Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is the digital equivalent (that is electronic format) of physical or paper certificates. Physical Certificates, such as, a driver’s license, a passport, or a membership card, serve as proof of identity of an individual for a certain purpose. Likewise, a digital certificate can be presented electronically to prove your identity, to access information or services on the Internet, or to digitally sign certain e-documents, just as physical documents are required to be signed manually.

The Information Technology Act, 2000 provides for use of Digital Signatures on the documents submitted in electronic form in order to ensure the security and authenticity of the documents filed electronically. This is the only secure and authentic way that a document can be submitted electronically. A digital signature is the electronic signature duly issued by a certifying authority that shows the authority of the person signing the same. It is an electronic analogue of a written signature. A person requiring a Digital Signature Certificate can approach any of the Certifying authorities identified by the MCA for issuance of Digital Signature Certificate.