Frequently asked questions
Common questions about applying for a Digital Signature Certificate online in India.
How do I apply for a DSC online?
You apply through a licensed Certifying Authority or its partner by filling an online application, uploading your PAN and an address proof, and completing a short video and a mobile/email OTP check. Once the details are approved the certificate is issued onto a USB token. The flow is paperless and usually finishes the same day.
What documents are required to apply for a DSC?
For an individual Class 3 DSC you need your PAN card and one identity/address proof (Aadhaar, passport, voter ID or driving licence), plus a working mobile number and email for the OTP. For an organisation certificate you also provide the entity's registration proof and an authorisation letter for the applicant.
How long does a DSC application take?
With paperless PAN and Aadhaar based verification most individual applications are approved and issued within a few hours to one working day. Organisation certificates can take a little longer because the company documents are checked. Most delays come from a blurred document upload or a video that does not clearly show the applicant.
Can I apply for a DSC fully online without paperwork?
Yes. The paperless route uses your PAN, an Aadhaar eKYC or OTP, and a recorded video, so nothing needs to be printed or posted. You only need the USB token delivered to you, onto which the certificate is downloaded.
What is the difference between applying for an individual and an organisation DSC?
An individual Class 3 certificate carries only your name and is used when you sign as yourself. An organisation DSC also carries your company's name and is used when you sign on the organisation's behalf, which is why it needs company registration documents and an authorisation letter.