Digital Signature Certificate Online: Apply with Expert Support
A Digital Signature Certificate is a certificate used for digital signing of electronic documents and identity verification on online portals. You can apply for DSC online for various filings, applications and services that require a digital signature.
We are a consultancy, not the issuer. We help you pick the right certificate, get your paperwork in order, apply through the relevant Certifying Authority, and help you get your Digital Signature Certificate through a licensed CA authorised by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA).
Published On: 14 Oct, 2026
- DSC Application Assistance
- Transparent Fee Structure
- Document Support
- Guidance Through the Process
Digital Signature Certificate Form
Instructions
What is Digital Signature Certificate?
Quick ANSWER
A Digital Signature Certificate is a digital certificate that identifies a person or an organisation and help them to sign electronic documents where required. It provides a digital identity for signing and helps authenticate the signer during online transactions and filings.
In India, DSCs are issued by Certifying Authorities licensed under the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) under the country’s Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) framework. A DSC can be used for online filings, applications and other services that require a digital signature.
A DSC is primarily used for authentication and digital signing. A DSC certificate encryption is used to protect sensitive information by encrypting a document or file so that only an authorized recipient can read the encrypted document.
DSC at a Glance
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
|
What is a DSC? |
A digital certificate that used to prove identity and sign electronic documents
|
|
Who issues it? |
A government licensed Certifying Authority (CA) that is authorized by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA). |
|
Who can apply? |
Both individual and Organisation as per requirement |
|
What is it used for? |
Electronic filing, signing and authentication |
|
Which class do I need? |
Class 3 DSC is generally used for most digital signing requirements in India. Class 3 DSC is generally used for most digital signing requirements in India. |
|
Is portal registration needed? |
Some portals need you to register the DSC separately |
|
What about expiry? |
Valid for 1–3 years. After expiry, you will need to apply for a fresh certificate enrollment. |
Who does what
- LegalSewa: consultancy and application assistance
- Certifying Authority: issue the DSC
- Government or service portal: Require DSC for Digital Signature or Registering in Portal
Keeping these three things in mind saves a lot of confusion later. Most problems occur due to mixing them up.
What Is a DSC Token?
A DSC token is a small USB cryptographic device that store your private key and is generally used to sign electronic documents. It help protect your DSC Details from being copied or stolen, making it more secure than storing the key directly in a file on your computer.
This token can easily acess with a PIN or Password. Anyone who has your token and your PIN can sign in as you where DSC Required, so treat it like a cheque book and a signature and handle it carefully. The Income Tax portal requires DSC registration on the portal before signature verification.
- Never share your token PIN.
- Don't share your token with someone you do not know.
- Keep the token in a secure place when not in use.
- Verify the documents and certificate details before digitally signing.
- Replace and re register the certificate when it expires.
Types / Classes Of DSC
DSCs come in different classes. The Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) sets different identity verification and private key storage rules for each.
| Class | Verification and Storage | Best Approach |
|---|---|---|
|
Class 1 |
Verification may use Aadhaar eKYC biometric, paper based verification, or Aadhaar eKYC OTP with video verification. Private key generation and storage may be software based. |
Check whether the certificate meets your service requirements. |
|
Class 2 |
Uses the verification methods specified by CCA. The private key must be generated and stored in a hardware cryptographic device according to the prescribed security standards. |
Confirm the certificate requirements for your intended use. |
|
Class 3 |
Has specific verification requirements, including additional checks for the paper based route. The private key must be generated and stored in a hardware cryptographic device. |
Commonly used for business filings, e-tendering and other services that require or accept Class 3. |
Which DSC class should you choose?
For most current individual and business digital signing requirements, Class 3 DSC is the required signature certificate. Many government and business portals now accept or require Class 3 DSC for digital signing, particularly for higher assurance applications such as e-tendering and compliance-related services.
The current CCA framework also allows a Class 3 individual DSC to be used where a Class 2 individual DSC is required. Most Certifying Authorities (CAs) now issue Class 3 DSCs for individual signing requirements, and many government and business portals accept or require Class 3 DSC for digital signing.
About Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate
A Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate is a higher assurance certificate under India digital signature framework. It is commonly used for business filings, e-tendering and other online services that require or accept a Class 3 DSC.
Following the discontinuation of Class 1 and Class 2 certificates by the CCA, a Class 3 DSC is now uniformly required for all personal, business, and corporate filings across the country.
Verification
Identity verification depends on the method used. CCA guidance includes Aadhaar eKYC biometric verification, paper-based verification with the prescribed
Secure Storage
For an individual Class 3 signing certificate, the private key must be generated and stored on a compliant hardware cryptographic device, as prescribed by CCA.
Signing and Encryption
Signing and encryption are different functions. The certificate and its permitted uses determine which functions are available.
Common Uses
Company related filings, e-tendering and other business or compliance services where the relevant portal or application requires or accepts a Class 3 DSC.
Is Class 3 right for you?
Check the requirements of your specific portal, filing or service before applying. The required certificate type and any additional details depend on the intended use.
DSC Validity, Renewal and Cost
DSC validity, renewal and cost can vary depending on the certificate type, validity period and issuing requirements.
Validity
Every DSC has an expiry date. Once it expires, you can’t use it to sign. Check the date on your certificate now, not the week you need to file.
Renewal
You will usually need a fresh certificate when the old one expires. On the Income Tax e-Filing portal, you may also need to re-register the DSC if the registered one has expired or you’re replacing it.
Cost
DSC prices vary. What you pay depends on:
- the certificate type and class
- how long it's valid for
- whether you are an individual or an organisation
- signing only, or signing plus encryption
- the USB token, if you need one
- the CA's own charges
- consultancy or support charges, if you use a service like ours
The certificate charge and LegalSewa’s consultancy fee are two separate things. We will tell you which is which before you pay for our service.
Who Needs a Digital Signature Certificate?
You may need DSC if you are:
- a business owner or proprietor
- a company director
- a partner or designated partner in an LLP
- a professional who files or signs on behalf of clients
- an individual using a service that asks for a digital signature
- an authorised representative of an organisation
- an organisation whose authorised users need to digitally sign documents or filings
- an importer or exporter using services that require digital signing
- a government vendor or supplier participating in e-tenders or other online government services
A DSC for business, company, director or an LLP depends on the particular filing, service or portal. A DSC is not automatically required simply because you own a business, company or LLP.
Do I actually need a DSC?
Whether you need DSC depends on what you are trying to do. Someone filing company returns will have a different requirement from someone bidding on a government tender. The same goes for a director signing MCA forms versus an individual e-verifying a tax return.
Where Can a Digital Signature Certificate Be Used?
A DSC can be used for different online filings, applications and services where digital signing or electronic authentication is required. Common examples include:
MCA Filing
Company and LLP filings and other services on the MCA portal.
Income Tax
Signing or verifying certain income tax returns, statutory forms and other applicable services.
GST
Services related to GST where a DSC is required or accepted.
GeM
Certain registration and other activities on the Government e-Marketplace.
DGFT & IEC
Applications and services related to the Import Export Code (IEC) where a digital signature is required.
Trademark Filing
It may be required during trademark applications and filings for digital signing.
e-Tendering
Government e-tender portals like GeM and other similar portals may require bidders to sign documents digitally.
Document Signing
Other electronic documents where a valid digital signature is required.
One thing to remember: Getting a DSC and using it on a portal have two separate ways, depending on the portal or service you choose. Some portals require you to register your DSC separately before using it for digital signing. For example, the Income Tax e-Filing portal requires users to register their DSC before using it for applicable services.
Documents Required for Digital Signature Certificate
The exact list depends on who you are and how you are being verified. In most cases, you will need the following documents:
- Proof of identity
- Proof of address
- PAN, Aadhaar or other verification details where required
- your personal or business details
- Organisation details, if you are applying on behalf of one
How to Apply for a Digital Signature Certificate Online
Applying for a Digital Signature Certificate online through LegalSewa is simple. Follow these steps for easy registration process:
Fill the DSC Form
Enter your details and select the Digital Signature Certificate you need.
Submit the Documents
Provide the documents required for completing the DSC application.
Make the Payment
Complete the payment for your selected service.
Our Team Contacts You
Our team will contact you to discuss your application and guide you for the next steps.
Application Processing
We assist with your application and coordinate the process required to obtain your certificate.
Complete Verification
Provide any additional information and complete the verification required for your application.
Get Your DSC
Your certificate is issued by a licensed Certifying Authority after the required process is completed.
You can also apply directly through a licensed Certifying Authority (CA). LegalSewa provides consultancy and application assistance but does not issue Digital Signature Certificates itself.
Why Choose LegalSewa for DSC Support?
Getting a Digital Signature Certificate can involve choosing the right certificate, completing verification and registering it on the relevant portal. LegalSewa provides consultancy and application assistance to help you through these steps.
Application Assistance
Get help understanding the DSC application and submission process.
Documentation Support
Get assistance in organising the information and documents required for your application.
Registration Assistance
Get guidance on registering or associating your DSC on relevant portals where registration is required.
Process Guidance
Get help understanding the certificate type, verification requirements and the next steps involved in your application.
Transparent Charges
CA and third-party charges are shown separately from our consultancy fee, so you know what you are paying for.
- CONTENT REVIEWED BY
Nitish checks this page before it is published to make sure the information is clear and useful. He reviews the details about DSC documents, the application process and the steps people may need to follow, so readers can understand what to expect before applying.
- Last Reviewed: 14 Oct, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes you can use If your DSC is valid and meets the requirements of the portal or service. You may be able to use the same certificate on more than one portal but always first check the requirements of the portal you are using.
No, If your existing DSC is still valid, has not expired, and meets the requirements of the service then you do not require a new one. Check the portal requirements before applying for another DSC.
An expired DSC cannot be used for digital signing, you will need a new valid DSC and where required, register the new DSC again. For example, the Income Tax e-Filing portal allows you to re-register a new DSC when your existing one has expired.
Yes, on portals that provide this option. For example, the Income Tax e-Filing portal allows you to register a new DSC even if your existing registered DSC has not expired.
It depends on whose DSC the portal or service requires. If a portal requires any authorised person to sign then it can be accepted. However, if the portal specifically requires the DSC of a particular person, such as a director, proprietor, etc, another person’s DSC may not be accepted. Always check whose DSC the particular service requires before signing or filing.
Yes. The CCA states that a Class 3 individual DSC can be used where a Class 2 individual DSC is required. However, you should still check the current requirements of the particular portal or service before applying.
Need Help With Your Digital Signature Certificate?
Not sure which DSC you need or how to apply for it? Just tell us what you need for MCA filing, Income Tax, GST, e-tendering, or something else. We’ll help you understand which DSC is suitable, what documents you’ll need, and what steps you need to follow.