Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

Class 3 DSC on USB token — mandatory for MCA, GST, and IT filings

Validity: 2 years from issue date (Class 3 DSC); renewal required thereafterHandled by verified compliance experts. 100% online process.

What is Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)?

Obtain a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate on a secure USB token for MCA filings, GST portal access, Income Tax e-filing, and e-procurement portals. Issued by CCA-licensed Certifying Authorities.

DSCs are issued by Certifying Authorities (CAs) licensed by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) under the Information Technology Act 2000 — entities like eMudhra, Sify, and NSDL. Class 3 DSC (the current standard after Class 2 was discontinued in January 2021) supports both signing and encryption.

Who Needs Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)?

Company directors (for MCA filings), LLP designated partners, GST authorised signatories, income tax assessees filing returns above the audit threshold, government contractors for e-tenders, and anyone participating in e-auctions or government procurement portals.

What's Included

Class 3 DSC with 2-year validity
Secure USB cryptographic token (Gemalto or ePass)
Aadhaar eKYC or video verification
Driver installation and usage guidance
Works on MCA21, GSTN, IT e-filing, GeM, CPPP

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How It Works

1
Application Form
We fill out the DSC application with your PAN, Aadhaar, and email details.
2
Aadhaar eKYC Verification
Identity is verified online via Aadhaar OTP (instant) or through video verification (required for some Class 3 applications).
3
USB Token Issuance
Your DSC private key is generated and loaded onto a secure USB cryptographic token (Gemalto, ePass, etc.) by the Certifying Authority.
4
Delivery
The USB token is delivered to your address, or collected from our office. We help you install the required drivers and test the DSC.

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Documents Required

Items marked Required are mandatory; others are situational.

Identity Documents

PAN CardRequired
Primary identity document for DSC issuance
Aadhaar CardRequired
Used for Aadhaar OTP-based verification (fastest method)
Passport-size photographRequired
For the DSC application form
Mobile number linked to AadhaarRequired
For OTP during verification

For Company/Organisation DSC

Authorisation letter from organisation
On company letterhead if the DSC is for a company signatory
Certificate of Incorporation or GST certificate
As proof of the organisation

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Fees & Pricing

Government Fees

Certifying Authority issuance fee

Rs 1,000-2,500 for Class 3 DSC (2 years); set by each licensed CA

Varies

Professional Fees

DSC issuance assistance

Form filling, verification coordination, token delivery

Varies

* Government fees may vary. GST applicable on professional fees. Final pricing confirmed after review.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Class 2 and Class 3 DSC?

Class 2 DSC was discontinued in January 2021. All new DSCs issued are Class 3, which requires stricter identity verification (Aadhaar OTP or video call) and is valid for signing, authentication, and encryption.

How long is a DSC valid?

DSCs are issued with a validity of 1 year or 2 years. After expiry, the certificate must be renewed. The USB token can typically be reused for renewal.

Can I use one DSC for multiple portals?

Yes. A single DSC can be used across MCA21, GSTN, Income Tax e-filing, e-procurement (GeM, CPPP), and other government portals — as long as the same PAN is registered on all portals.

What happens if I lose my DSC token?

Report the loss immediately to the Certifying Authority to revoke the certificate. A new DSC must be issued on a new token. This is a security measure to prevent misuse.

Is Aadhaar eSign the same as a DSC?

No. Aadhaar eSign is a one-time electronic signature for specific transactions. A DSC is a persistent certificate stored on a USB token used for regular filings.