Digital Signature Certificate-Class 3 DSC

In the digital era, security and authenticity of documents are of utmost importance. A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is an essential tool for securing online transactions, filing government forms, and verifying identities. Class 3 DSC is the highest level of DSC, offering the highest level of security and is mainly used for e-tendering, e-procurement, and other high-assurance transactions.

This blog will provide a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to register for a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) in India, including its benefits, requirements, and registration process.

What is a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate?

A Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) offers the highest level of security and trust for digital transactions. It is issued only after the applicant's identity is verified, ensuring maximum authenticity. In India, Class 1 and Class 2 DSCs have been discontinued, making Class 3 DSC mandatory for individuals and organizations needing secure document signing and online authentication. It is used by individuals and organizations to authenticate their identity in various government and private sector applications, such as:

• E-Tendering and E-Procurement: A class 3 DSC helps individuals and organizations securely authenticate their identity for e-Tendering and e-Procurement, ensuring safe, tamper-proof bidding and legally valid submissions in both government and private sector contracts.
• E-Filing of Income Tax Returns: It ensures fast, paperless, and legally valid submissions with enhanced security and compliance.
• GST Registration and Filing: A class 3 DSC guarantees secure authentication for GST registration and filing, making tax compliance seamless, paperless, and legally valid.
• Trademark and Patent Filing: It guarantees legally valid, tamper-proof submissions while streamlining the registration process for individuals and businesses.
• Company Registration (MCA e-filing): A Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) ensures secure authentication for company registration (MCA e-filing). It allows seamless, legally valid, and paperless business incorporation.
• E-Bidding and Online Auctions: It provides secure and legally valid participation in e-bidding and online auctions, protecting bidders' identities and preventing fraud in high-value digital transactions.
• Bank Transactions and Other Legal Documentation: A class 3 DSC provides authenticity to bank transactions and legal documentation. It allows tamper-proof, legally valid, and seamless digital approvals for individuals and organizations.

Benefits of Class 3 DSC

Here are several benefits of Class 3 DSC:

• Enhanced Security: It prevents forgery, identity theft, and unauthorized access. It offers the highest level of security, ensuring strong identity verification and encryption. They provide trusted authentication, protecting digital transactions and documents from fraud, tampering, and unauthorized access.
• Legally Valid: It is legally recognized under the Information Technology Act, 2000. A Class 3 DSC guarantees top-level security and authentication for online transactions, offering the same legal validity and trust as a handwritten signature, but in a faster, paperless, and more secure digital format.
• Saves Time: A Class 3 DSC plays a crucial role in saving time by reducing the need for physical paperwork and speeds up online transactions.
• Convenient for Online Processes: Mandatory for government-related processes like tender bidding. Thus, it contributes to the highest level of security and identity verification of a person. 
• Multi-Purpose Usage: A Class 3 DSC be used by individuals and organizations for multiple legal and financial transactions.
• Data Protection: It safeguards digital documents and transactions by using strong encryption and verification, ensuring their authenticity and integrity while preventing fraud or unauthorized alterations.
• Non-Repudiation: A Class 3 DSC ensures accountability by serving as undeniable proof of a user's consent, preventing them from disputing their involvement in a digital transaction.

Documents Required for Class 3 DSC Registration

Here are the following documents are required to apply for a Class 3 DSC:

For Individuals:

1. Identity Proof
   • PAN Card
   • Aadhaar Card
   • Passport
   • Voter ID
   • Driving License
2. Address Proof
   • Aadhaar Card
   • Passport
   • Utility Bill (Electricity, Water, Telephone) – not older than 3 months
   • Bank Statement (with address) – not older than 3 months
3. Passport-sized Photograph
4. Email ID and Mobile Number (for OTP verification)

For Organizations/Firms:

1. Organization’s PAN Card
2. Certificate of Incorporation (for companies)
3. GST Registration Certificate
4. Memorandum of Association (MOA) & Articles of Association (AOA) (for Private Limited & Public Companies)
5. Partnership Deed (for Partnership firms & LLPs)
6. Authorization Letter from the Organization
7. Identity and Address Proof of the Authorized Signatory

Some extra documents may be required during DSC class-3 registration. Contact the experts of Online Legal India to learn them.

Step-by-Step Process to Register for a Class 3 DSC

Step 1: Select the DSC Type

To register for a Class 3 DSC, You must select the “Class 3” option on the registration page

Step 2: Choose a Certifying Authority (CA)

A Certifying Authority (CA) is an entity authorized by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) to issue DSCs in India. Some of the well-known CAs include:

• eMudhra
• Sify Safescrypt
• NSDL
• Capricorn CA
• Vsign
• NIC

You must visit one of the official websites of the chosen CA (Certifying Authority) to start the registration process.

Step 3: Fill out the Application Form

You must fill out the Class 3 DSC application form from the selected CA’s website and provide the required details. It includes:

• Applicant Name
• Contact Details (Email and Mobile)
• PAN Number
• Type of DSC (Individual or Organization)
• Validity Period
• Address Details
• Proof of Identity and Address
• GST number
• Declaration
• Attestation officer details
• Payment details

Step 4: Submit Documents and Payment

Next, you must upload or submit the required documents as per the CA’s guidelines. Pay the applicable fees for the DSC, which may vary based on validity and the certifying authority.

Step 5: Complete Verification Process

To complete the verification process, Class 3 DSC requires identity verification, which includes:

1. Video Verification: The applicant must record and upload a short video, stating their name, application ID, and other required details along with showing original documents.
2. Mobile & Email Verification: OTP authentication is required via registered mobile and email ID.
3. Physical Verification (if required): Some CAs require applicants to visit their nearest office for document verification.

Step 6: Approval and DSC Issuance

Once the verification process is completed successfully, the DSC is issued and sent to the applicant. You can download the DSC from the CA’s website using a secure password.

Step 7: Install and Use the DSC

After receiving the DSC, install it on your computer by following these steps:

1. Download the DSC Token Software provided by the CA.
2. Insert the USB Token (if applicable) and install the required drivers.
3. Access the DSC Certificate using the provided credentials.

You can use class 3 DSC to use for e-filing, e-tendering, and other online transactions.

Cost of Class 3 DSC

The cost of a Class 3 DSC varies depending on the licensed certifying authority (Ca) and the validity period. Organizational DSCs may have additional costs based on documentation requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Class 3 DSC

To apply for Class 3 DSC, you must avoid some common mistakes:

• Providing Incorrect or Incomplete Information: It is one of the most frequent mistakes is entering incorrect details such as name, email, mobile number, and other required details. If you have made common mistakes, it can cause unnecessary delays. You must double-check your details and provide supporting documents such as a PAN card, Aadhaar card, Passport, and so on.
• Not Uploading Clear and Valid Documents: It can be a mistake of uploading Blurry or unreadable scanned copies of your ID proof, address proof, and other required details which can lead to rejection. You must be aware of uploading valid documents. Always try to upload clear, high-resolution copies in the specified format (PDF, JPEG, etc.) and make sure your documents remain valid.
• Ignoring Signature and Photo Guidelines: In most cases, some applicants fail to sign in the correct format or upload a photograph that does not meet the required specifications. To avoid this mistake, you must sign in blue or black ink on plain white paper scan it properly, and make sure your photograph meets the size and clarity requirements.
• Using an Inactive or Unregistered Mobile Number/Email: You must use your registered mobile number and email ID for the verification of OTP and approval details instead of using an inactive or Unregistered Mobile Number and Email ID.
• Skipping Video Verification (If required): Some DSC providers require video verification for identity confirmation. You must complete this step on time, follow the instructions, and have a good internet connection to avoid issues.
• Choosing the Wrong Type of DSC: In most cases, some person fails to choose the wrong type of DSC. Class 3 DSC is mainly used for e-tendering, e-auctions, and legal transactions. You must make sure that this is the correct type for your needs. If you are unsure about it, you must consult your DSC provider before applying.
• Not Verifying the DSC Provider: To avoid this mistake, you must avoid unverified third-party agents who might issue fake or non-compliant certificates. You must apply through a government-recognized Certifying Authority (CA) or their authorized resellers.
• Ignoring the Validity Period: Class 3 DSCs remain valid for 1 to 3 years, depending on the user’s choice during the application process. You must renew before its expiry to avoid disruptions in work.
• Not Keeping a Backup of the DSC: If you are not keeping a backup of the DSC, you can lose access which may require reissuance, which can be time-consuming. Once issued, you must save the DSC file securely in multiple locations (USB, secure cloud storage).
• Using Incorrect Browsers or System Settings: Some registration portals require specific browsers. You must use the correct browsers or system settings before applying to prevent technical errors.

Conclusion

A Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate is a crucial tool for secure online transactions and legal compliance in India. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily apply for and register a Class 3 DSC for personal or business use. Ensure you select a trusted certifying authority (CA), provide accurate details, and complete the verification process smoothly. In this article, you have learned how to register for a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).

If you have any doubts regarding DSC registration, feel free to contact Online Legal India. They have experts to guide you.