FAQs - CLASS 3 DIGITAL SIGNATURE

Q. What is a Digital Signature Certificate?

A. A Digital Signature is the signature in electronic format which is used to authenticate the identity of the sender or the signee of the document. DSCs are easily transportable and cannot be initiated and intimated easily by anyone.

Q. Why is DSC required?

A. DSC is required to send and receive documents digitally and encrypt the emails/documents. It is also required for eTendering, eProcurement, eFiling, Income Tax filing, and also in many other applications.

Q. Who issues the DSC?

A. The Controller of Certifying Authorities has granted the DSC issuing rights to the Certifying Authorities under section 24 of the Indian Act 2000.

Q. Is e-filing possible if I do not have a DSC?

A. No, as per the MCA rules a Digital Signature Certificate is mandatory for eFiling.

Q. Is there any validity of the Digital Signature Certificate?

A. Yes, DSCs are valid in India for a period of 2 to 3 years. They need to be renewed after that.

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Q. Is it possible to make changes to the DSC while renewing?
A. The only changes to be made to the DSC while renewal is in the change in address and the contact details of the person.

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Q. Can a person have two DSC?
A. Yes, an individual can possess two different Digital Signature Certificates.

Q. What is the time required for obtaining the DSC in India?
A. It takes around 3 to 7 days to obtain a Digital Signature Certificate in India.

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