the applicant the list of licensed CAs along with their contact information has been provided on the MCA portal. 

Professionals who require Digital Signature Certificate

As per MCA21 all the authorized signatories of company and professionals who sign the manual documents and returns filed with ROC are required to obtain a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). Professionals who are required to procure Digital Signature Certificate are as follows:

• Directors
• CA’s/Auditors
• Company Secretary - Whether in practice or in job.
• Bank Officials - for Registration and Satisfaction of Charges
• Other Authorized Signatories.

Documents required to Obtain Digital Signature Certificate - 

To obtain a valid digital signature certificate an applicant is required to file the following documents-

1. Passport size colored photographs
2. Copy of PAN Card
3. Proof of Address (Aadhar/Passport/Voter ID/ Driving License/Bank Statement/Utility Bill)
4. A valid E-mail ID and a Mobile Number for verification purposes.

Procedure of obtaining Digital Signature Certificate -

• In order to obtain Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) Applicants can directly approach Certifying Authorities (CAs) with original supporting documents, and self-attested copies.
• DSCs can also be obtained, wherever offered by CA, using Aadhar electronic KYC based authentication, and supporting documents are not required in this case
• A letter/certificate issued by a Bank containing the DSC applicant’s information as retained in the Bank database can be accepted. Such letter/certificate should be certified by the Bank Manager.

Components of Digital Signature Certificate

Following are the components of digital signature certificate issued -

1. The public key of the holder: Any person will get a copy of this and it is a part of the verification system.
2. Holder’s name and e-mail address- It will contain the name and address of the holder as it is necessary for contact information purposes and to enable the viewer to identify the details.
3. The expiration date of the public key- It will contain the expiration date of the public key to set a shelf life of the key and to ensure that in the event of prolonged abuse of a signature eventually the signature is reset.
4. Name of the company- It will contain the name of the company that the signature belongs to.
5. The Serial number of the Digital ID- A unique serial number is attached to the signature for tracking ad extra identification reasons.
6. The Digital signature of the CA (Certification Authority): The signature of the certification authority that has issued the digital signature certificate will also be mentioned.