A digital signature certificate (DSC) has become a critical tool today. Individuals do most of their activities online. Under such circumstances, the DSC is necessary to authenticate the information submitted online. Let us now look at a simple way to obtain a digital signature certificate online.
Here are the requirements.
- Fill up the DSC application form in all respects
- You will need to provide your photo identity. It can be your PAN card, Aadhaar Card, driving licence, or any document issued by the Government authorities that has your photograph.
- Producing address proof is mandatory. The documents that suffice for address proof are Aadhaar Card, driving licence, bank passbook, and so on.
Keep these documents ready before applying for the digital signature certificate online.
Following these steps will help individuals obtain DSC online.
Log in and select the entity
Access the website of a certifying authority licensed to issue DSC in India. Once you log in, the system will direct you to the Digital Certification Services section. Select the entity. In this case, you have to select ”Individual.’ It will open a new tab that contains the DSC Registration form. Download this form on your system.
Fill up the DSC Registration Form
The details on the form are self-explanatory. It is easy to fill up the details. On filling the form, affix your photograph and sign the declaration. Verify the details to ensure that you have not omitted to submit any information. Take a printout and preserve it.
KYC Proof
It is necessary to get your KYC documents attested by an authorised official. You have to ensure that the sign and seal of the attesting officer are visible on the papers.
Make the payment
The Certifying Authority accepts payment by bank draft or cheque drawn in the name of the Local Registration Authority.
Send the documents by post
The next step is to dispatch the entire set of documents by post/courier. Ensure to include the following documents.
a) Your DSC Registration form duly completed in all respects and signed
b) The supporting KYC documents duly attested
c) The fees for obtaining DSC in the form of bank DD or cheque
This procedure completes the process of applying for your DSC. You have to wait for their approval. The Certifying Authority will verify the authenticity and raise queries if necessary. Resolve the questions to the best of their satisfaction to obtain the Digital Signature Certificate.
Once you receive the DSC, it will become comfortable for you to sign all your documents online. You can file your tax returns and use the DSC to sign it electronically. Similarly, you can use the DSC to certify your GST returns. The DSC is a critical document in this online world today. It provides the authentication of the data you submit.
Thus, you can note that the process of applying for a digital signature certificate is simple. Every individual might need this certificate in the future, as the world goes online.
