Digital Signature Certificate | DSC
DSC also known as Digital Signature Certificate are digital equivalents of physical or paper certificates. They are used to sign documents digitally, to prove one’s identity, to access information or services digitally. Issued by Certifying Authority who have been granted license to issue a digital signature certificate under Section 24 of the Indian IT-Act 2000.
Usage of DSC:
The main function of the DSC is to authenticate the details of the signer. It captures the date and time period when the signature was executed. Ensuring there is no misuse of the signature for fraudulent use.
Ministry of Corporate Affairs has made it mandatory for companies to file all reports, applications, and forms using a digital signature only.
Documents submitted to the Government including GST registration applications or documents uploaded to the GST common portal must be digitally signed.
e-filing of income tax returns.
Signing of Form 16A.
Activities which involves E-tendering, Patent and trademark e-filing, MCA e-filing, Customs e-filing, E-procurement, E-biding and E-auction.
In terms of legality, it is admissible under the provisions of IT Act, 2000. Sec 71 Misinterpretation is defined as anyone making any misrepresentation to, or suppresses any material fact from, the Controller or the Certifying Authority for obtaining any license or Digital Signature Certificate. Penalty of the crime is Imprisonment up to 2 years, or/and with fine up to ₹100,000.
Process for applying:
One can directly approach the Certifying Authorities with the original supporting documents, the attached documents should be attested.
Aadhar-based e-KYC Verification DSC is an other option which is offered by the CA this is is an easy and fastest way to make DSC.
PAN and GST are the other options offered by the Certifying authorities.
Classes of DSC:
Validity of DSC:
Digital signatures are issued for 1 or 2 years. After their validity has expired, they need to be renewed.