Digital Certificate

Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is the electronic equivalent of a handwritten signature. It is mandatory for all directors and designated partners to digitally sign MCA e-forms during company or LLP registration.

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Reference layout for Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

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Templates are provided as a reference. Final filing must follow MCA format.

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At a glance

  • Class requiredClass-3
  • Validity1–2 years
  • Approx. cost₹1,500–₹3,000
  • TypeMandatory

Complete guide

01

About DSC

All MCA filings are online and must be digitally signed using a Class-3 DSC. The DSC is stored on a USB token (dongle) and is issued by MCA-authorised Certifying Authorities such as eMudhra, Sify, and NSDL. Each person must have their own individual DSC — it cannot be shared.

Note: From July 2024, DSC charges increased by ₹1,000 per DSC as per government notification.

02

How to obtain a DSC

1
Choose an MCA-authorised Certifying Authority (eMudhra, Sify, NSDL, etc.)
2
Submit identity proof (Aadhaar / PAN) and passport-size photograph
3
Complete video-based KYC (VKYC) or in-person verification
4
Receive DSC on a USB token within 1–3 working days
5
Install the token software on your computer to use for signing MCA forms
03

Frequently asked questions

Class-3 DSC is mandatory for all MCA company and LLP registration filings. Class-2 DSC is no longer issued by certifying authorities.
Approximately ₹1,500–₹3,000 depending on validity (1 or 2 years) and the certifying authority. Government DSC charges increased by ₹1,000 from July 2024.
DSCs are valid for 1 or 2 years from issue. After expiry, a new DSC must be obtained from a certifying authority.