What is the process of obtaining a DSC from a Certifying Authority?

• Applicants can directly approach Certifying Authorities (CAs) with original supporting documents; self-attested copies are sufficient in this case.
• DSCs can also be obtained through Aadhar eKYC-based authentication (where offered by CA), without the need for additional supporting documents.
• A letter/certificate issued by a bank containing the applicant’s information as retained in the bank database is also acceptable. This letter/certificate must be certified by the Bank Manager.

What is a Digital Signature Certificate?

• Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs) are the digital equivalent (in electronic format) of physical or paper certificates. Examples include driver’s licenses, passports, or membership cards. DSCs serve as proof of identity for a specific purpose, such as signing documents digitally or accessing information/services online.

 Why is a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) required?

• Just as physical documents are signed manually, electronic documents (such as e-forms) need to be signed digitally using a Digital Signature Certificate.

Who issues the Digital Signature Certificate?

• A licensed Certifying Authority (CA) issues the digital signature. A CA is a person or entity licensed under Section 24 of the Indian IT Act 2000 to issue digital signature certificates. A list of licensed CAs and their contact information is available on the MCA portal.

What are the different types of Digital Signature Certificates valid for the MCA21 program?

There are two main types of Digital Signature Certificates:

• Class 2: The identity of the individual is verified against a trusted, pre-verified database.
• Class 3: This is the highest level of certification, where the individual must personally present themselves before a Registration Authority (RA) and prove their identity.

What type of Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is required for e-Filing on the MCA Portal?

• Either a Class 2 or Class 3 signing certificate issued by a licensed Certifying Authority (CA) is required for e-Filing on the MCA Portal.

Is a Director Identification Number (DIN) a prerequisite for applying for a DSC?

• No, a DIN is not required to apply for a DSC.

What is the cost of obtaining a Digital Signature Certificate?

• The cost of a DSC may vary depending on the Certifying Authority and the issuing entity. It is advisable to check directly with the Certifying Authority for the exact charges.

How long does it take for Certifying Authorities to issue a DSC?

• The issuance time generally ranges from three to seven working days. In some cases, DSCs can be issued on the same day based on eKYC for Aadhaar Holders, provided all terms and conditions are met.

What is the validity period of a Digital Signature Certificate?

• Certifying Authorities can issue a DSC with a validity of one or two years.

What is the legal status of a Digital Signature?

• Digital Signatures are legally admissible in a court of law as per the provisions of the IT Act, 2000.

What are the required Internet Explorer security settings for registering a DSC for ‘User Registration’ or ‘Role Check’?

       Follow these steps:

• In Internet Explorer, go to Tools > Internet Options > Security.
• Select “Internet” and click the “Default Level” button to set Security Settings to “Medium.”
• Click the “Custom Level” button.
• Enable “Download Signed ActiveX controls.”
• Enable “Run ActiveX controls and Plugins.”
• Enable “Script ActiveX controls marked safe for scripting.”

How can I register myself as a bank official in MCA?

• The Bank Nodal Administrator is responsible for creating and updating the bank official in the MCA system, where the bank official serves as the charge holder. Upon logging into the MCA portal, the Bank Nodal Administrator will see the ‘Enter/Update Bank/Financial-institution details’ service on the left-hand side, where they can add or update bank officials.

How can I update my bank official DSC in MCA?

• Any stakeholder can update their DSC in the MCA system using the ‘Update DSC’ service available on the MCA portal. Select the ‘Update DSC for Bank Official/Nodal Administrator’ option.

How can I update my charge holder DSC in MCA?

• If the charge holder has already registered their DSC with PAN using the ‘Associate DSC’ service on the MCA portal, the new DSC can be updated using the same service. If the individual has a DIN, they should update the DSC under the director role using the same ‘Associate DSC’ service.

How do I renew my Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)?

• To renew your DSC, you will need to apply for a new certificate through your Certifying Authority (CA) before the expiration date of your current DSC. The process involves re-verifying your identity and submitting the necessary documents. Some CAs may also offer a renewal service online where you can renew your DSC quickly and easily.

Can I have multiple Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs)?

• Yes, an individual or organization can possess multiple DSCs for different purposes. For example, you may have one DSC for personal use and another for business transactions. However, it’s important to manage them properly to avoid confusion during use.

What should I do if my Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is lost or compromised?

• If your DSC is lost or you suspect it has been compromised, you should immediately report it to the Certifying Authority (CA) that issued the certificate. The CA will revoke the compromised DSC to prevent unauthorized use. You can then apply for a new DSC.

What are the key differences between Class 2 and Class 3 DSCs?

• Class 2 DSCs: These are generally used for filing documents electronically with government agencies, such as income tax returns or MCA forms. Verification is done against a database.
• Class 3 DSCs: These provide the highest level of security and are used for e-commerce and other online transactions where security is critical. The individual must physically appear before a Registration Authority (RA) for identity verification.

Can a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) be used on multiple devices?

• Yes, a DSC can be used on multiple devices, but it must be securely stored and transferred. Typically, DSCs are stored on USB tokens, which can be connected to different devices as needed. However, you should ensure the DSC is protected with a strong password to prevent unauthorized access.

What is the difference between a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) and an electronic signature?

• A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is issued by a Certifying Authority (CA) and uses encryption techniques to verify the identity of the signer and ensure the integrity of the document. An electronic signature, on the other hand, may simply be a scanned image of a handwritten signature or a typed name, and it doesn’t provide the same level of security and verification as a DSC.

Can a DSC be used for international transactions?

• Yes, a DSC can be used for international transactions, provided the DSC is recognized by the foreign party or country. Some countries have mutual recognition agreements that allow DSCs issued by recognized Certifying Authorities in one country to be accepted in another.

What is the role of a Registration Authority (RA) in the issuance of a DSC?

• A Registration Authority (RA) is an entity authorized by a Certifying Authority (CA) to facilitate the application and issuance process of DSCs. The RA verifies the identity of the applicant and forwards the verified information to the CA, which then issues the DSC.

How do I check the validity of a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)?

• The validity of a DSC can be checked by accessing the details within the certificate itself using your operating system’s certificate management tool. You can also verify the status online through the issuing Certifying Authority’s portal or using digital signature validation tools.

Can I revoke my Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) voluntarily?

• Yes, you can voluntarily revoke your DSC if you no longer require it or if you believe it has been compromised. To revoke a DSC, you need to submit a request to the Certifying Authority (CA) that issued the certificate. Once revoked, the DSC cannot be used for any further transactions.

Can I use my Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for multiple purposes?

• Yes, a single DSC can be used for multiple purposes, such as filing tax returns, signing documents, and accessing secured websites. However, depending on the usage, you might need different classes of DSCs, like Class 2 for general purposes and Class 3 for high-security transactions.

What should I do if my Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is rejected during a transaction?

• If your DSC is rejected, first ensure that the DSC is valid and not expired. Check that the certificate has been correctly installed and that the required drivers and software are up to date. If the problem persists, contact the issuing Certifying Authority (CA) for support.

Can a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) be renewed after it has expired?

• No, once a DSC has expired, it cannot be renewed. You will need to apply for a new DSC through the Certifying Authority (CA). It’s advisable to apply for a new DSC before the current one expires to avoid any disruptions in your transactions.

What is the difference between encryption and digital signatures in the context of DSCs?

• Encryption is the process of converting data into a coded format to prevent unauthorized access. In contrast, a digital signature is used to verify the authenticity of a document or message. While encryption ensures confidentiality, digital signatures ensure the integrity and authenticity of the data.

Can a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) be revoked, and what are the reasons for revocation?

• Yes, a DSC can be revoked by the issuing Certifying Authority (CA) under certain conditions, such as loss or compromise of the DSC, unauthorized use, or if the information provided during the issuance was incorrect. You can also request voluntary revocation if the DSC is no longer needed.

Is there a way to recover a lost Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)?

• If you lose your DSC, you cannot recover the same certificate. Instead, you must report the loss to the Certifying Authority (CA) and apply for a new DSC or check if reissues option is available. The lost DSC will be revoked to prevent any misuse.