Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate – DSC 3 Type

In India’s accelerating digital economy, the need for Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) has become indispensable. Whether you are an individual professional, a business owner, or an organization, a Class 3 DSC helps authenticate your digital documents and online transactions with legal validity and security. Recognized by the Government of India under the Information Technology Act, 2000, this certificate acts like your digital passport, ensuring your signed documents carry the same weight as handwritten signatures.

What is a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate?

A Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate is the highest level of digital certificate issued by licensed Certifying Authorities (CAs) in India. It provides the strongest authentication and encryption mechanisms, making it mandatory for:

• Filing Income Tax (ITR) and GST returns
• Submitting documents on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal
• Government eTendering and eProcurement
• Import/export services through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
• Online banking and financial transactions
• Signing legal contracts and agreements digitally

Its advanced encryption guarantees that digitally signed documents are tamper-proof, and the signer is verified beyond doubt, ensuring non-repudiation and data integrity.

What is an Individual User DSC?

The Individual User DSC is issued to a single person for their personal use in online filings and authentication. This certificate verifies the identity of the user through Aadhaar OTP or PAN-based eKYC. It is ideal for professionals such as Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries, Advocates, freelancers, and individual taxpayers who need to file returns, register on government portals, and sign digital documents.

Uses include:

• Filing Income Tax Returns (ITR)
• GST return submission
• MCA compliances and form filings
• EPFO, DGFT portal sign-ins
• Secure email communication and document authentication
• Individual DSCs are non-transferable and bound strictly to the person who applies for them, providing a reliable and verified digital signature.

What is an Organisation User DSC?

The Organisation User DSC is meant for companies, LLPs, partnership firms, trusts, society, government bodies, and other legal entities. It is issued to authorized signatories acting on behalf of the organization for digital signing and filing. The process requires submission of legal company documents such as PAN card, GST registration Certificate, Incorporation Certificate, bank statement and authorization proof of the signer and authoriser.

Organisation DSC usage includes:

• ROC/MCA filings and compliance
• Bidding and procurement in government tenders (eTendering)
• Start Up India Registrations and NSWS portal
• Signing business contracts and agreements digitally
• Financial transactions and corporate attestations

This certificate helps organizations ensure that digital transactions executed by representatives have legal backing and authorized approval.

Types of Class 3 Digital Signature Certificates

You can choose from three main types of Class 3 DSCs based on your requirements:

1. Signing Certificate: Used only for digitally signing documents such as income tax returns, ROC forms, GST filings, agreements, and contracts.
2. Encryption Certificate: Used to encrypt sensitive information ensuring data security during transmission on portals like eTender or confidential business communications.
3. Combo Certificate (Signing + Encryption): Combines both signing and encryption functionalities. This is the most popular type and is mandatory for government eTendering and procurement, as well as banking transactions and sensitive data handling.

Choosing the right certificate ensures the required level of security and compliance for your digital activities.

Validity of Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate

Class 3 DSC certificates come in three validity periods:

• 1 Year validity: Budget-friendly for short term or occasional users.
• 2 Years validity: The most popular and cost-effective option suitable for regular users.
• 3 Years validity: Best suited for long-term users desiring convenience without frequent renewal hassles.

Important Note on DSC Renewal

Class 3 DSCs cannot be renewed once expired. Users must apply for a fresh certificate, including the full eKYC and verification process. Though many search for “DSC renewal,” it is technically a new application under a new certificate. It is advisable to initiate this process before expiry to avoid lapses in your digital certifications and compliances.

Key Features and Benefits of Class 3 DSC

• High Security: Employs advanced encryption algorithms ensuring data confidentiality and protection from unauthorized access.
• Legal Validity: Recognized under the IT Act, 2000, Class 3 DSCs hold the same legal status as handwritten signatures for contracts and official documents.
• Non-Repudiation: Prevents signers from denying their involvement in a digitally signed transaction, providing legal evidence in case of disputes.
• Data Integrity: Any tampering or alteration of documents after signing invalidates the certificate, preserving authenticity.
• Two-factor Authentication: Involves multi-layer verifications assuring that only verified individuals can sign documents.
• Wide Acceptance: Accepted by various Indian government departments, banks, regulatory bodies, and private entities.
• Convenience and Speed: Enables paperless workflows, faster document processing, and reduces dependency on physical signatures.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Saves on printing, postage, courier, and manual overheads.

Difference Between Signing and Encryption Certificates

Most professionals and businesses prefer the Combo certificate due to its comprehensive functionality.

Why USB Token is Mandatory for Class 3 DSC?

The Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) mandates that all Class 3 DSCs must be securely stored on a cryptographic USB token. This requirement ensures:

• Anti-tampering: Prevents unauthorized copying or sharing of the DSC.
• Portability: Easy to carry and use on different systems.
• Authentication security: USB tokens meet international FIPS and CCA standards, providing top-grade cryptographic protection.
• Legal compliance: Using a token makes your DSC valid for the required digital transactions.

Popular USB token brands include:

• HYP2003 USB Token: Reliable and budget-friendly.
• mToken: Offers enhanced encryption with premium features.
• ProxKey: Durable and trusted by many enterprises for secure operations.

Trusted Class 3 DSC Brands in India

Trusted Class 3 DSC Brands in India
Some widely used and government-approved Certifying Authorities providing Class 3 Digital Signature Certificates are:

• eMudhra
• SignX
• XtraTrust
• PantaSign
• SpeedSign
• Capricorn
• VSign

IndianDSC.com collaborates with these providers to offer you authentic certificates, ensuring compliance and legal acceptability.

How to Choose the Right Class 3 DSC?

Here’s a quick guide for your selection:

Simple Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Class 3 DSC Online

• Select your product: Choose user type (Individual or Organisation), DSC type (Signing/Encryption/Combo), validity, and USB token and proceed to checkout and make payment.
• Submit KYC documents: For individuals, please provide your PAN and upload a valid ID proof from the options: PAN, Aadhaar, Passport, Driving License, or Election ID. For organizations, please submit your company documents.
• Complete Online Verification: Upon validating your uploaded documents, our representative will be connecting with you to collect the OTP for validation. Following that, our verification representative will provide you with a link to upload your video KYC to complete the process
• Certificate Issuance: Certifying Authority approves and issues the DSC.
• Download DSC: Securely download onto the USB token.
• Start usage: Use for all digital signing and authentication on Indian government and private portals.

This process can typically be completed within 1–2 business days.

Conclusion

The Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is key to thriving in India’s digital age. From third party government filings, high-stakes tenders, legal contracts to secure banking transactions, the Class 3 DSC offers unmatched security, authenticity, and convenience. IndianDSC.com simplifies your journey with top-tier certificates from trusted providers, choice of USB tokens, and hassle-free online applications.

Order your Class 3 DSC today and secure your digital transactions with full confidence and legal assurance.