Acquire DSC

DSC is what we identify as a “Digital Signature Certificate” or “electronic signature”. From the time, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has launched an online portal for filing documents, the Digital Signature Certificates became popular. And now, all the documents filed on the MCA Portal requires Digital Signature Certificate. As per the Information Technology Act 2000, the DSC has become essential in order to ensure the security and authenticity of the documents filed electronically on the MCA Portal.

Documents Required for acquiring DSC

Some of the essential documents required for applying for DSC are as follows:-

1. Paper-based application form
   2. Photograph
   3. Address Proof
   4. Mobile Number
   5. Email Id

Points to Remember Before Acquiring DSC

• Using DSC allotted to a person is allowed and if found that someone is using other person’s DSC then, it shall be considered as illegal.
• MCA has stipulated a Class II or above category signing certificate for e-Filings under MCA21. A person who already has the specified DSC for any other application can use the same for filings under MCA21 and is not required to obtain a fresh DSC.
• DSC are usually for a one-year validity and two-year validity and can further be renewed after the DSC gets expired.
• The company representatives and professionals required to obtain DSC can obtain Digital Signature Certificate from any of the approved Certification Agencies as per MCA portal.

Certifying Authorities

There are in total 12 authorities that are licensed and certified by MCA to issue Digital Signature Certificates. Any one can procure Class 2 or 3 certificates from any of the below mentioned authorities.

1. National Informatics Center (NIC)
2. IDRBT Certifying Authority
3. SafeScrypt CA Services, Sify Communications Ltd.
4. (n) Code Solution CA
5. E-MUDRA
6. CDAC
7. NSDL
8. Capricorn
9. Pantasign
10. IDSIGN
11. Verasys
12. XtraTrust

Classes of DSC

Three classes are identified depending on the need of the applicant who wish to obtain a DSC. Three types of classes issued by the certified authorities are:-

1. Class 1 Certificates :- it is that class of DSC that is given to individuals/private subscribers. In order to accept the confirmation of the user’s name and email details.
2. Class 2 Certificates :- it is the class of DSCC issued to the directors/signatory authorities of the companies for e-filing with the Registrar of Companies (ROC)
3. Class 3 Certificates :- this class of DSC is used in online participation/bidding in e-auctions and online tenders anywhere in India. The vendors are required to have class 3 DSC in order to participate in the online tenders.

Want to Acquire DSC?

Acquiring Digital Signature Certificate requires authentication which only a Chartered Accountant has. So, if you have any Chartered Accountants in your knowledge, you can ask them to grant you a Digital Signature Certificate. Another way out is to look into the MCA Website. From the MCA Homepage, select the option of “DSC Services”. DSC Services will further give you three options. Select the first option given as “Acquire DSC”. From the Second heading given as Certification Agencies, press on the link. That link will take you to the agencies which will help you in acquiring DSC. And the last yet best way out is to contact us for acquiring DSC in an easy and hassle-free manner.