Digital Signature (DSC)

 digital signature

 

What is a digital signature ?

A digital signature is a mathematical technique used to validate the authenticity and integrity of a message, software or digital document. A digital signature is intended to solve the problem of tampering and impersonation in digital communications. Digital signatures can provide evidence of origin, identity and status of electronic documents, transactions or digital messages. Signers can also use them to acknowledge informed consent.

Digital Signature Certificate is commonly used to sign documents for GST and Tender bids. Other uses include signing on invoices, contracts, corporate documents, tax returns, Cersai, FIU, and UIDAI.

Digital Signature is legally binding. Only a licensed Certifying Authority can issue Digital Signature Certificates.

Paper-less steps are now available to renew or buy new Digital Signature. Paper-less process is faster, cheaper, and fully online. Individual persons, and all types of business organisations can use paper-less steps.

Which Class of DSC to buy?

There is only one class of DSC to buy. CCA has simplified the DSC Classes in 2021. Only Class-3 DSC is available to purchase for both individuals and organisations. Renewals or new sales of Class 2 is discontinued.

Class-3 DSC is widely accepted for most purposes like Tax (income tax or GST), EPFO, Director's eKYC, register new business on MCA portal, Import Export Code, sign invoices (Tally or Zoho Books), EPFO, etc.

To submit Tenders online, Government eProcurement portals encourage applicants to use Class-3 with encryption combo for submitting bids to tender portal if TIA requires so.

How to renew expired DSC?

Once Digital Signature has expired, applicants cannot sign new documents anymore. Digital Signature must be renewed to continue signing documents.

The renewal process is exactly same as buying New Digital Signature. However, there is no need to buy another USB cryptographic token/dongle. DSC is issued with validity of 1 to 3 years.

Paper-less Steps to buy DSC Online

Step 1: Enter applicant name, phone, email, and make payment.

Step 2: Receive automatic e-mail with link to open CA Portal (eMudhra or Capricorn).

Step 3: Create KYC ID / PIN or use existing KYC ID.

Step 4: Upload PAN Card, Proof of Address, and a passport size photo. For Class-3,                                     additional documents must be uploaded.

Step 5: Record Video using phone or laptop. Read statement shown on screen.

Step 6: Certifying Authority will approve and issue Digital Signature Certificate (eMudhra or                 Capricorn).

Step 7: Download DSC and store on USB cryptographic token such as ePass2003-Auto.

What is ePass2003-Auto : token/dongle?

ePass2003-Auto is used to store Digital Signature. It is referred as token or dongle. As a secure storage device designed to provide strong authentication, it helps protect sensitive data such as Digital Signature.

Cryptographic tokens are different from normal USB thumb drive. ePass2003 provides FIPS 140-2 security levels. ProxKey and Alladin tokens can also be used to store DSC.

What is eKYC? for DSC

KYC stands for Know-Your-Customer. Individual applicants upload Pan Card or Aadhaar XML to complete eKYC online. The process is completed online with upload of PAN Card and one proof of address. No attestation is required. There is no need send physical documents.

Scanned copies to Upload:

1. PAN Card (front side copy)

2. Passport size photo

3. Any One Address Proof with applicant name

    a. Aadhaar eKYC

    b. Driving License

    c. Voter ID

    d. Passport

(Note: For business and company DSC, there may be additional documents to be uploaded as part of eKYC.)

Steps to create e-KYC account using PAN Card

Step 1: Fill online application form and complete payment

Step 2: Open the e-mail received and click on DSC link

Step 3: Choose option to create e-KYC as "Pan Card Based"

Step 4: Enter applicant's PAN Number and Name as in PAN Card.

Step 5: Enter address as per proof of address.

Step 6: Create new eKYC ID and PIN. eKYC account have 2 years validity.

How to record Video for DSC?

Open the e-mail received for video recording on your smartphone or computer.

Record video using camera on smartphone or computer.

Read the statement shown on screen - loud and clear.

Show documents to camera - original PAN Card and Address Proof

Applicant's face must be visible

The duration of video will be for 20 seconds

Video Recording has been enabled with extra 4 languages (Kannada, Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam), in addition to Hindi & English.

What is Aadhaar e-KYC XML?

It is a secure sharable document which can be used by Aadhar number holder for offline verification of Identity.

Service Providers like telecom mobile companies, Digital Signature Providers, and others can establish identify of an individual using Aadhaar eKYC XML.

The XML file contains Name, Address, Photo, Gender, DOB, registered Mobile Number, Email address of resident among other details.

Steps to download Aadhaar XML file for eKYC

It is a secure sharable document which can be used by Aadhar number holder for offline verification of Identity.

Watch Online Video on how to download Aadhaar XML File

Step 1: Go to URL www.uidai.gov.in

Step 2: Enter 'Aadhaar Number' or 'VID' and mentioned 'Security Code' in screen, then click on 'Send OTP'

Step 3: Enter the OTP received by registered Mobile Number for the given Aadhaar Number

Step 4: Enter a Share Code which will be password for the ZIP file and click on 'Download' button

Step 5: The Zip file containing the digitally signed XML will be downloaded