What Is Digital Signature Certificate - Types of DSC & Process to Apply DSC Online

India is moving digital and is likely to revamp its all documentation process from manual to digital. Digital signatures will form the basis of the same. Digital Signatures have already been granted legal status as per IT Act, 2000. It acts as evidence in the court of law across the country.

All electronic documents are incomplete without a digital signature. Just as any physical document is incomplete without a signature or LTI (Left-hand Thumb Impression), similarly, all essential documents in electronic formats must have a digital signature of the applicant in place of the authorised signatory.

Digital Signature Certificate – Meaning & Explanation

Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) refers to a verified digital key that authenticates the sanctity of user data. Only the Certifying Authority (CA) can issue such a certificate. A DSC has vital information like Name, APNIC Account Name, your public key, Email Address, and Country of origin.

Once you receive a DSC, you can do away with manual physical documents. You can normally start entering into contracts with various business establishments using DSC. It almost works like an international ATM card that you can use anywhere across the globe for online transactions.

The process to Apply for a DSC Online

Fill Out Your Application Form: It’s necessary to get a DSC in case you have not applied for the one in recent times. You should fill out your Digital Signature application form with correct details and then submit the same.

Submit Form and E-Verification: Once you submit the form, then you need to E-verify your statement using Aadhar eKYC-verification system online. You can also contact your Bank Manager to get your electronic verification done.

Make Necessary Payment: Now, make the necessary payment online in the form of consultation fees. Once all these necessary steps are completed then you become eligible to get your DSC.

Get Your DSC: Soon, you will receive your DSC issued by the Certifying Authority.

The primary purpose of DSC is to prove your identity online while accessing the information on the internet or during the online transaction.

Types of Digital Signature Certificate

If you are not sure about which certificate is ideal and apt for you, then you can contact Signatech to know more on this and to submit your application online.

Class 1 Certificate

Class 1 Certificates are issued to individuals and private persons. This certificate confirms that the person’s information is the same and in sync with the details that he or she has submitted online at various databases. It authenticates the user’s email id and name as given under the CA database.

Class 2 Certificate

Class 2 Certificates are issued to both business persons and individuals. Along with Email Ids and Name, it also looks into other details and establishes their veracity with the user’s information as given under the CA database.

Class 3 Certificate

Class 3 Certificate can be obtained by various organisations, business firms, and individuals. However, these certificates hold greater significance for e-commerce applications. So, CA will issue such a certificate only when a person is physically present and interested in receiving the same.

Entrepreneurs and commercial establishments who deal in crores and crores of money need to obtain Class 3 certificate for uninterrupted business dealings online.

What are you waiting for? Get your copy of DSC now before it’s too late.

Disclaimer: No Deccan Chronicle journalist was involved in creating this content. The group also takes no responsibility for this content.