What it is
A DSC is a cryptographic certificate issued by a licensed Certifying Authority under the Information Technology Act.
Class 3 is now the only class issued for individuals and organisations for statutory and tendering use.
Signing certificates cover most filings; encryption certificates are additionally needed for some e-tender portals.
Who it applies to
- Any individual with valid identity proof; organisational DSCs additionally need entity proof and an authorisation letter.
Documents required
- •PAN and Aadhaar of the applicant
- •Recent photograph and a mobile number and email for OTP
- •For foreign nationals: apostilled passport and address proof
- •For organisational DSCs: incorporation certificate, board resolution or authorisation letter, and GST certificate
Step-by-step process
- 1
Choose the certificate type
Decide between individual and organisational, and whether you need signing only or signing plus encryption.
- 2
Submit the application to a Certifying Authority
Apply through a licensed CA or its registration authority with PAN, Aadhaar and contact details.
- 3
Complete paperless KYC
Aadhaar eKYC with OTP, or PAN-based KYC with document upload where Aadhaar is unavailable.
- 4
Record the video verification
A short video stating your name and the purpose of the DSC is mandatory and is the most common point of rejection.
- 5
Download to a USB token
The certificate must be downloaded onto a FIPS-certified crypto token; it cannot legally be stored as a soft copy file.
- 6
Register on the portal
Register the DSC on MCA, GST, income tax or IP India as required before you can sign filings.
Fees and timeline
Government fees
Typically ₹1,200 – ₹2,500 for a two-year Class 3 signing certificate, plus ₹800 – ₹1,500 for the USB token where you do not already own one.
Typical timeline
Same day to 2 working days after video verification.
Common mistakes and rejection reasons
- Video verification recorded in poor light, without audio, or with a script not matching the CA's requirement.
- Name mismatch between PAN, Aadhaar and the application.
- Attempting to download the certificate without a compatible token driver installed.
- Letting the DSC expire mid-filing season — renew at least a month before expiry.
Frequently asked questions
Which DSC class do I need for MCA filings?
Class 3 individual signing certificate, registered as a director or professional on the MCA portal.
Can two people share one DSC?
No. A DSC is personal to the holder and sharing the token is a breach of the certifying authority's terms.
How long is a DSC valid?
Usually one, two or three years, depending on the certificate purchased; it must be renewed before expiry.
Do it with help, or do the maths first
This guide is general information on public compliance procedures and is not professional advice for your specific facts. Government fees and timelines change; verify on the official portal before filing.