How to Get a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) in India

A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is a mandatory requirement for company directors, LLP partners, and professionals who file documents on the MCA portal, Income Tax portal, GST portal, or any government e-tendering platform. It is the electronic equivalent of your handwritten signature, legally recognized under the Information Technology Act 2000, and ensures the authenticity and integrity of digitally signed documents.

Whether you are incorporating a company, filing annual returns, signing Income Tax returns, or participating in government tenders, you need a valid DSC. This guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining a DSC in India in 2026 - from understanding the types and classes to choosing a Certifying Authority, completing the application, and registering your DSC on the MCA portal.

What is a Digital Signature Certificate

A Digital Signature Certificate is a secure digital key issued by a government-approved Certifying Authority that authenticates the identity of the holder. When you digitally sign a document using your DSC, it serves three critical purposes:

• Authentication: Confirms the identity of the person signing the document
• Integrity: Ensures the document has not been altered or tampered with after signing
• Non-repudiation: The signer cannot deny having signed the document

Under Section 3 of the Information Technology Act 2000, a digital signature affixed using a valid DSC has the same legal validity as a handwritten signature on a physical document. This makes DSCs essential for paperless business and regulatory compliance in India.

Who Needs a DSC

Mandatory DSC Users

• Company directors: Every director of a Private Limited, Public Limited, OPC, or Section 8 Company needs a DSC to sign MCA forms, annual returns, and financial statements
• LLP designated partners: Every designated partner of an LLP needs a DSC for MCA filings and LLP agreement submission
• Chartered Accountants and Company Secretaries: Professionals who certify and file forms on the MCA portal on behalf of companies
• Income Tax filers: Companies and individuals filing Income Tax returns electronically (mandatory for all companies and certain individuals)
• GST registration applicants: For companies and LLPs registering for GST on the GST portal

Optional but Recommended

• Government tender participants: Required for e-tendering on platforms like GeM, CPPP, and state procurement portals
• Patent and trademark applicants: For filing applications on the Indian Patent Office portal
• Import/Export Code applicants: For filing IEC applications on the DGFT portal
• EPFO and ESIC filings: For submitting employer returns and claims

Types of DSC

USB Token DSC vs Paperless DSC

Government-Approved Certifying Authorities

Step-by-Step: How to Get a DSC

Step 1: Choose the Right DSC Type

For most business purposes in India, you need a Class 3 Signing DSC. This is sufficient for:

• MCA company incorporation (SPICe+, FiLLiP)
• MCA annual filings (AOC-4, MGT-7, Form 8, Form 11)
• Income Tax return filing
• GST registration and returns
• Director and partner appointment forms

If you need to participate in government e-tendering or require encrypted communications, choose Class 3 Signing and Encryption DSC.

Step 2: Select a Certifying Authority

Choose a Certifying Authority based on:

• Price: Compare the total cost including token (if applicable) and GST
• Processing time: Most CAs process applications within 1 to 2 days. Some offer same-day issuance
• Verification method: Aadhaar e-KYC is the fastest (instant). Video KYC takes 2 to 5 minutes. In-person verification requires a visit
• Paperless option: If you want a cloud-based DSC, verify the CA offers it
• Customer support: Choose a CA with responsive support for installation and troubleshooting issues

Step 3: Fill the Application Online

1. Visit the CA's website and navigate to the DSC application section
2. Select Class 3 Signing DSC (or Signing and Encryption if needed)
3. Choose validity period - 1 year or 2 years (2 years recommended for cost-effectiveness)
4. Choose delivery type - USB token or paperless
5. Enter your personal details: full name (exactly as per PAN card), date of birth, email address, mobile number, and address
6. Upload PAN card scan and Aadhaar card scan (or passport for foreign nationals)
7. Upload a passport-size photograph

Step 4: Complete Verification

The CA will verify your identity using one of these methods:

• Aadhaar-based e-KYC: Enter your Aadhaar number, receive an OTP on your Aadhaar-linked mobile, and verify. This is the fastest method - instant verification
• Video KYC: Schedule a short video call (2 to 5 minutes) with a CA verification agent. Show your original PAN card and Aadhaar card during the call. The agent verifies your identity and approves the application
• In-person verification: Visit the nearest authorized registration center of the CA with original documents. The agent verifies documents and approves on the spot

Step 5: Pay and Receive DSC

1. Pay the fee online through net banking, UPI, debit card, or credit card
2. For USB token DSC: the certificate is loaded on a USB crypto token and shipped to your address. Delivery takes 1 to 3 working days. You will receive the token along with the token PIN
3. For paperless DSC: the certificate is issued digitally within minutes to a few hours. You receive access credentials via email and SMS to access your DSC from the cloud portal
4. Test your DSC by signing a sample PDF document to ensure it works correctly

Step 6: Register DSC on MCA Portal

1. Log in to mca.gov.in with your MCA account credentials
2. Go to My Profile or User Settings
3. Click "Associate DSC" or "Update DSC"
4. Enter your PAN number
5. The portal prompts you to sign with the DSC
6. For USB token: insert the token and enter the PIN when prompted
7. For paperless DSC: authenticate with OTP and PIN
8. The DSC is now linked to your MCA account

DSC Pricing in 2026

Prices are inclusive of GST. The USB token cost (200 to 500 rupees) is a one-time expense - when you renew, you can reuse the same token and only pay for the certificate.

How to Renew an Expired or Expiring DSC

1. A DSC cannot be extended - you must apply for a completely new DSC
2. Visit your Certifying Authority's portal (you can choose a different CA if you wish)
3. Follow the same application process as a new DSC - fill the form, verify identity, pay, and receive
4. If using a USB token, the old certificate is replaced with the new one on the same token
5. After receiving the new DSC, update the DSC association on the MCA portal, Income Tax portal, GST portal, and all other platforms where the old DSC was registered
6. Set a reminder for renewal at least 15 days before the next expiry date

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Name mismatch between DSC and PAN: The name on your DSC must exactly match your PAN card name - including initials, middle name, and spelling. Even a minor difference (like "S. Kumar" vs "Suresh Kumar") will cause rejection when signing MCA forms. Double-check before submitting the DSC application
2. Choosing the cheapest option without checking compatibility: Some extremely low-priced DSCs from lesser-known CAs may have compatibility issues with government portals. Choose established CAs like eMudhra, Sify, or Capricorn that are widely tested with MCA and other portals
3. Not updating DSC on MCA portal after renewal: Getting a new DSC does not automatically update your MCA profile. You must log in and re-associate the new DSC on the MCA portal. Forgetting this step means you cannot sign MCA forms until the association is updated
4. Buying a 1-year DSC to save money: A 2-year DSC typically costs only 30 to 50 percent more than a 1-year DSC but lasts twice as long. The 2-year option is almost always better value. It also reduces the frequency of renewal hassles
5. Not testing the DSC immediately after receipt: Test your DSC by signing a sample document as soon as you receive it. If there is an issue, you can get it resolved while the installation details are fresh. Discovering problems months later when you urgently need to file a form creates unnecessary stress
6. Sharing DSK token PIN with others: Your DSC is your legal signature. Never share the token PIN or paperless DSC credentials with unauthorized persons. Any document signed with your DSC is legally signed by you, regardless of who actually performed the signing

Conclusion

A Digital Signature Certificate is a fundamental requirement for conducting business and regulatory compliance in India's digital economy. Whether you are a company director, LLP partner, CA, CS, or any professional who files documents with government portals, having a valid DSC is non-negotiable.

The process of getting a DSC in 2026 is straightforward and fast. Choose a reputable Certifying Authority, select a Class 3 Signing DSC with 2-year validity, complete the online application with Aadhaar-based verification, pay 800 to 2,500 rupees, and receive your DSC within 1 to 2 days. For maximum convenience, consider a paperless (cloud-based) DSC that lets you sign documents from any device.

Remember to register your DSC on the MCA portal (and other government portals you use), keep track of the expiry date, and renew well in advance. If you need help obtaining a DSC, associating it with your MCA account, or troubleshooting any technical issues, the IncorpX team can handle the entire process for you.