Digital Signature

Introduction

With the world progressing forward at such a pace, securing and authenticating our online communication has become a requirement, more than ever before. Besides transacting business, paying taxes, signing official documents and a few others you’ll want to make sure your ID has been validated and documents untouched, unaltered. Enter Digital Signatures that help in this process.

Digital Signature is a type of electronic signature that ensures the authenticity, integrity, and non-repudiation of the digital transactions. It has become an essential tool for enterprises, government entities, and individuals wishing to perform safe online operations. In fact, in several other jurisdictions like India, Digital Signatures have equal legal value like that of handwritten signatures.

This service page explains everything you need to know about acquiring a Digital Signature, how the process works, and why it is essential in today’s business world.

What is Digital Signature?

Digital Signature — an encrypted signature that is used to find out the identity of the signer and to check if the document has not been changed after signing. Which is sort of like an electronic one of those — but more secure with cryptographic techniques.

Digital signatures are a component of a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) system which relies on a pair of cryptographic keys — a private key and a public key. The signer keeps the private key secret while the public key is made accessible to those who potentially receive the signed document to confirm that it is authentic.

Digital Signatures are employed to sign almost every online document, including contracts, tax filings, legal contracts, and even emails, which makes sure that these electronic transactions are legitimate and safe.

Why is Digital Signature Required?

• Security: Ensures tamper-proofing of signed documents as well as cryptography-based secure digital Signatures. The signature means that the document has not changed since it was signed.
• Legality: Digital Signatures are legally the same as a handwritten signature in several countries, including India. Courts and government bodies accept them as official documentation.
• Authentication: Digital signature authenticates the signer’s identity, thus asserted that the person who signed the document is who they claim to be.
• Non-repudiation: The signer of a Digital Signature cannot refute his participation in the transaction, since the signature is tied to a private key known only to him.
• Speed: Digital Signatures streamline the signing process, saving time and avoiding the need to print and scan to sign documents. They also allow documents to be signed remotely.
• Legal Compliance: Digital Signatures are mandatory for online filings required by many government departments and financial institutions and thus is an important compliance form for businesses and individuals.

Eligibility Criteria

• Individuals: Any user processing for online signature on documents and services to fill for e-filing tax returns, FTA contracts or transactions and any e-government services can be Digital Signature.
• Businesses: Companies, organizations, and partnerships also can apply a Digital Signature to sign official documents, file tax returns, and conduct business transactions online. Usually, businesses go for a Class 2 or a Class 3 Digital Signature according to their requirements.
• Government department: In government department officers need digital signature for the signing of the documents that they can submit online, it help to authenticate the documents.

Documents Required

For the application of digital signature the documents that are required are identity proof it includes- passport, aadhar card, voter id or driving license, address proof includes- utility bill, bank statement, rental agreement showing current residence, photograph passport size, pan card for individual if it is a business then pan card of the entity.

For LLP, Private ltd. or Public limited company registration certificate, Memorandum of Association (MOA), Articles of Association (AOA), and a Board Resolution authorizing a person as the authorized signatory.

Step-by-Step Process

• If uploaded the type of digital signature is selected: Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 digital signature is available depending on your need. Class 3 certficate are commonly utilized in business and governmental applications.
• Fill Out an application: Fill out the application form issued by the Certifying Authority (CA) This can be done online via the CA’s website.
• Upload Required Documents: During the application process, you will need to upload documents including identity proof, address proof, and a photograph. The merchants are also required to present extra paperwork, such as business registration information.
• Verification: verification will be done by the Certifying Authority and then the document will be processed.
• Carry the digital Signature: You will get a digital signature that will be issued once your application has been approved, this would be issued in a USB token to keep your signature secure, or as a software certificate.
• Activation: once you received your digital signature, you can activate it by knowing the process from your CA. the DSC can sign any electronic documents for your purpose.

Timeline

Generally, it takes 2 to 3 working days to get a Digital Signature, if all documents are in place. For businesses, it may take a little longer because there are additional verification requirements. In case the application is not complete or the documents need an additional review, the CA can take up to a week to process the application.

Fees and Costs

• Class 1 Digital Signature: ₹500 to ₹1,500 1–2 Year (For personal use)
• Class 2 Digital Signature: ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 for 1-3 years (for e-filing tax returns, contract signing)
• Class 3 Digital Signature: ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 for 1-3 years (for government fillings, tenders, and business transactions)
• USB token cost: ₹500 to ₹1,500 (additional charges may apply)

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Provision for Filing of Documents: You will not be able to file tax returns, file grounds documents, and you can’t participate in e-tender processes without a legitimate Digital Signature.
• Legal Consequences: In case Digital Signature is needed for official purposes, the non-compliance can carry legal penalties or action.
• Higher Chances of Fraud: The absence of a Digital Signature exposes your online transaction to manipulation, fraud, and unauthorized access.

Why Choose Us?

• Specialization: We specialize in helping individuals and businesses with Digital Signature application process.
• Quick Processing: Your application is processed fast, generally 2-3 days creamy.
• Secure Solutions: We offer solutions for USB token storage to guard your Digital Signature from unauthorized access.
• Cost-effective: Pricing is very competitive and there are no hidden charges, making it beneficial for individuals and businesses.
• Continuous Support: We make sure that our customers get start to end support that is the reason we provide renewal, technical or any kind of help that is needed.