Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) are the digital equivalent /electronic format of physical or paper certificates.  It is a secure digital key that certifies the identity of the holder, issued by a Certifying Authority (CA).

It contains the identity of subscriber (name, email, country, APNIC account name and public key).

Digital certificate can be presented electronically to prove one’s identity, to access information or services on the Internet or to sign certain documents digitally.

Who issues the Digital Signature Certificate?

Certifying Authorities (CA) has been granted a license to issue a digital signature certificate under Section 24 of the Indian IT-Act 2000. One can procure Class 2 or 3 certificates from any of the certifying authorities. List of Certifying Authorities are as below:

• National Informatics Center (NIC)
• IDRBT Certifying Authority
• SafeScrypt CA Services, Sify Communications Ltd.
• E-MUDHRA

Below are the steps to buy Paper-less DSC Online

#Step 1- Enter applicant name, mobile number, email and make payment

#Step 2-  You will receive automatic e-mail with link to open CA Portal (eMudhra).

#Step 3- You need to Create KYC ID / PIN or use existing KYC ID.

#Step 4- Upload copy of PAN, Address proof and a passport size photo. For Class-3, additional documents may be required.

#Step 5- Video verification using smart phone or laptop device.

#Step 6- Certifying Authority will approve and issue Digital Signature Certificate (eMudhra or Capricorn).

#Step 7- Download DSC and store on USB cryptographic token such as ePass2003-Auto.