Go paperless! Secure your e-docs with a digital signature. Download our guide & learn what IDs you need to apply.

Overview:

Certifying authorities issue a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), a secure key validating the holder’s identity. It’s now a statutory documents required for Digital Signature form submission to the Government of India.

To obtain a DSC, applicants submit necessary documents. Document requirements vary by applicant type. This article details the comprehensive list of documents needed for a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) in India.

Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

A digital equivalent of a physical signature, used for authenticating electronic documents and transactions.Issued by Certifying Authorities (CAs), trusted entities that verify identities and bind them to digital certificates.

It Ensures:

• Authenticity: Verifies the signer’s identity.
• Integrity: Protects document content from unauthorised modifications.
• Non-repudiation: Prevents signers from denying their signatures.

Forget pen and paper! A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is your secure online identity, just like a signature for emails and documents. It’s essential for official tasks like company registration, GST, trademarks, taxes, and tenders, making everything faster and safer.

Documents Required for Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

To obtain a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) in India, the required documents may vary based on the applicant type. Generally, the following documents are commonly needed:

1. Proof of Identity:
   • Passport
   • PAN Card
   • Aadhar Card
   • Voter ID
   • Driving License
2. Proof of Address:
   • Passport
   • Aadhar Card
   • Voter ID
   • Driving License
   • Utility bills (electricity, water, or gas)
3. Passport-size Photographs:
   • Recent passport-size photographs of the applicant.
4. Organisation’s Incorporation Certificate (for Organizations):
   • Certificate of Incorporation for companies
   • Partnership Deed for partnerships
   • Registration Certificate for LLPs
5. Authorisation Letter (if applicable):
   • In case the applicant is applying through an authorised representative, an authorization letter is required.
6. Business Registration Proof (for Business Entities):
   • GST Registration Certificate
   • Shop and Establishment Certificate
7. Digital Signature Application Form:
   • Duly filled and signed application form for the Digital Signature Certificate.
8. Email Address and Phone Number:
   • The applicant’s active email address and mobile number for communication.

Applicant Type	Document Category	Required Documents
Indian Nationals (Individuals)	Identity Proof	* Aadhaar Card (eKYC Service) * Passport * PAN Card * Driving License * Post Office ID Card * Bank Account Passbook with photo and attestation * Any Government-issued photo ID card with signature * Photo ID card issued by MHA or State Governments
	Address Proof	* Aadhaar Card (eKYC Service) * Telephone Bill * Voter ID Card * Driving License (DL)/Registration Certificate (RC) * Water Bill (not older than 2 months) * Electricity Bill (not older than 2 months) * Latest Bank Statement (not older than 2 months) * GST registration certificate * Property Tax or Municipal Corporation Receipt * Any Government-issued photo ID with name and address
Indian Organisations	Company	* Copy of Organisational PAN Card (if GST number not provided) * Copy of Recent Bank Statement/Bank Certificate (if GST number not provided) * Copy of Incorporation (if GST number not provided) * Proof of Authorised Signatory (List of Directors/Board Resolution) * Authorised Signatory ID Proof (Organisational ID Card/PAN Card) * Copy of Applicant PAN Card
	Partnership Firm	* Copy of Organisational PAN Card (if GST number not provided) * Copy of Recent Bank Statement/Bank Certificate (if GST number not provided) * Copy of Partnership Deed/Authorization Letter * Authorised Signatory ID Proof (Organisational ID Card/PAN Card) * Copy of Applicant PAN Card
	Proprietorship	* Copy of Recent Bank Statement/Bank Certificate (if GST Number not provided) * Copy of Business Registration Certificate (Shop and Establishment) * Authorised Signatory ID Proof (Organisational ID Card/PAN Card) * Copy of Applicant PAN Card
	AOP/BOI	* Copy of Organisational PAN Card (if GST number not provided) * Copy of Recent Bank Statement/Bank Certificate (if GST number not provided) * Copy of Incorporation (if GST number not provided) * Proof of Authorised Signatory (List of Directors/Board Resolution) * Authorised Signatory ID Proof (Organisational ID Card/PAN Card) * Copy of Applicant PAN Card
	LLP	* Copy of Organisational PAN Card (if GST number not provided) * Copy of Recent Bank Statement/Bank Certificate (if GST number not provided) * Copy of Incorporation (if GST number not provided) * Proof of Authorised Signatory (List of Directors/Board Resolution) * Authorised Signatory ID Proof (Organisational ID Card/PAN Card) * Copy of Applicant PAN Card
	NGO/Trust	* Copy of Organisational PAN Card (if GST number not provided) * Copy of Recent Bank Statement/Bank Certificate (if GST number not provided) * Copy of Incorporation (if GST number not provided) * Proof of Authorised Signatory (List of Directors/Board Resolution) * Authorised Signatory ID Proof (Organisational ID Card/PAN Card) * Copy of Applicant PAN Card
Foreign Nationals	Identity Proof	* Attested copy of Applicant Passport * Attested copy of VISA (if out of native country) * Attested copy of Resident Permit certificate (if in India)
	Address Proof	* Attested copy of Applicant Passport * Attested copy of any other Government-issued Address Proof
Foreign Organisations	Identity Proof	* Attested copy of Applicant Passport * Attested copy of VISA (if out of native country) * Attested copy of Resident Permit certificate (if in India)
	Address Proof	* Attested copy of Applicant Passport * Attested copy of any other Government-issued Address Proof

Foreign Applicants

To ensure the authenticity of your identity and address, foreign nationals must have their documents verified through one of these processes:

• Embassy of Native Country: If you’re not an Indian citizen, seek verification from your home country’s embassy in India.
• Apostille (Hague Convention Countries): If your country is part of the Hague Convention, get an apostille from your native country’s authorities after obtaining a public notary’s certification.
• Consularization (Non-Hague Convention Countries): If your country isn’t part of the Hague Convention, seek consultation from your native country’s authorities, also after obtaining a public notary’s certification.

Please note that:

• • Signature: Sign using blue ink only, matching your signature on your identity proof.
  • Photo: Sign your photo on the application form.
  • Document Attestation: Get supporting documents attested by a Gazetted Officer, Bank Manager, or Postmaster.
  • Attesting Officer Verification: Provide either:
    • Contact details of the attesting officer (name, designation, office address, contact number) as part of the attestation, or separately attested by the applicant or attesting officer.
    • A self-attested copy of the attesting officer’s organisational identity card.
  • Organisational Documents: These can be attested by an authorised signatory. If not, provide an attested copy of the authorised signatory’s organisational ID card.

FAQs

What documents are required for a digital signature?

The required documents differ slightly depending on whether you're an individual or an organisation applying for a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). Here's a breakdown:

• Individuals:
  ● Identity Proof: Aadhaar (eKYC), Passport, PAN Card, Driving License, Voter ID, Bank Passbook with photo and signed by bank official, Government-issued photo ID with signature, etc.
  ● Address Proof: Aadhaar (eKYC), Telephone Bill, Voter ID, Driving License/Registration Certificate, Water Bill (not older than 2 months), Electricity Bill (not older than 2 months), Latest Bank Statement signed by bank (not older than 2 months), Property Tax Receipt, etc.
• Organisations:
  ● Company: PAN Card, Bank Statement/Bank Certificate (optional if GST number provided), Incorporation Document (optional if GST number provided), Proof of Authorised Signatory (Board Resolution), Authorised Signatory ID (Organisational ID/PAN), Applicant PAN Card.
  ● Partnership Firm: PAN Card, Bank Statement/Bank Certificate (optional if GST number provided), Partnership Deed/Authorization Letter, Authorised Signatory ID (Organisational ID/PAN), Applicant PAN Card.
  ● Proprietorship: Bank Statement/Bank Certificate (optional if GST number provided), Business Registration Certificate, Authorised Signatory ID (Organisational ID/PAN), Applicant PAN Card.

What do you need for a digital signature?

To obtain a DSC, you'll need: Required documents: As listed above. Internet connection: For online application and document submission. Fees: Payment varies depending on the class of DSC and chosen Certifying Authority (CA).

What is a digital signature and its requirements?

A digital signature is like a secure electronic fingerprint for documents. It verifies your identity and ensures document integrity, preventing unauthorised edits. It's often mandatory for legal transactions like government filings, e-tenders, and e-contracts.

How are documents digitally signed?

● Signatory creates a private key: A unique code kept secret by you.
● Document undergoes hashing: Its content is converted into a unique digital fingerprint.
● Signature generation: Your private key encrypts the document's fingerprint.
● Signature attached: The encrypted fingerprint is attached to the document.

Can I get a DSC without a PAN card?

Yes, individuals can get a Class 1 DSC without a PAN card. However, a PAN card is mandatory for Class 2 and 3 DSCs, along with most legally binding transactions requiring a DSC.

What are the requirements for a digital signature in India?

The requirements mentioned above for Indian nationals and organisations are specific to India. The process and documents slightly differ for foreign applicants, usually involving verification procedures like embassy attestation or apostille.