A digital signature is an electronic signature that authenticates the identity of the signer and ensures the integrity of the document. Digital signature certificates (DSCs) serve as electronic proof of identity, allowing individuals to sign documents digitally for various purposes. The document outlines the difference between digital signatures and DSCs, the certifying authorities involved, the types of DSCs available in India, and the benefits and application process for obtaining a DSC.

1. Digital Signature

2. What is a Digital Signature ?
A digital signature serves as an electronic
signature that helps authorise and authenticate
the identity of the individual signing a document.
The signature helps to establish that the message
within the document is genuine and has not been
tampered with by someone else. These
signatures are easily transportable and are
immutable, making them resistant to imitation and
forgery. As a result, digital signatures ensure that
the signed message has the authority and
validation of the person who has signed it, making
it impossible to disclaim later.

3. What is a Digital Signature Certificate or DSC?
A Digital Signature Certificate, better known as a
DSC serves as an electronic format or version of a
physical certificate. These, much like Driving
Licenses and passports serve as a proof of identity
of an individual and serve various purposes. For
instance, a passport establishes that someone is a
citizen of a country, while a Driving License
validates someone as being able to legally drive.
Similarly, a DSC is electronic proof that enables
individuals to sign documents digitally and authorise
various services or requests online.

4. Difference between a Digital Signature and a DSC
A digital signature serves as a digital method
of signing a document online whereas a DSC
is a digital record that contains the following
details;
1. Name and further details of the applicant
2. Identifies the Certifying Authority that
issued the DSC
3. Subscriber's public key
4. Digitally signed by the Certifying Authority
5. Valid for one or two years

5. Certifying Authorities for DSCs
The validity of Digital Signatures was confirmed by the Information
Technology Act, 2000 and since then Certifying Authorities have the
right to issue them under the Ministry of Information Technology. Valid
Digital Signature Certificates may be obtained only through authorities
licensed and regulated by the Controller of Certifying Authorities. As
per the orders of the CCA in India, eMudhra has been recognised as a
certifying authority for digital signatures. Other prominent certifying
authorities include the following institutions;
● Code Solutions
● National Informatics Centre
● Safescrypt
● Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology

6. Different Classes of DSC
The type of DSC an individual must obtain depends on their purpose
and type of application. The three categories of Digital Signature
certificates issued in India are as follows.
1. Class 1 Certificates: Issued to individuals and private
subscribers to help confirm their name and contact details.
2. Class 2 Certificates: It was Issued to Directors and other
signatory authorities of companies to enable e-filing of
documents with the Registrar of Companies. This is going to
expire after 31st December 2020.
1. Class 3 Certificates: Issued to those who have to participate in
online bids, e-auctions and tenders in India. All vendors who
participate in such online tenders must mandatorily have a
Class 3 DSC.

7. Why do you need a Digital Signature?
You can use a Digital Signature for the following
purposes:
● Sending and receiving encrypted, authorised and
digitally signed emails
● Carrying out secure online transactions
● Identify other participants and members of online
businesses transactions
● During eTendering and e-Procurement
● To file returns with the MCA, Registrar of
Companies, Income Tax and GST returns
● Filing applications with other government agencies
● Signing documents on MS Word, MS Excel and
even PDFs
● Creating a paperless office and business ecosystem

8. How to Apply for a DSC
1. Submit your details here
2. Our representative will connect with you and take all the required
details
3. You have to pay the requisite fee
4. Finally we validate your document via video and SMS

9. Benefits of a Digital Signature
1. Enables individuals to authenticate their personal
details
2. Serves as a proof of identity when conducting
business online
3. Helps save time and money while improving
convenience
4. Removes the need to be physically present to
authorise or conduct an action
5. Improves and encourages data integrity by
preventing alteration and tampering
6. Assures the receiver of the authenticity of the
documents
7. Mandatory to fulfil statutory compliances set by
the Ministry of Corporate Affairs

10. Why Vakilsearch?
● We provide quality service at the most affordable prices
● Have over 4,00,000 satisfied clients and the number only grows
● Truly digital services that make things easy for both you and us
● We offer advice on how to apply, and handle all the paperwork
● Constant updates until the registration is complete
● Most cost-effective solution
● Trusted service provider with over 1200 positive reviews
● Access to reliable professionals from our team of experts
Download and install the VakilSearch mobile app, or visit our official website
to enjoy the best legal advice whenever you need it!