Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) Online in India
Get your Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate from a government-licensed Certifying Authority, on a new FIPS 140-3 USB token, without visiting any office. Use it for MCA and ROC filings, company ITR, GST, e-tenders, DGFT, EPFO and trademark filings. We handle the eKYC, video verification and token setup for you.
- Class 3: signing, encryption or combo
- FIPS 140-3 USB token included
- Aadhaar / PAN eKYC, no paperwork
- Remote installation & portal setup help
What is a Digital Signature Certificate?
A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is the electronic equivalent of your signature and ID proof. It is issued by a Certifying Authority (CA) licensed by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and is legally valid for signing electronic documents and government filings.
A DSC contains your name, a unique key pair and details of the Certifying Authority that verified you. It is stored on a secure, password-protected USB token. When you sign a form on a government portal, the token proves that it was really you who signed and that the document hasn't been changed since.
Today, only Class 3 DSCs are issued in India: Class 2 certificates were discontinued from 1 January 2021. A Class 3 DSC is needed for MCA and ROC filings, company income tax returns, GST for companies and LLPs, e-tenders, DGFT and many other online services.
Directors, designated partners, authorised signatories, CAs, CSs, exporters and anyone who bids on tenders usually need one. If you are starting a Private Limited Company or an LLP, every director or partner needs a DSC first.
Types of Class 3 Digital Signature Certificates
Two choices decide the right DSC: who it is issued to, and what it does.
Individual DSC
Issued in a person's own name. Used by directors, partners, professionals and individuals for MCA, income tax, GST and other filings.
Organisation DSC
Issued to an authorised person on behalf of a company, LLP, firm or trust. Shows both the person's and the organisation's name.
DGFT DSC
For importers and exporters. Linked to your Import Export Code (IEC) for signing applications on the DGFT portal.
Foreign national DSC
For foreign citizens and NRIs, such as foreign directors of Indian companies, verified with passport-based documents.
Signing
Signs documents and forms. This is what most people need for MCA, ITR, GST, EPFO and IP India filings.
Signing + Encryption (Combo)
Adds an encryption certificate to protect confidential data. Required by most e-tender and e-procurement portals.
Where you need a Digital Signature Certificate
A Class 3 DSC works across all these portals. Register it once on each portal you use.
- MCA & ROC filingsCompany and LLP incorporation, annual returns, director and auditor changes. Every director and designated partner signs with a DSC.
- Income taxCompanies must sign their ITR with a DSC, and CAs upload tax audit reports with theirs. Individuals can also use a DSC to e-verify.
- GSTCompanies and LLPs must use a DSC for GST registration, returns and refunds. Others can use Aadhaar OTP instead.
- e-Tenders & e-procurementCentral (CPPP), state, PSU and railway tender portals need a Class 3 signing + encryption (combo) DSC.
- DGFT & ICEGATEImport Export Code applications, licences and export incentives, and customs ICEGATE registration.
- EPFOEmployers approve employee KYC and other requests on the EPFO employer portal using the authorised signatory's DSC (or Aadhaar eSign).
- Trademark & patent filingOnline filings with IP India are signed with a DSC by the applicant or the attorney.
- Contracts & documentsSign PDFs, invoices and agreements digitally with a legally valid signature.
Which DSC do I need?
Pick by what you'll use it for. Not sure? Ask us on WhatsApp and we'll tell you in a minute.
| You need it for | Recommended DSC | Issued to |
|---|---|---|
| Company / LLP registration and MCA filings | Class 3 Signing | Each director / partner (individual) |
| Company ITR, GST for companies & LLPs | Class 3 Signing | Director / authorised signatory |
| Income tax e-verification, EPFO, IP India | Class 3 Signing | Individual or authorised signatory |
| Bidding on e-tenders | Class 3 Signing + Encryption (Combo) | As the tender asks: individual or organisation |
| Signing documents for your company | Class 3 Organisation Signing | Authorised person, with organisation name |
| DGFT portal (IEC holders) | DGFT DSC | Authorised person of the IEC holder |
| Foreign director of an Indian company | Foreign national DSC | The foreign individual |
Digital Signature Certificate price
One fixed price for the certificate, a new FIPS 140-3 USB token, verification help and installation support. No hidden charges.
Signing DSC
For directors, partners and professionals: MCA, ITR, GST, EPFO and IP India.
₹1,499₹2,499+ GST · token included
- Class 3 individual signing certificate
- 2-year validity
- New FIPS 140-3 USB token
- Paperless Aadhaar / PAN eKYC
- Video verification support
- Remote installation & portal setup help
- Encryption certificate (for e-tenders)
Combo DSC
Signing + encryption, for bidding on e-tenders and e-procurement portals.
₹2,199₹3,499+ GST · token included
- Everything in Signing DSC, plus:
- Class 3 encryption certificate
- Accepted on CPPP, state and PSU tender portals
- Tender portal registration guidance
DGFT DSC
For importers and exporters signing on the DGFT portal with their IEC.
₹2,799₹3,999+ GST · token included
- Class 3 DGFT certificate linked to your IEC
- 2-year validity
- New FIPS 140-3 USB token
- Organisation document verification help
- DGFT portal DSC registration help
- ICEGATE registration guidance
GST at 18% applies. Prices are per person, per certificate. Already have a FIPS 140-3 token? Deduct the token price. Need more years, an organisation DSC or several directors? Use the calculator below.
DSC price calculator
Choose the type, validity and number of people. The price updates instantly, including the token and GST.
Total price
₹0 incl. GST
Price includes the Certifying Authority's certificate fee and our service. Issuance is subject to successful eKYC and video verification by the Certifying Authority.
Documents required for a DSC
For Indians, the process is paperless: your Aadhaar or PAN details are verified online, and you record a short video.
Individual
- PAN card (linked with Aadhaar)
- Aadhaar number, with mobile linked for OTP
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Your own mobile number and email ID
- A phone or laptop with a camera for the video
Organisation / DGFT
- All individual documents of the authorised person
- Organisation's PAN
- Incorporation certificate, partnership deed or GST certificate
- Authorisation letter or board resolution, signed by a director or partner
- IEC certificate (for a DGFT DSC)
Foreign national
- Passport (with visa or residence permit, if applicable)
- Proof of address in your country
- Copies notarised or apostilled as the Certifying Authority requires
- Recent photograph, email ID and mobile number
- Video verification on a video call
Tip: the Certifying Authority sends OTPs to your own mobile and email, and you must appear in the verification video yourself. A DSC can't be applied for using someone else's phone or email.
How to get a Digital Signature Certificate online
Fully online. Most DSCs are issued within a few hours of verification.
Choose your DSC5 minutes
Tell us what you need it for. We confirm the right type and validity, and you pay the fixed price.
eKYC & application10 minutes
We start your application with the Certifying Authority. You complete Aadhaar or PAN eKYC and verify your mobile and email with OTPs.
Video verification2 minutes
You record a short video on your phone or laptop, showing your face and reading out the code on screen, as required by CCA rules.
Approval by the Certifying AuthorityUsually a few hours
The CA checks your details and video and approves the certificate. Organisation and foreign DSCs may take longer for document checks.
Token & downloadSame or next day
Your FIPS 140-3 USB token is couriered to you (or collected), and we help you download the DSC onto it and set your PIN, over a remote session.
Register on portalsOptional
We help you register the DSC on MCA, income tax, GST and other portals, and install the signing utility each one needs.
Timelines depend on the Certifying Authority's checks and token delivery to your location.
USB token and the new FIPS 140-3 rule
Your DSC lives on a secure USB token. The rules for these tokens changed in September 2026.
What changed: following the CCA's move from FIPS 140-2 to FIPS 140-3 cryptographic devices, Certifying Authorities issue new DSCs only on FIPS 140-3 tokens from 21 September 2026. DSCs already on older tokens keep working until they expire. If a new token doesn't sign on the GST portal, update to emSigner v3.3 as advised by GSTN.
- IncludedNew FIPS 140-3 token with every planSo your DSC meets the current rules and works with all major portals.
- Have a token?Reuse a FIPS 140-3 tokenIf your token is already FIPS 140-3, we can issue your new DSC on it and you don't pay for a token.
- Older tokenFIPS 140-2 tokensCan't be used for new or renewed DSCs. Your existing DSC on it stays valid until it expires.
- Keep it safeOne token, your PINNever share your token PIN. Several wrong PIN attempts lock the token.
DSC vs Aadhaar eSign
Both are legally valid electronic signatures under the IT Act, but they work differently and are accepted in different places.
| Feature | DSC (Class 3) | Aadhaar eSign |
|---|---|---|
| How you sign | USB token + PIN | Aadhaar OTP for each signature |
| Validity | 1, 2 or 3 years | One-time, per document |
| Device | USB token on a computer | Any device, no token |
| MCA / ROC forms | Required | Not accepted for MCA forms |
| GST for companies & LLPs | Required | Not accepted |
| e-Tenders | Required (combo) | Generally not accepted |
| Best for | Directors, businesses, professionals | Individuals signing occasional documents |
After you get your DSC
A few one-time steps, and one date to remember.
- Day 1Install the token driverInstall the driver for your token and the signing utility for each portal (for example emSigner on GST).
- Day 1Register your DSC on portalsAssociate it with your DIN on MCA, and register it on the income tax and GST portals and any tender portal you use.
- OngoingKeep the token safeStore it securely and never share the PIN. Signing with your DSC is legally the same as your signature.
- If lostRevoke immediatelyIf the token is lost or misused, ask us to revoke the certificate and get a new one.
- Before expiryGet a new DSCA DSC can't be extended. Apply for a new one a week or two before expiry so your filings aren't held up.
- After renewalUpdate the portalsRegister the new DSC on each portal again, as the old one stops working on expiry.
More than a DSC: Start, Build and Grow with one team
Your DSC is usually the first step. We help with what comes next.
Register & stay compliant
Company, LLP and OPC registration, GST, trademark, accounting and ROC filings, all at fixed prices.
Company registrationGet your business online
Professional website, .in domain, business email and Google Business Profile, so customers can find and trust you.
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WhatsApp Business API, bulk SMS, cloud telephony, SEO and ads to grow sales from day one.
WhatsApp APIDigital Signature Certificate: frequently asked questions
What is a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)?+
A DSC is an electronic certificate that proves your identity online and lets you sign documents and government forms digitally. It is issued by a Certifying Authority licensed by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and is stored on a password-protected USB token.
Which class of DSC do I need?+
Class 3. Class 2 DSCs were discontinued from 1 January 2021, so all new DSCs for MCA, income tax, GST, e-tenders and other portals are Class 3. Choose signing for filings, or signing + encryption (combo) if you bid on e-tenders.
What is the difference between a signing, encryption and combo DSC?+
A signing DSC is used to sign forms and documents, and is enough for MCA, ITR, GST, EPFO and IP India. An encryption DSC protects confidential data, such as tender bids. A combo DSC contains both and is required by most e-tender and e-procurement portals.
What is the price of a DSC?+
Our Class 3 individual signing DSC with a FIPS 140-3 USB token starts at ₹1,299 + GST for 1 year, and ₹1,499 + GST for 2 years. Combo, organisation, DGFT and foreign national DSCs cost more. Use the calculator on this page for the exact price.
How long does it take to get a DSC?+
Usually the same day. Once your eKYC and video verification are done, the Certifying Authority typically approves the certificate within a few hours. Organisation and foreign national DSCs can take longer because documents are checked manually. Token delivery depends on your location.
Is the DSC process paperless?+
Yes, for Indian applicants. Your identity is verified through Aadhaar or PAN eKYC, OTPs to your own mobile and email, and a short video recording. Organisation and foreign national DSCs also need supporting documents.
What is the validity of a DSC?+
A Class 3 DSC can be issued for 1, 2 or 3 years (we offer DGFT and foreign national DSCs for 1 or 2 years). A DSC can't be extended: before it expires, you apply for a new one and register it on your portals again.
Can I use my old USB token for a new DSC?+
Only if it is a FIPS 140-3 token. Following the CCA's move to FIPS 140-3, Certifying Authorities issue new and renewed DSCs only on FIPS 140-3 tokens from 21 September 2026. Older FIPS 140-2 tokens can't be used for new DSCs, but a DSC already on one keeps working until it expires.
Will my existing DSC stop working because of the FIPS 140-3 change?+
No. A DSC already on an older token remains valid until its expiry date. For new tokens on the GST portal, GSTN advises installing emSigner v3.3.
Can one DSC be used for several companies?+
Yes. An individual DSC belongs to the person, so a director can use the same DSC for all the companies and LLPs where they are a director or partner. An organisation DSC is tied to the organisation named in it.
Do I need a DSC to file my income tax return?+
Companies must sign their ITR with a DSC, and CAs upload tax audit reports using their own DSC. Most individuals can e-verify their return with an Aadhaar OTP or net banking instead, though a DSC can also be used.
Is a DSC mandatory for GST?+
Companies and LLPs must use a DSC to sign GST registration applications, returns and refund claims. Proprietors, partnership firms and others can sign using an Aadhaar OTP (EVC) instead.
Which DSC do I need for e-tendering?+
A Class 3 signing + encryption (combo) DSC. Check the tender document for whether it should be in an individual's name or the organisation's name. Our Combo DSC plan includes tender portal registration guidance.
Can a foreign national or NRI get a DSC?+
Yes. Foreign nationals, such as foreign directors of Indian companies, can get a Class 3 DSC using their passport and proof of address. Documents may need to be notarised or apostilled, and video verification is still required.
What documents are needed for an organisation DSC?+
The authorised person's PAN, Aadhaar and photo, the organisation's PAN, its incorporation certificate, partnership deed or GST certificate, and an authorisation letter or board resolution. A DGFT DSC also needs the IEC certificate.
What if I lose my token or forget the PIN?+
If the token is lost, ask us to revoke the certificate straight away and get a new DSC. Several wrong PIN attempts lock the token; it can sometimes be unlocked with the token's admin PIN, otherwise a new DSC is needed.
Need a DSC today?
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Disclaimer: IBACT Digital (IBACT Innovations Pvt Ltd) is a private consultancy, not a government body or a Certifying Authority. Digital Signature Certificates are issued by Certifying Authorities licensed by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA), subject to their verification. Information on this page is for general guidance and is based on rules as of October 2026.