Digital Signatures (USB DSC token)

1.    What are Digital Signature Certificates?

Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) are the digital equivalent i.e.in electronic format of physical or paper certificates. Certificates serve as proof of identity of an individual for a certain purpose; A digital certificate can be presented electronically to prove one’s identity, to access information or services on the Internet or to sign certain documents digitally.

2.    What are the objectives of Digital Signature Certificates?

The Digital Signatures created using the Public Key infrastructure (PKI) ensure data integrity, data authentication and nonrepudiation.

3.    Whether Digital Signaturesarelegally valid signatures?

Digital Signatures are legally admissible in a Court of Law, as provided under the provisions of IT Act, 2000.

4.    What is the cost of obtaining a Digital Signature Certificate?

The cost of obtaining a digital signature certificate may vary as there are many entities issuing DSCs and their charges may differ. Kindly check with Certifying Authority directly for charges.

5.    Which class of Digital Signatures are required for registering on IPO Portal?

Currently Class II/III digital signatures can be used on the portal. However, as per latest guidelines by CCA, Class II signatures will be discontinued from 1st January 2021:

6.    How to get Digital Signature Certificate

The Office of Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA), issues Certificate only to Certifying Authorities (CAs). CAs issue Digital Signature Certificates to end-entities.

One can approach any one of the under mentioned Licensed CAs for getting a Digital Signature Certificate. The contact address of each CA and their help desk numbers are available in the disclosure record of each CA published at http://www.cca.gov.in/licensed_ca.html.

7.    Which browser / Operating system support Digital Signatures?

Digital signatures (USB DSC token) can be used on Microsoft Internet Explorer browser on Windows Operating system.