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Important Information

Understanding Digital Signatures

• A Digital Signature plays a vital role in various contexts such as GST and Tender bids, along with signing invoices, contracts, corporate documents, tax returns, Cersai, FIU, and UIDAI.
• It’s important to note that Digital Signature Certificates are legally binding and can only be issued by licensed Certifying Authorities.
• The process of obtaining or renewing Digital Signatures has evolved to become paper-less, providing a faster, more cost-effective, and fully online method. This convenient approach is now accessible to individuals and all types of business organizations alike.

DSC Class to buy?

• In 2021, the CCA (Certifying Authorities) simplified the available classes of DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) for purchase. Now, there is only one class of DSC to buy, which is Class-3. This class is accessible to both individuals and organizations, while the option to acquire Class-2 DSC, whether for renewals or new sales, has been discontinued.

• Class-3 DSC enjoys broad acceptance for various purposes, including Tax compliance (income tax or GST), EPFO (Employee Provident Fund Organization) processes, Director’s eKYC (Know Your Customer), registering new businesses on the MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs) portal, obtaining an Import Export Code, signing invoices on accounting software like Tally or Zoho Books, and more.

• When it comes to submitting tenders online through Government eProcurement portals, applicants are encouraged to utilize Class-3 DSC with encryption combo, especially if the Tender Information Act (TIA) requires such security measures.

Renewal of DSC?

After the Digital Signature has expired, applicants lose the ability to sign new documents. To continue signing documents, they must renew their Digital Signature. The renewal process is identical to purchasing a new Digital Signature, except there is no requirement to acquire another USB cryptographic token/dongle. The renewed Digital Signature is typically issued with a validity period of 2 to 3 years.

Seps to Buy DSC Online

1. Enter applicant name, phone, email, and make payment.
2. Receive automatic e-mail with link to open CA Portal (eMudhra or Capricorn).
3. Create KYC ID / PIN or use existing KYC ID.
4. Upload PAN Card, Proof of Address, and a passport size photo. For Class-3, additional documents must be uploaded.
5. Record Video using phone or laptop. Read statement shown on screen.
6. Certifying Authority will approve and issue Digital Signature Certificate (eMudhra or Vsign).
7. Download DSC and store on USB cryptographic token such as ePass2003-Auto.

What is USB Token/Dongle/ DSC PenDrive?

The ePass2003-Auto serves as a storage device for Digital Signatures, commonly known as a token or dongle. Its primary function is to offer secure storage, ensuring robust authentication and safeguarding sensitive data like Digital Signatures.

Distinguishing it from regular USB thumb drives, cryptographic tokens like ePass2003-Auto comply with FIPS 140-2 security standards. Additionally, ProxKey and Alladin tokens are also capable of storing Digital Signature Certificates (DSC).

With a retail price ranging from Rs. 400 to Rs. 500, ePass2003-Auto can hold multiple Digital Signature Certificates within a single USB token/dongle.

eKYC (Know your customer) for DSC

KYC stands for Know-Your-Customer. Individual applicants upload Pan Card or Aadhaar XML to complete eKYC online. The process is completed online with upload of PAN Card and one proof of address. No attestation is required. There is no need send physical documents.

Scanned Document copies to Upload

1. PAN Card (front side copy)
2. Passport size photo
3. Any One Address Proof with applicant name
• Aadhaar eKYC
• Driving License
• Voter ID
• Passport
For business and company DSC, there may be additional documents to be uploaded as part of eKYC.

Steps for e-KYC account using PAN Card

1. Online application form and complete payment
2. Open the e-mail received and click on DSC link.
3. Choose option to create e-KYC as “Pan Card Based”.
4. Enter applicant’s PAN Number and Name as in PAN Card.
5. Enter address as per proof of address.
6. Create new eKYC ID and PIN. eKYC account have 2 years validity.

Record of Video for DSC?

Open the e-mail received for video recording on your smart phone or computer.
• Record video using camera on smartphone or computer.
• Read the statement shown on screen – loud and clear.
• Show documents to camera – original PAN Card and Address Proof Applicant face must be visible in the Duration of video recording.
Video Recording has been enabled with extra 4 languages (Kannada, Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam), in addition to Hindi & English.

e-KYC XML using Aadhar Card

This secure and shareable document serves as a means for Aadhar number holders to verify their identity offline. Various service providers, such as telecom mobile companies and Digital Signature Providers, utilize the Aadhaar eKYC XML to establish the identity of individuals. The XML file encompasses essential details, including Name, Address, Photo, Gender, Date of Birth (DOB), registered Mobile Number, Email address, and other pertinent information of the resident.

Steps to Aadhaar XML file Download for eKYC

This secure and shareable document enables Aadhar Card Number holders to verify their identity offline through the following steps:
1. Access the website www.uidai.gov.in.
2. Provide either the ‘Aadhaar Number’ or ‘VID’ and enter the specified ‘Security Code’ on the screen, then click ‘Send OTP’.
3. Enter the OTP received on the registered Mobile Number associated with the given Aadhaar Number.
4. Generate a Share Code, which will serve as the password for the ZIP file, and click the ‘Download’ button.
5. Download the ZIP file containing the digitally signed XML.

DSC for Foreign Individuals

In India, citizens and residents of any foreign country have the convenient option to purchase a Digital Signature. This process is fully online, allowing applicants to upload scanned documents and receive their approved DSC through download.
Once obtained, the Digital Signature can serve various purposes, such as filing tax returns or signing official documents of India. The issuance of DSC is carried out by reputable Certifying Authorities, namely Capricorn, Vsign, and eMudhra. We are proud partners authorized to sell Vsign and eMudhra DSCs.
For foreign applicants, the entire process, including downloading the DSC and storing it on a cryptographic token/dongle, can be completed online. In some cases, for added security, the ePass2003-Auto can be sent through reliable shipping services like Bluedart , DHL etc from India.
During the video recording verification, foreign DSC applicants must present their original passport as part of the identification process. For companies, applicants are also required to provide an authorization letter and the relevant firm registration documents

DSC for Foreign Companies

Individuals hailing from countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Netherlands, and various other parts of the globe have successfully utilized www.dsignature.in as their go-to platform for purchasing Digital Signatures. These Digital Signatures enable them to sign documents related to India. Moreover, foreign business firms, upon registration, require a Class-3 Digital Signature to sign crucial Government documents, including tender submissions or official documents for Indian Railways. Embracing the paper-less process offers convenience and significantly reduces processing time, ensuring swift turnarounds.

DSC is part of Digital India Process

Over the past decade, India has undergone significant federal governance modernization. One notable addition is the implementation of Aadhaar, a unique identification system for residents.
As part of this progress, the Indian government has embraced e-Tenders as the exclusive method for procuring goods and services. This open bidding system allows all eligible individuals and organizations, in accordance with the bidding criteria, to participate in the process without any entry barriers or biases.
e-Tenders have democratized the market participation, enabling common people to supply milk to Indian Railways and offer their services to various Government agencies. These electronically submitted bids are legally binding documents, putting the bidder under a solemn obligation once accepted by the Government. To ensure the security and authenticity of these bids, a Digital Signature Certificate is employed, providing irrevocable signatures and peace of mind to all involved parties in the process.