Uses of DSC

A digital signature is an electronic form of a signature that can be used to authenticate the identity of the sender of a message or the signer of a document, and also ensure that the original content of the message or document that has been sent is unchanged. Digital signatures are easily transportable and cannot be imitated by someone else. The ability to ensure that the original signed message arrived means that the sender cannot easily disclaim it later.

A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is a secure digital key that certifies the identity of the holder, issued by a Certifying Authority (CA). It typically contains your identity (name, email, country, APNIC account name and your public key). Digital Certificates use Public Key Infrastructure meaning data that has been digitally signed or encrypted by a private key can only be decrypted by its corresponding public key. A digital certificate is an electronic “credit card” that establishes your credentials when doing business or other transactions on the Web.

Sign Certificates

The signature certificate is corresponding to the signing private key. It will be used by individuals or organizations for signing purpose. The key pair will be generated by applicant/subscriber in a secure medium and is inherent to keep his private key in safe custody. The signature certificate is issued by Certifying Authorities (CA) after the validation process mentioned in the CPS. The relying parties can make use of this certificate for signature verification.

Encrypt Certificates

The encryption key pair is used by the subscriber for receiving encrypted messages which is encrypted using subscriber’s public key. The subscriber fills in the application and submits to eMudhra or it’s authorized RAs along with the identification and address proof. The RA verifies the application, id proof and address proof and approves the request. The Subscriber provides a password in the portal for protecting the encryption certificate. The server generates the encryption key, escrows and makes it available for the customer in the portal. The subscriber needs to login with the credentials sent to his digital id and download the encryption certificate from the portal.

Digital Signature Certificates are used in a variety of important documents especially legal and official ones. Here are some of the Government documents where Digital Signature Certificates can be used –

• E-Tender
• ICEGATE
• DGFT For Foreign Trade
• MCA (ROC) / Income Tax / GST Filling
• Employee Provident Fund
• E-Ticketing (IRCTC)
• IPR (Trademark & Patent)
• E-Tendering/E-Procurement/E-Auction​

You could buy digital signature certificates online with a validity upto three years. (The validity is controlled by law, and you cannot buy digital signature certificates more than three years and less than One year validity)

There is no limitation on who could buy our certificates, people and organization from India and outside India can buy our certificates, provided they meet our Verification Guidelines. Please look at our list below to select an appropriate application form.

Individuals – The DSC is for Indians, who do not want their organization name to be part of the certificate. Click here

Organization – Ths DSC is for companies (any type of entity), who want their organization name to be part of DSC. 

Foreign Individuals – The DSC is for foreigners and would like to use our certificate in their name. 

Foreign Organization – The DSC is for Organizations registered outside India would like to use our Digital certificates.

Document Signer Certificate – If you intend to use our certificate for bulk signing of documents, you could use our Bulk Signer Certificates. We would offer this certificate in PFX file for Class 2 and is sold to Organizations only. 

IET Certificates – We have a special Digital Signature certificate for IEC code holders, this certificate is specifically used for DGFT portal. Click here.