What is Digital Signature Certificate & How to Apply it Online in 2024

In the current age of technology, where safety and genuineness are important. Thus, a Digital Signing Certificate (DSC) has become a vital instrument. These certificates function like digital identification, confirming and protecting your online activities. 

So, what are these certificates in reality? And how do they help in creating a more secure digital environment? Do not worry; this article is here to help you. All things related to digital signatures and certificates will be covered in this article. So, let’s get going.

What is the Digital Signature Certificate?

A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is a protected digital key given out by the certifying authorities (CA). This key is used to confirm and validate the certificate holder’s identity. It is the digital counterpart of tangible or paper certificates such as driving licenses or passports. 

Working of Digital Signature Certificate

A technique known as public key infrastructure (PKI) is used by digital signatures. There is a third-party verification procedure in place for these digital identities. Upon choosing to transmit a digitally signed document, the sender’s computer initially determines the document’s unique hash value. The sender’s private key is subsequently used to encrypt this hash value, resulting in the digital signature.

Sending the digitally signed document together with the original is what happens next. The sender’s public key is used by the recipient to decode the hash after receiving the document. A document is regarded as legitimate if its hash and the decrypted hash match.

Types of Digital Signature Certificates

Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs) are of three main types, each with specific needs and security levels. They are:

1. Class 1 Digital Signature Certificate 

2. Class 2 Digital Signature Certificate 

3. Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate

Characteristics & Features of Digital Signature Certificate

A Digital Signature Certificate has several characteristics and features. They are:

1. Characteristics of Digital Signature Certificate

1. Authenticity

DSCs are employed to confirm the sender’s identity. The recipient may be sure that a document was signed by the intended recipient and not by a fraudster when the sender signs it with their DSC. This is important for legal and economic transactions when the sender’s identification is critical.

2. Confidentiality

The document contains encrypted data that only the designated recipient may access. This makes sure that private data stays private and that unauthorised people can’t access it.

3. Validity Period

DSCs are valid for a specific period, typically one or two years, after which they need to be renewed. This ensures that the certificates are up-to-date and reflect the current status of the sender.

2. Features of Digital Signature Certificate

1. Encryption

DSCs use public key encryption to secure sensitive information. The sender’s private key is used to sign the document, and the recipient uses the sender’s public key to verify the signature.

2. Certificate Authority (CA)

DSCs are issued by a trusted CA. The CA verifies the applicant’s identity before issuing the certificate, ensuring that the DSC is tied to the correct individual or organisation.

3. Standard Compliance

DSCs comply with specific standards like X.509, which governs the format of public key certificates. This ensures interoperability between different systems and applications.

Importance of Digital Signature Certificate

Digital signature certificates are very important for several reasons. The reasons behind this are:

1. Legal Validity

The legal value of digital signatures is equivalent to that of handwritten and conventional paper signatures. DSCs are necessary for official procedures, legal paperwork, and internet transactions.

2. Cost Saving

Paper documents may be printed, sent, and stored for less money when digital signatures are used instead of physical ones and manual procedures. For companies trying to save operating expenses, this is a big benefit.

3. Environment Friendly

As fewer paper papers are needed, digital signatures contribute to environmental preservation. They provide a more sustainable method of doing business and aid in lowering the carbon impact.

Documents & Eligibility Required for DSC Application

Applying for a Digital Signature Certificate requires certain identity and address proof documents. The documents required may vary depending on whether the applicant is an Indian citizen, a foreign individual, or an organisation. The documents are:

1. For Indian Citizens

• Aadhaar Offline XML or PAN (Softcopy)
• Address proof (Softcopy)
• Photo (Softcopy)
• Authorisation Letter
• Identity proof
• Organisational proof
• Authorised Signatory proof

2. For Indian Organisations

• Copy of Organisational PAN Card, If GST No. not provided
• Copy of Recent Bank Statement / Bank Certificate. If GST No. not provided
• Copy of Incorporation, If GST No. not provided
• Copy of Business Registration Certificate (S&E / etc.), If GST No. not provided
• Copy of Partnership deed containing a list of Partners / Authorisation Letter, If GST No. not provided
• Proof of Authorised Signatory (List of Directors / Board Resolution / Resolution)
• Authorised Signatory ID Proof (Organisational ID Card / PAN Card / etc.)
• Copy of Applicant PAN Card

3. For Foreign Individuals and Organizations

• Attested copy of Applicant’s Passport
• A copy of the VISA with attestations (if the applicant is not in their home country)
• copy of the resident permit certificate that has been attested (if the applicant is in India)
• certified copy of any additional address proof supplied by the government
• It’s important to remember that you need to sign the documents yourself. Also, the documents you need can change depending on the Certifying Authority. 

Steps to Apply for Digital Signature Certificate

1. Online Application

• Step 1: Go to the Website
  • Start by visiting the official website of a licensed Certifying Authority.
• Step 2: Buy the Certificate
  • Look for an option that says ‘Buy Certificate’ and click on it to buy digital signature.
• Step 3: Confirm Your Identity
  • You’ll need to go through an online process that verifies who you are.
• Step 4: Pay the Fee
  • You’ll have to pay a certain fee online for the certificate.
• Step 5: Get Your Certificate
  • Once your payment is confirmed, you can download your digital signature certificate online. You can also download the digital signature certificate pdf.

2. Offline Application

• Step 1: Choose the Certificate
  • First, pick the Digital Signature and the quantity you need from the website.
• Step 2: Set Up an Account
  • You’ll need to either login or sign up on the website.
• Step 3: Decide on Payment Mode
  • You can choose to pay either online or offline.
• Step 4: Get the Application Form
  • The application form is available for download straight from the website.
• Step 5: Fill Out the Form
  • Fill in the application form and attach your recent colour passport-size photo.
• Step 6: Gather Your Documents
  • You’ll need to collect certain documents like your identity proof, PAN card, Aadhaar card, etc.
• Step 7: Submit the Form
  • Send the filled application form and the necessary documents to the Certifying Authority.
• Step 8: Wait for Verification
  • The Certifying Authority will check your documents.
• Step 9: Receive Your Certificate
  • Once your application has been checked and verified, you’ll receive your Digital Signature Certificate.

DSC Renewal Charge

DSC Renewal Charges are provided below:

DSC Renewal Process

The process of DSC renewal online is very simple. You just have to follow these simple steps to DSC renew online:

• Step 1: Select your DSC type.
• Step 2: Make payment for the DSC renewal order.
• Step 3: Submit the required documents.
• Step 4: Go through mobile & video verification.
• Step 5: It will take ten to thirty minutes to process your DSC.
• Step 6: Download your DSC with an existing USB token.

How to Download a Digital Signature Certificate?

To download a Digital Signature Certificate, follow these simple steps:

• Step 1: Certificate Application
  • Apply for a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) on a licensed Certifying Authority’s website. This will involve providing the necessary details and completing an online payment.
• Step 2: Receiving Confirmation
  • Once your application is processed, you will receive an Order ID for the Certificate, a PIN Code mentioned in the application, and a Download Key via SMS on your registered mobile number.
• Step 3: Software Installation
  • To facilitate the download of the DSC, install the required software (like Capricorn Cash Solution 3 or ePass2003) on your device.
• Step 4: Downloading the DSC
  • Visit the Certifying Authority’s website and enter your essential details such as Order ID, PIN Code, etc. Use the download key sent to your registered mobile number and click the submit button to proceed.
• Step 5: Details Verification
  • The Order ID, Applicant name, and Certificate name will be displayed on the page. Verify these system-generated details.
• Step 6: Certificate Download
  • After choosing the FIPS Token, press the “Download DSC Now” option. You will receive a download in the.pfx format for your Digital Signature Certificate on your USB token.
• Step 7: Setting a New Pin
  • To download the digital signature certificate, you need to change the pin on the USB digital signature certificate token. Use the Windows search bar to look for the installed “ePass2003 token manager.” Enter the default pin “12345678” and click the change user pin on the right navigation bar to set a new one.
• Step 8: Download Verification
  • The downloaded Certificate will appear on the ePass2003 token manager.

Certifying Authorities for Issuance of a Digital Signature Certificate

Certifying Authorities, often called CA, have received a licence to issue digital signature certificates. This license is granted under Section 24 of the IT Act 2000. These authorities can issue certificates of Class 2 or 3. In India, there are several such authorities. 

These include the National Informatics Center (NIC), IDRBT Certifying Authority, SafeScrypt CA Services, which is a part of Sify Communications Ltd., E-MUDHRA, CDAC, NSDL, Capricorn, Pantasign, IDSIGN, Verasys, XtraTrust, Care4Sign, SignX, and ProDigiSign. Each of these authorities plays a crucial role in issuing digital signature certificates.

How to Check the Validity of a Digital Signature Certificate?

To check the validity of a Digital Signature Certificate, you would need to follow a series of steps. Start by connecting your DSC USB Token to your PC.  If you haven’t installed the specific digital signature certificate token drivers in your system, you would need to do so. Once the drivers are installed, open your token manager or application. 

This will display a list of digital certificates. Select the certificate you want to check from this list and click ‘View certificate’. This will show you the details of the digital certificate, including who it was issued to, who it was issued by, and the validity of the certificate.

Rectifying Mistakes in Digital Signature Certificate

 Some of the pointers on how to rectify mistakes in a Digital Signature Certificate are:

• Contact the Certifying Authority (CA): The first step is to contact the CA that issued the DSC. They are responsible for rectifying any errors.
• Submit a Request for Rectification: You will likely need to submit a formal request for rectification. This should detail the mistakes and the corrections needed.
• Reissue of DSC: Sometimes, the CA might have to reissue the DSC after making the necessary corrections.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Digital Signature Certificate

There are several advantages and disadvantages of using a Digital Signature Certificate. Some of them are:

1. Advantages of Digital Signature Certificate

• Enhanced Security: Digital signatures provide a high level of security for online transactions. They use encryption to ensure the data is secure and cannot be tampered with.
• Usage: DSCs can be used for various purposes, such as secure email, document signing, and code signing. This makes them versatile tools in the digital world.
• Non-repudiation: Once a document has been digitally signed, the signer cannot deny it. This ensures the document’s authenticity and prevents the signer from claiming they did not.

2. Disadvantages of Digital Signature Certificate

• Dependence on the Internet: Digital signatures require an internet connection. Using digital signatures can be challenging in areas with poor or no internet connectivity.
• Risk of Private Key Exposure: If the private key of the digital signature is lost or exposed, it can lead to misuse and fraud. Therefore, it is crucial to keep the private key secure.

Final Word

Technological advancements are accompanied by an increase in internet risks. Thus, the use of Digital Signing Certificate is becoming more and more crucial for verifying identity and safeguarding online transactions. People may trust online interactions since these signatures allow them to ensure that they know who they’re interacting with and that papers don’t get altered.

People and organisations may feel secure knowing that their electronic contracts and transactions are shielded from fraud and unauthorised access when they use digital signature. These signatures enable people to securely traverse the digital world by offering fullness and realness. They are an essential instrument in this era of developing internet hazards and technological reliance because of their capacity to demonstrate the facts. Entities may execute digital transactions worry-free by investing in strong digital signature systems.

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Disclaimer

This article is solely for educational purposes. Stable Money doesn't take any responsibility for the information or claims made in the blog.