What is a Digital Signature Certificate?
Digital Signature Certificates also known by the name of DSC, work the same as the physical or paper certificates. The only difference is that they are in electronic format and can be presented electronically. If you buy a digital signature online, then they can be used for various purposes such as:
To prove and acknowledge one’s identity
To sign the documents electronically without any need of pen paperwork and moreover, the electronic documents are to be signed digitally.
To able to use or access services and information which needs authentication over the internet.
To authenticate and identify the sender and receiver of a message being sent.
They can also be used to provide security to our transactions by maintaining absolute privacy of the data which is shared.
These digital signatures can easily be transported and are unique, which means that they cannot be copied or changes. Moreover, they allow us to know about the integrity of the document which has to/has been sent.
The licensed CA or the Certifying Authority is a person who is responsible for the issuance of the digital signature and who has been granted the license to do so under Section 24 of the Indian IT-Act 2000.
Types of Digital Signature Certificates:
There are namely 3 digital signatures classes which one must know about. These are mentioned below and can be chosen as per the requirements.
Class 1 Certificates: These types of certificates which are issued to an individual or private subscribers.
Class 2 Certificates: This class of certificate is issued to the are issued to the director/signatory authorities of the comPANies so that they can do the e-filing pROCess with the ROC.
Class 3 Certificates: These certificates are issued to the highest level authorities. It is provided to those who have to be present themselves in front of the Registration Authority.
Documents required for Indian Organizations for DSC:
The following are the documents which are required but they may differ depending on the type of entity such as Partnership, Proprietorship or sole ownership, LLP, etc.
PAN of the organisation
If there is a partnership deed available
The list of all Authorised Signatories i.e. list of Directors, Board resolution, etc.
ID proof of Authorised Signatory
Issued GST certificate