Generally, a physical document always requires a handwritten signature to be able to be validated. Similarly, an electronic record also involves authentication in the same manner, which is completed with the help of digital signature certificates in India.
What Do You Mean By Digital Signatures?
A digital signature is an electronic tool through which you can be able to identify yourself online. Documents such as a PAN card or passport allow you to authenticate your identity offline, whereas digital signatures will enable you to verify your identity online.
To do this, you'll need to purchase digital signature certificates from licensed, certified authorities and thereby sign your documents digitally.
In this article guide, we'll make sure to cover the matter comprehensively.
Where Can You Use Digital Signatures?
- Personal Use - You'll have the option to sign every document that you'll be sending out electronically, for enhanced security measures.
- Business Use - With the help of digital signatures, you'll be able to send documents electronically signed to your investors, business partners, shareholders and the like, especially when communicating essential official information. You can also use digital signatures to sign proposals and business deals.
- GST Return & Income Tax Filing - Due to the introduction of digital signatures and the increased availability of e-filing has made the process of using digital signatures for GST returns and income tax filing more efficient and convenient.
- E-Filing With RoC - Numerous documents are required to be filed on a per-year basis by companies with the Registrar of Companies in India. Signing documents with digital signatures has never been easier.
- Insurance and Finance Sector - Doesn't matter if it's for the application of mortgages, loans, or claiming of insurances, and so on - signatures are mandatory. The introduction of digital signatures with the help of digital signature certificates in India has made the process more streamlined, easy, and smooth for these business activities.
Documents Required For Application Of Digital Signatures:-
- Photo ID Proof (PAN Card, Passport)
- Address Proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID Card, Driver's License, Utility Bill)
- Submission of duly filed DSC application by the original applicant.
Types Of Digital Signatures:-
- Class I DSC - Not to be used by companies, where the email address and name of the applicant can be verified.
- Class II DSC - The identity of the person is to be verified against a trusted, pre-verified database. It can be used by companies.
- Class III DSC - The applicant needs to present himself or herself in front of the certifying authorities for proving his or her identity. Required to participate in online tenders or auctions.
Process To Apply For A Digital Signatures:-
The Ministry of Electronics and IT along with the Controller of Certifying Authorities or CCA, have already authorized specific CAs or Certifying Authorities to tackle the demand for DSCs.
The CAs or Certifying Authorities are third-party, trust service providers, which are accepted and trusted in a particular country. These CAs have the power to issue citizens with digital signatures and have rules and regulations to which they have to pertain.
DSCs need to be obtained by approaching the Certifying Authorities or CAs with the required documents and self-attested photocopies.
