Guides · DSC Basics
How to Apply for a Digital Signature Certificate Online in India (2026)
Published August 8, 2026 · By DSCKart
Applying for a Digital Signature Certificate in India used to mean attested forms, notarised copies and a courier. In 2026 the whole process is 100% online — you choose a certificate, upload documents, complete a short Video KYC, and the certificate is issued to a USB token. No office visit, no physical paperwork.
What You Need Before You Start
- A valid PAN in the applicant's name
- Aadhaar with a mobile number linked for OTP verification
- A clear passport-size photograph
- An active email ID
- A FIPS-compliant USB token — reuse a working one, or buy it with the certificate
Which DSC Should You Apply For?
| Certificate | Who applies |
|---|---|
| Class 3 Individual | Proprietors, directors, CAs, CS, CMAs and individual filers |
| Class 3 Organisation | Companies and LLPs signing in the entity's name, tender bidders |
| DGFT | IEC holders filing on the DGFT portal |
Class 2 DSCs were discontinued by CCA India on 1 January 2021, so Class 3 is the only certificate available today.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Choose DSC type and validity — Pick Class 3 Individual, Class 3 Organisation or DGFT, and a 1, 2 or 3 year validity.
- Pay online — Complete payment online for the certificate and, if needed, a FIPS USB token.
- Submit documents — Share PAN, Aadhaar and a photo (plus entity documents for an Organisation DSC) over WhatsApp or during checkout.
- Complete Video KYC — Record a two-minute video verification and confirm the Aadhaar-linked mobile OTP as required by the Certifying Authority.
- Certificate issued — The Certifying Authority approves the application and the certificate is downloaded onto the USB token.
- Token shipped — The USB token is dispatched to your address, ready to plug in and register on the portals you file from.
Documents Required
For a Class 3 Individual DSC:
- PAN card
- Aadhaar card (front and back)
- Passport-size photograph
- Email ID and Aadhaar-linked mobile number
For a Class 3 Organisation DSC:
- Company / LLP PAN
- Certificate of Incorporation or partnership deed
- GST certificate
- Authorised signatory's PAN and Aadhaar
- Board resolution or authorisation letter
- Signatory's passport-size photograph
How Long It Takes
Once documents and Video KYC are complete, approval usually lands within 15 minutes and, in slower cases, a few hours. The certificate is then downloaded to the USB token and the token is shipped — so plan for the delivery leg if you need the physical token in hand for a deadline.
Common Reasons an Application Is Rejected
- Name mismatch — the applicant name must match the PAN exactly, including initials and spelling.
- Aadhaar mobile not linked — without a linked mobile there is no OTP, and eKYC cannot complete.
- Unclear documents — blurred, cropped or partially visible scans are rejected outright.
- Photo mismatch — the submitted photo should look like the person in the video verification.
- Missing authorisation — Organisation applications need a board resolution or authorisation letter naming the signatory.
Already Have a DSC That's Expiring?
A certificate cannot be extended — you apply for a fresh one. Start 7-15 days before expiry through our DSC renewal page and reuse your existing token if it still has a free slot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a DSC completely online?
Yes. Application, document submission, Video KYC and issuance are all online in 2026. No office visit or physical paperwork is required.
Which class of DSC should I apply for?
Class 3 is the only option. Individuals and directors take a Class 3 Individual DSC, companies and LLPs a Class 3 Organisation DSC, and exporters filing on the DGFT portal need a DGFT-classified certificate.
Is Class 2 still available?
No. CCA India discontinued Class 2 Digital Signature Certificates on 1 January 2021, and no portal accepts them today.
Do I need a USB token?
Yes. Class 3 certificates must be stored on a FIPS-compliant cryptographic USB token. If you already own a working token with a free slot, it can be reused.
How long does DSC approval take?
Typically 15 minutes to a few hours after Video KYC is completed, depending on how quickly the Certifying Authority processes the verification.
Why do DSC applications get rejected?
The usual reasons are a name mismatch between the application and PAN, an Aadhaar number with no mobile linked for OTP, blurred or cropped document scans, and a photo that does not match the video verification.
Apply for Your Class 3 DSC Today
Fully online application, WhatsApp document submission and Video KYC — approval typically in 15 minutes.