Digital Signature Certificate in India

What is a Digital Signature Certificate?

A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is a government-recognised electronic credential issued by a licensed Certifying Authority under the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA), India. It carries the same legal standing as a handwritten signature under the Information Technology Act, 2000.

• Issued only by CCA-licensed Certifying Authorities.
• Stored on a FIPS 140-2 compliant USB crypto token — the private key never leaves the token.
• Valid for 1, 2 or 3 years, after which it must be renewed.

Which DSC class is issued in India today?

Only Class 3. The CCA discontinued Class 2 issuance in January 2021, and Class 3 now covers every use case — MCA, GST, Income Tax, DGFT, ICEGATE, EPFO, GeM, trademark filing and e-tendering.

How do you apply for a DSC in India?

Submit PAN, Aadhaar (with an active linked mobile), a photograph and email, complete Aadhaar-based e-KYC and a short video verification, then the Certifying Authority issues the certificate and it is downloaded onto a USB token.

• Individual DSC: PAN + Aadhaar + photo + email + mobile.
• Organisation DSC: the above, plus organisation KYC and an authorisation letter.
• Foreign nationals / NRIs: apostilled or embassy-attested documents instead of Aadhaar.

What does a DSC cost in India?

Total cost depends on three things: the certificate type (Individual or Organisation), validity (1–3 years), and whether a new USB token is needed. A signing-only Individual certificate on an existing token is the cheapest combination; an Organisation combo certificate with a new token is the most expensive.

• Certificate type — Individual is lower than Organisation.
• Validity — 2 and 3 year certificates cost less per year than 1 year.
• Signing only vs signing + encryption (combo).
• New FIPS USB token vs reusing an existing empty token.
• Delivery — walk-in collection in Bengaluru vs courier elsewhere in India.

Can I get a DSC without visiting an office?

Yes. Aadhaar e-KYC and video verification are done remotely, so applicants anywhere in India can complete the process online and receive the USB token by courier. Walk-in issuance is available at our Bengaluru office for applicants who prefer it.

How long is a DSC valid and how is it renewed?

A DSC is valid for 1, 2 or 3 years from the issue date. Renewal is a fresh issuance with fresh KYC — the new certificate can usually be loaded onto your existing USB token, and portal registrations must be updated afterwards.