What is DSC (Digital Signature Certificate)?

With the introduction of e-filling at MCA as well as e-filling of the income tax return the parties have to affix the digital signature while communicating with the ministry of corporate affairs and income tax department, The e-forms are required to be authenticated by the authorized signatories using digital signatures.

A Digital Signature Certificate is an electronic signature duly issued by a certifying authority that shows the authority of the person signing the same. It is an electronic equivalent of a written signature.

The persons who require DSC ?

Every user who is required to sign an e-form for submission with MCA is required to obtain a Digital Signature Certificate of class – 2. For MCA-21, the following four types of users are identified as users of Digital Signatures and they are required to obtain a digital signature certificate:

MCA (Government) Employees.
Professionals
Authorized signatories of the company including Managing Director, Directors, Managers or Secretary.
Representative of Banks & Financial Institutions. A person requiring a Digital Signature Certificate can approach any of the Certifying authorities identified by the MCA for issuance of Digital Signature Certificate.

Certification Agencies: Certification Agencies are appointed by the office of the Controller of Certification Agencies (CCA) under the provisions of IT Act, 2000. There are a total of seven Certification Agencies authorised by the CCA to issue the Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs). The details of these Certification Agencies are available on the portal of the Ministry www.mca.gov.in

Class of DSC: The Ministry of Corporate Affairs 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.

Validity of Digital Signatures: The DSCs are typically issued with six months, one year and two-year validity. These are renewable on expiry of the period of initial issue. For assistance in getting a new digital signature and for renewal there of kindly call us within office hours (9:30 AM – 7 PM) at our customer care number at +91-9899600605