What is a Digital Signature Certificate?
A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is the electronic equivalent of a physical signature. It is issued by a licensed Certifying Authority (CA) and uses public-key encryption to prove who signed a document and that it was not altered afterwards. Under the Information Technology Act, 2000, a digital signature is legally valid in India and is mandatory for many government filings.
Certifying Authorities are licensed by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA). CRSB helps you obtain a Class 3 DSC from a licensed CA such as eMudhra, with a secure USB token and a fully online, paperless verification process.
Class 3 DSC — the highest security level
Class 3 is the only class currently issued for individuals and organisations. It can include a signing certificate (to sign documents) and an encryption certificate (to protect data — needed for e-tenders). Common uses:
- MCA / ROC filings
- Company & LLP registration
- GST registration & returns
- Income tax e-filing
- Form 16
- e-Tendering & e-Procurement
- e-Auction & e-Bidding
- DGFT / IEC
- Trademark & patent filing
- Customs e-filing
For individuals
Issued in your personal name, for signing your own filings and for filings as a director, partner or authorised signatory.
For organisations
Issued to an authorised signatory in the name of a company, LLP, trust, NGO or government body, carrying both personal and organisation details.
Why a DSC matters
- Legal validityRecognised under the IT Act — as binding as a handwritten signature.
- SecurityVerifies the signer's identity and detects any tampering with the document.
- SpeedSign and file from anywhere — no printing, couriering or visits.
- Lower costCuts paper, courier and manual handling costs.
- Data protectionEncryption certificates keep sensitive tender and business data confidential.
- Wide acceptanceAccepted across government portals, banks and many international transactions.
What you need
- PAN card
- Aadhaar card (for Aadhaar-based eKYC) or other address proof
- Passport-size photograph
- Mobile number and email ID
- For organisation DSC: authorisation letter, organisation PAN and incorporation proof
- Foreign nationals: passport and apostilled address proof
Renewing your DSC
As per CCA guidelines, a DSC cannot simply be extended — renewal means applying for a new certificate with fresh verification. You can renew before or after expiry; the cost is the same as a new DSC. We send reminders before your certificate expires so filings are never held up.
Why buy your DSC from CRSB?
Quick issuance, guidance through video verification, a quality USB token and help installing drivers and mapping the DSC on the MCA, GST and income tax portals — all handled by one team.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a DSC?
Usually the same day or within one working day after video and mobile verification are complete.
What is the validity of a Class 3 DSC?
You can choose 1 or 2 years (some CAs offer 3 years). Most clients choose 2 years.
Can I use one DSC for several companies?
Yes. An individual DSC can be used to sign filings for every company or LLP where you are a director or partner.