Several startups and established businesses in India face severe challenges when they have to deal with paperwork. The manual paper operations will hamper their daily work. Some of the most important documents need signatures, which often requires manual signature. However, manual signature can be time-consuming and very heavy.
As a result, the businesses can opt to switch to digital signature. This will help to overcome complicated issues and simplify security also. Moreover, digital signature will ensure that there is a valid electronic document signing too. Thus, businesses are learning how to apply for digital signature in India and leverage its benefits.
Digital Signatures: Paving Way for New India
A digital signature refers to an electronic sign which is used for authenticating the identities of the sign. This also plays an important role in ensuring that the original content for documents remains unchanged. A strong, military-grade authentication is required for securing the digital signatures and documents. Several businesses are gradually adopting the use of digital signatures.
These digital signatures are paving the way for a new digital India by going paperless, thereby improving business operations. This is considered to be significantly beneficial for businesses, especially in terms of driving profit. Furthermore, transforming to digital signatures from manual signatures will also help in increasing efficiency, saving time and costs. Businesses can leverage the power of digital signatures as they can store, manage and all the documents easily. This would also play an important role in ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
How to Apply for Digital Signature Certificate in India?
Several individuals and businesses are looking forward to understanding how to apply for digital signature in India. Below are the steps you need to follow for applying a digital signature certificate in India:
Step 1: Visiting the Certifying Authorities Website
In order to receive the digital certificates in India, it is advisable to check the number of CAs that are licensed for issuing Digital Certificate in India. As of now, around 15 CA are available. You can visit the Certifying Authorities website to check the CAs that are listed along with the website link. You can check the CA website and the DSC Class 3 registration/application which is available on their website. Once you have registered, you can proceed with filling the form.
Step 2: Fill the Important Details
While filling the DSC application form, it is extremely important that you mention all the information. Some of the crucial information that you will have to fill in are as follows:
- Class of the DSC
- Validity
- Identity proof document
- Address proof document
- Attestation office
- Payment details
- GST number
- Identity proof documents
- Declaration
You also need to upload the latest photograph on the portal along with an eSign declaration. After completing the form, check that all the details are accurate. Download and print the form for future usage.
Step 3: Identity and Address Proof
You must visit an attesting officer to get all the supporting documents attested, which needs to be uploaded along with your DSC application. The attestation must be clearly visible on the supporting documents. Some of the CAs also offer Aadhaar e-KYC based authentication. If you choose this option, you will not have to upload any supporting documents.
You can also reach out to a CA along with original supporting documents and self-attested copies. If you are visiting the CA directly, you may not need to attest the supporting documents. Other additional documents that you may need to upload include a letter which is issued by a bank upon certification by the bank manager, such as name, address and PAN.
For verification purposes, you may need to upload an e-verification video, along with supporting documents. This would help in seamlessly completing the eKYC process.
Step 4: Pay for the Digital Signature Certificate
After completing the DSC application form, you must upload the documents and make the payment. It is after payment that your DSC will be issued. You can make the payments via online methods such as debit card, credit card, UPI payment and net banking.
Step 5: DSC is Issued
Once all the above-mentioned processes are completed, the digital signature certificate will be issued for your business. However, before the issuance, the CA will verify the documents. Once the DSC is issued electronically, you will receive an encrypted pen drive via post that has your DSC.
What Documents are Needed to Apply for Digital Signature Online in India?
When you want to apply for digital signature online in India, it is important that you submit all the necessary documents. Not only do these help in verification, but also ensure that the information is accurate and up-to the point.
Here are some of the major documents that are needed to apply for digital signature online in India for verification purposes:
- Passport-size photo
- Aadhar card
- PAN card
- Address proof
What are the Technologies to Use for Digital Signature Certificate?
There are different technologies that you may have to leverage for the digital signature certificate. It is important to look out for the following technologies while you apply for digital signature certificate:
- Aadhar eSign
In case of Aadhaar eSign, you will have to follow the OTP verification via your registered number. One of the best parts is that it helps in adding security while reducing any chances of false information.
- Digital Signature Certificate
The Digital Signature Certificate is issued by Certification Agencies which is further approved by the Controller of Certifying Authorities. In this case, the information will be issued via a personal USB token allowing easy and secure access.
- eMudhra eKYC
eMudhra facilitates the Know Your Customer (KYC) process. One of the major benefits of this is that it provides legal compliance, while offering faster document verification.
- E-stamping
Most businesses opt for e-stamping for it provides faster stamping documents, thereby offering recognition for legal documents. Furthermore, it also manages financial transactions.
What to Do If I Make Mistakes in a Digital Signature Certificate?
Once you have applied for the digital signature certificate, there are chances that you may notice there are mistakes. If you notice anything, you will have to rectify the mistakes. Whether it is an organization or individual, you will have to follow the process mentioned below to rectify the mistakes:
- Visit the CA website.
- On the website, you will come across the “Change DSC details” option.
- You will have to mention the details that are mentioned on the DSC for the change.
- Once you have rectified and mentioned the accurate information, you can click on the renewed/changed DSC.
Final Thoughts
Several businesses and individuals want to learn how to apply for digital signatures in India. You can follow the steps given above to register on the platform and get your digital signature. It is important that you enter the accurate details so that there is no problem in the verification process. If you mention any wrong information, chances are that they will reject it, which may further lead to legal implications.
Businesses of all sizes should be mindful about the documents when they apply for digital signature online in India.You can check with CaptainBiz to get more information about digital signatures in India and how to manage your finances.
FAQs
Is digital signature valid in India?
Yes, digital signatures are valid in India. Businesses and individuals alike must adopt the use of digital signature and curate it to avail the necessary benefits.
Which digital signatures are valid in India?
Three major digital signatures are valid in India. These include: Information Technology Act, 2000 (“ITA”), the Indian Contract Act of 1872 (“ICA”) and the Electronic Signature or Electronic Authentication Technique and Procedure Rules, 2015 (“ESEATPR”).
How to apply for digital signature online in India?
You can apply for digital signature online in India via the online portal. However, you must register with the respective departments so that you can avail the benefits of ease in digital signature.