Digital signatures are a way of identifying yourself online. Just like passports, driving licenses and PAN cards allow you to prove your identity offline, digital signatures allow you to prove your identity online. To do this, you need a digital signature certificate so that you can digitally sign the document. If you’re wondering how to get a digital signature certificate, what it is, or why you need it, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about digital signature certificates.
Are digital signatures the same as electronic signatures?
No, digital signatures are different. Electronic signatures are not encrypted and can be as simple as you emailing your CA or fund manager “I accept”. The digital signature needs to be encrypted and contain information about your identity, which can be used to access sensitive personal information such as your account on the Income Tax Department website.
Where can I use a digital signature certificate?
Digital signature certificates are very useful in India as digitally signed documents are accepted by various government agencies and can also be admissible in courts. You can use digital signature certificates to electronically file income tax returns, Registrar of Companies e-filing, online auctions such as e-tendering, and sign documents such as PDFs.
If you have a digital signature certificate, there is no need to send a signed hard copy of the document. This will save you a lot of time, not to mention the energy required to sign multiple documents. Thanks to the encryption technology used in these certificates, you can also ensure that the person or company receiving the documents knows that the documents are authentic.
What are the different categories of digital signature certificates?
Digital signature certificates are divided into three categories, and their functions are as follows:
- Category 1: An individual’s name and email address can be verified. This is not suitable for corporate use.
- Type 2: Type 2 digital signature certificates verify an individual’s identity against a pre-verified trusted database. This is the document required by a company or trust to file a tax return.
- Level 3: This is the highest and most secure digital signature certificate available in India. In order to obtain this information, a person needs to appear before a registration authority to prove his or her identity. This category is required for those who want to participate in online auctions or bid.
How to get a digital signature certificate in India?
The Director of Certification Authorities (CCA) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has authorized certain certification authorities to issue digital signature certificates. You can find a full list of licensed certification bodies on the CCA website. There are different categories of digital signature certificates, and not all of these certificates may be issued by all licensed certification authorities. As of May 2018, the various types of digital signature certificates provided by authorized certification agencies are as follows.
Services provided by a licensed certification body. source
How long is a digital signature certificate valid for?
There are different types of digital signature certificates available, and when getting a digital signature certificate, you can also choose the validity period. Currently, you can purchase digital signature certificates that are valid for up to three years, and for a minimum of one year.
How much does it cost to get a digital signature certificate?
Certification bodies in India generally do not sell Level 1 certificates. The reason may be because Type 2 and 3 certificates are most commonly used on government portals, while Type 1 certificates don’t verify anything except your name and email address. The price of digital signature certificates varies from provider to provider, you can check the prices of each provider yourself. We checked Emudhra and their website provides digital signature certificates for Rs. 899 Rs 5,999 depending on the course, duration and type of certificate you require.
Does anyone provide free digital signature certificate in India?
If you are willing to buy a USB token to store your digital signature certificate (which costs around Rs 750), then you can even get it for free through websites like Free DSC.
What documents are required to obtain a digital signature certificate?
For Class 2 and Class 3 digital signature certificates, the required documents are certified copy Proof of identity and address. You need to have these documents certified by a gazetted officer or bank manager. Proof of identity includes documents such as passport, PAN card, driving license or other government-issued ID. You can check with your certifying agency to confirm.
Proof of address includes documents such as latest phone bill, electricity or water bill or voter ID card, passport etc. These documents vary from company to company and it is best to double check with your certifying agency before proceeding.
How long does it take to get a digital signature certificate in India?
In India, most certification authorities take three to seven working days to issue a digital signature certificate.
Where do I store my digital signature certificate?
Digital signature certificates are soft copies that can be stored on your computer. Alternatively, you can purchase a USB token to store these certificates, which is considered more secure. Please note that if you delete this certificate or lose the USB token, it cannot be recovered. You must revoke the digital signature certificate and apply for a new digital signature certificate.
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