Class 2 vs Class 3 DSC: What Changed in 2021 and What You Need Now
The Controller of Certifying Authorities discontinued Class 2 DSC in January 2021. Here's what changed, why, and what to ask for when you renew.
If you last got a Digital Signature Certificate before 2021, it was likely a Class 2. If you're renewing today, you'll be issued a Class 3 regardless of what you had before. Here's the short version of what changed and what to do about it.
The 2021 CCA notification, in one paragraph
In January 2021 the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) discontinued issuance of Class 2 DSCs. Class 3, which had previously been reserved for high-security use cases like e-tendering, became the default for all use cases. Existing Class 2 certificates continued to work until their expiry, but no new Class 2 or renewal of Class 2 has been permitted since.
Practical consequences
- Every DSC issued from January 2021 onwards is Class 3, no matter what portal you use it for.
- Renewing an existing Class 2 automatically upgrades you to Class 3 — you don't need to do anything special.
- Providers that still list "Class 2" on their price sheets are quoting from stale marketing copy. Ask for Class 3.
- The verification workflow is now stricter: Aadhaar e-KYC + a mandatory short video verification for every issuance, including renewals.
Does Class 3 work everywhere Class 2 used to?
Yes. Every portal that accepted Class 2 (GST, Income Tax, MCA, EPFO) now accepts Class 3. It also unlocks portals Class 2 didn't cover — GeM bidding, state e-tender portals, and certain DGFT high-security submissions.
What to ask for at renewal
- Class 3 (not "Class 2 Combo" or any legacy label).
- Signing certificate is enough for most; add encryption if you upload tenders where documents are encrypted with your public key.
- Confirm the validity period you want — 1, 2, or 3 years. Most clients pick 2 years.
- If you had multiple certificates on the old token, plan whether to move all to the new one or split across tokens.
If you're due for renewal in Bangalore, we handle the full process from our Nagavara office — book a slot on our contact page.
People also ask
Quick answers to the most common questions on this topic.
Does Class 3 work everywhere Class 2 used to?
Yes. Every portal that accepted Class 2 (GST, Income Tax, MCA, EPFO) now accepts Class 3. It also unlocks portals Class 2 didn't cover — GeM bidding, state e-tender portals, and certain DGFT high-security submissions.