Digital Signature Certificate Registration

DEFINITION OF A DSC

A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is an electronic certificate issued by a Certifying Authority that verifies the identity of the certificate holder and enables the holder to digitally sign documents. A DSC contains the holder’s name, public key, expiration dates, and digital signature of the issuing authority. It allows authenticating signatories in electronic documents and ensuring integrity via encryption and decryption using public-private key pairs.

INTRODUCTION TO DSC REGISTRATION

A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) allows valid electronic authentication of users and verification of document integrity. To obtain a DSC, users must register with a Certifying Authority licensed by the Controller of Certifying Authorities. The registration process involves submitting personal identification documents and contact information. The user then generates a public-private key pair and provides the public key to the Certifying Authority.

?After verifying the user’s identity, the Certifying Authority issues a DSC binding the user’s verified identity to their public key. The DSC containing encrypted identification details is digitally signed by the Authority. Users can then append their DSC to electronic documents for authentication, non-repudiation and security during electronic transactions. Possessing a valid DSC is essential for legally signing e-documents.

TERMINOLOGIES

Here are some important terminologies related to Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) registration:

• DIGITAL SIGNATURE

An electronic signature used to authenticate the identity of the sender of a document and ensure the integrity of the document.

• PUBLIC KEY CRYPTOGRAPHY:

The use of a key pair – a public key and a private key – to encrypt and decrypt messages and digital signatures.

• PUBLIC KEY INFRASTRUCTURE (PKI)

The architecture, organization, techniques, practices, and procedures that collectively support the implementation and operation of a certificate-based public key cryptographic system.

• CERTIFYING AUTHORITY (CA):

A trusted third-party organization that issues digital certificates, signs them using its private key, and verifies the identity of certificate applicants.

• REGISTRATION AUTHORITY (RA):

An entity that verifies user identities before forwarding certificate requests to the CA. May be part of the CA itself.

• CERTIFICATE REVOCATION LIST (CRL):

A list of revoked certificates maintained by the CA and included in certificates to allow depending parties to verify that a certificate is still valid.

• KEY GENERATION:

The process of randomly generating public/private key pairs to be used in public key cryptography systems.

• TOKEN:

A physical device or software program used to store digital certificates and key pairs. Enables secure portability.

WHO CAN APPLY?

According to Indian IT Act 2000, the following categories of people can apply for a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) in India:

1. Indian citizens who are above 18 years of age.

2. Foreign nationals and NRIs holding an Indian valid VISA.

3. Companies registered in India under the Companies Act 1956 or 2013.

4. Partnership firms registered under the India Partnership Act 1932.

5. Limited Liability Partnerships formed and registered under the LLP Act of 2008.

6. Proprietary firms duly registered with authorized bodies.

7. Government organizations, societies, associations etc. registered under applicable Acts.

8. Chambers, Associations, Societies registered under Society Registration Act.

9. Research institutes associated with various state/central government schemes.

10. Indian students who need DSC for participating in admission processes of foreign universities.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR DIGITAL SIGNATURE CERTIFICATE (DSC)

The documents required for DSC registration in India:

• PROOF OF IDENTITY:

Documents like Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving license, or passport to verify your identity.

• ADDRESS PROOF:

Documents like electricity/telephone bill, bank statement, Aadhaar card, driving license to verify your address.

• PHOTO:

A recent passport-sized color photograph to be uploaded or submitted.

• ORGANIZATION DOCUMENTS (FOR COMPANY APPLICANTS):

Registration certificate, list of directors/owners, GST certificate etc. to verify company identity.

• POWER OF ATTORNEY (IF APPLICABLE):

If applying through an authorized representative, a notarized power of attorney authorizing the representative to apply.?

• DSC APPLICATION FORM:

The application form with personal details, public key, and terms acceptance that will form the DSC credentials.

• PROOF OF PAYMENT:

Screenshot/copy of payment receipt as application fee for DSC issuance.

GOVERNMENT FEE

According to the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) in India, the government fees for Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) registration in India are as follows:

CLASS 2 INDIVIDUAL DSC:

• 1 year validity: Rs. 200
• 2 year validity: Rs. 300

CLASS 2 ORGANIZATIONAL DSC:

• 1 year validity: Rs. 400
• 2 year validity: Rs. 600

CLASS 3 INDIVIDUAL DSC:

• 1 year validity: Rs. 1,000
• 2 year validity: Rs. 1,500?

CLASS 3 ORGANIZATIONAL DSC:

• 1 year validity: Rs. 2,500?
• 2 year validity: Rs. 3,000

Additionally, Certifying Authorities may charge facilitation charges over and above these government fees when issuing DSCs.

The fees are inclusive of all applicable taxes under the IT Act 2000.

The class of DSC determines its purpose, key usage and key length which in turn impacts the security level. Higher class DSCs have more rigor in identity verification and thus cost more.

This fee structure is set by CCA and applies uniformly to DSC applications from all Certifying Authorities operating under CCA in India.

REGISTRATION PROCESS OF DIGITAL SIGNATURE CERTIFICATE (DSC)

1. Choose a Certifying Authority (CA): There are several licensed CAs in India. Compare and choose one that is legally allowed to issue DSCs.
2. Documents Submission: Submit identity proof, address proof, photographs and other documents required by the CA to verify your credentials.
3. Key Generation: The applicant's computer system generates a unique public- private key pair using a secure algorithm.
4. Certificate Request Form: Applicant fills and submits an application form with the public key and verified identity details
5. Verification & Approval: The CA will verify all documents and details submitted in the application
6. Issuance: If approved, the CA issues the DSC binding the verified identity of applicant to the public key in the certificate
7. Download & Install: Applicant downloads and installs the digitally signed DSC onto their device using the provided software tools.
8. Legal Declaration: Applicant must declare legal undertaking for using the DSC as per IT Act 2000.
9. Activation: Once installed, the applicant must activate the DSC using activation codes sent by the CA.

This completes the DSC registration process between 1-5 working days based on the CA. Applicant can then use it for digitally signing electronic documents.

ADVANTAGES OF DSC REGISTRATION

? Here are some major advantages of using a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC):

1. Authentication – DSC is used to authenticate identity of a person in electronic transactions. Ensures user is who they claim they are.
2. Integrity – Any changes made to signed document can be immediately identified, thereby assuring integrity.
3. Non-repudiation – Strong binding between signatory and signature makes it impossible to deny signing a document.
4. Legally valid – Digital signatures have same legal validity as handwritten signatures when issued as per IT Act 2000.
5. Security – Extremely secure encryption using public key infrastructure protects documents.
6. Interoperable – DSC issued by licensed CA allows signing across platforms and diverse applications.
7. Efficiency – Digital signing is fast and eliminates paperwork associated with handwritten signing.
8. Trust – Provides trust in electronic transactions similar to traditional systems.

In summary, DSC builds digital trust and security allowing reliable paper-less transactions, legally valid electronic signing, secure communication and increased efficiency. This makes DSC an essential business tool for organizations and individuals.