Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate
Mandatory for MCA21, GST portal, Income Tax, and e-tendering. Class 3 DSC issued by a CCA-licensed Certifying Authority under Section 3 of the Information Technology Act, 2000. Video KYC. Issued in 1–2 working days.
Validity
2 years
Issued in
1–2 days
Class
Class 3
Standard
IT Act §3
Legal Basis — IT Act, 2000
A Digital Signature Certificate is a secure digital key issued by a licensed Certifying Authority (CA) under Section 3 of the Information Technology Act, 2000. It has the same legal standing as a handwritten signature under Section 5 of the IT Act — electronic records authenticated by a DSC are legally binding.
The Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA), established under Section 17 of the IT Act, licences and regulates Certifying Authorities under Section 24. The IT (Certifying Authorities) Rules, 2000 govern the technical standards for DSC issuance, including key length requirements (minimum 2048-bit RSA) and storage on FIPS 140-2 certified USB crypto-tokens.
Class 2 DSC was discontinued effective 1 January 2021 by CCA circular dated 25 February 2021. Only Class 3 DSCs are issued from that date. Class 3 requires in-person or video-based identity verification by the Certifying Authority.
Where Class 3 DSC is Mandatory
| Portal / Use Case | Who Needs It | Legal Basis | Consequence of Non-Compliance |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCA21 — Company Registration & ROC Filings | All directors, authorised signatories | Companies Act 2013 §403 + MCA21 SOP | Forms rejected; filing treated as not done — penalties from ₹100/day |
| GST Portal — Registration & Returns | Companies and LLPs (mandatory); proprietors (Aadhaar e-sign alternative) | CGST Act 2017 §25 + GST Rules Rule 9 | Registration application cannot be authenticated; returns cannot be filed |
| Income Tax — ITR, Audit Reports, 15CA | Companies (ITR mandatory); professionals filing 15CA/CB | IT Act §140 + CBDT SOP | Submission fails; non-filing penalties under §271F |
| e-Tendering (CPP, GeM) | Bidders submitting government tenders | DPIIT e-Procurement policy | Bids cannot be submitted or authenticated |
| EPFO (PF filings) | Employers filing ECR and PF returns | EPFO SOP for electronic filings | Returns cannot be digitally authenticated |
| DGFT / IEC applications | Exporters/importers applying for IEC | Foreign Trade Policy 2023 Para 2.05 | Applications not accepted without DSC |
How to Get Your DSC — 5 Steps
From document submission to portal registration. Typical turnaround: 1–2 working days after video KYC.
Share identity documents
Share a copy of your PAN card, Aadhaar card, and a passport-size photograph. Ensure your mobile number is linked to your Aadhaar (required for OTP during video KYC). For foreign nationals, share your passport and address proof.
Complete video KYC with the Certifying Authority
HRA schedules a video KYC session with a CCA-licensed Certifying Authority (eMudhra / (n)Code / Capricorn). During the 10–15 minute call, you present original documents in front of the camera. The CA verifies your identity and approves the DSC application.
DSC issued and loaded on USB token
Within 24–48 hours of successful KYC, the Certifying Authority issues your Class 3 DSC. It is loaded onto a USB crypto-token (pen drive with a secure chip). The token is shipped to your address or collected if in person.
Install driver software and test the token
Install the token driver software (provided on the token or downloadable from the CA website). Plug in the USB token, open a browser, and verify the DSC appears in the certificate store. HRA provides step-by-step guidance if needed.
Register DSC on required government portals
Register the DSC on each portal you need: MCA21 (My Account → Register DSC), GST portal (My Profile → Register / Update DSC), Income Tax portal (My Profile → Register DSC). HRA assists with registration on all three portals as part of the service.
Documents Required
All document verification is done via video KYC — no physical submission needed.
Indian Individual / Director
- ✓PAN card (mandatory)
- ✓Aadhaar card — mobile number must be linked
- ✓Passport-size photograph (recent)
- ✓Active email address
- ✓Mobile number linked to Aadhaar (for OTP)
Foreign National
- ✓Passport (identity + address pages)
- ✓Visa / OCI card (if applicable)
- ✓Foreign address proof (utility bill / bank statement)
- ✓Passport-size photograph
- ✓Active email address and mobile number
For Company / LLP Use
- ✓DSC is always issued to an individual (the director / authorised signatory)
- ✓Company registration not required to obtain DSC
- ✓Each director needs their own individual DSC
- ✓Director's personal PAN + Aadhaar sufficient
Pricing
All plans include video KYC coordination, USB crypto-token, and portal registration assistance (MCA21 + GST + Income Tax). GST at 18% additional.
Individual / Director
₹1,299
2-year Class 3
- ✓USB crypto-token included
- ✓Video KYC coordination
- ✓MCA21 portal registration
- ✓GST portal registration
- ✓Income Tax portal registration
- ✓Driver software support
Additional Director
₹999
2-year Class 3
- ✓Discounted — same company engagement
- ✓USB crypto-token included
- ✓Video KYC coordination
- ✓All portal registrations
- ✓Bundle with incorporation for best price
DSC Renewal
₹899
2-year Class 3
- ✓Existing USB token reloaded
- ✓No new hardware needed
- ✓Video KYC required again
- ✓All portal re-registrations
- ✓Reminder sent 30 days before expiry
3-Year DSC
₹1,799
3-year Class 3
- ✓Extended validity — avoids renewal in year 2
- ✓USB crypto-token included
- ✓Video KYC coordination
- ✓All portal registrations
- ✓Cost-effective for active filers
All plans include USB crypto-token (new token for new DSC; existing token for renewals), video KYC scheduling, and registration assistance on MCA21, GST portal, and Income Tax portal. GST at 18% additional on invoice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Your Class 3 DSC Today
Video KYC takes 10–15 minutes. DSC issued within 24–48 hours. We register it on MCA21, GST portal, and Income Tax portal so it is ready to use the moment it arrives.
ICAI-registered Chartered Accountants · CCA-licensed Certifying Authorities · Encrypted document vault · DSC expiry reminders included