Class 3 DSC for filings & e-tenders
Category: Licenses & Certifications. From ₹1,499. Typical timeline: 1–2 days.
Overview
A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is the electronic equivalent of a physical signature, issued by a licensed Certifying Authority under the IT Act, 2000, used to authenticate identity when filing income tax returns, GST returns, MCA/ROC forms, e-tenders and other government e-filings. A Class 3 DSC — the standard used for business and legal filings — provides the highest level of assurance and is mandatory for company directors, GST filers above certain thresholds and anyone participating in online government tenders.
Who needs it
- Company directors and designated partners filing MCA/ROC forms
- Businesses and professionals filing GST returns and income tax returns online
- Vendors and contractors participating in e-tenders and GeM bidding
- Individuals signing legal documents, e-contracts or applying for trademarks/patents online
Eligibility
- Any individual, professional, company director or authorised signatory can apply for a DSC
- Applicant must complete identity verification through Aadhaar e-KYC or video verification as mandated by the Certifying Authority
- Company/organisation DSCs additionally require an authorisation letter and organisational documents
- No minimum age restriction, though minors require a guardian-linked certificate
Documents required
- PAN card and Aadhaar card of the applicant
- Passport-size photograph
- Email ID and mobile number for OTP-based verification
- Organisation authorisation letter (for organisational/company DSC)
- Video verification or Aadhaar e-KYC as required by the Certifying Authority
Process
- Class and validity selection — Choose Class 3 DSC (signing/encryption) and the validity period — typically 1, 2 or 3 years.
- Document submission — Submit PAN, Aadhaar and photograph details to the Certifying Authority through the online application form.
- Identity verification — Complete Aadhaar e-KYC or video verification as mandated by the Controller of Certifying Authorities.
- Token issuance — Once verified, the DSC is generated and downloaded onto a secure USB crypto token.
Government fees
- Class 3 DSC (2-year validity): Varies by Certifying Authority, typically ₹1,000 – ₹2,500 including USB token
Professional fee
Kanoons charges from ₹1,499 for Class 3 DSC issuance, covering document verification, Certifying Authority coordination and token delivery.
Timeline
DSC issuance is typically completed within 1–2 working days once Aadhaar e-KYC/video verification is successfully completed.
Deliverables
- Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate loaded on a USB crypto token
- Instructions for driver installation and use on MCA, GST and e-tender portals
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Class 3 DSC signing and encryption certificates?
A signing certificate authenticates the signer's identity on documents/filings, while an encryption certificate secures data confidentiality — many applicants need a combined signing-and-encryption DSC for tenders.
How long is a DSC valid?
DSCs are commonly issued for 1, 2 or 3 years, after which a fresh certificate must be obtained.
Can a DSC be used on multiple computers?
Yes, since the DSC resides on a portable USB token, it can be used on any computer with the token plugged in and the requisite driver installed.
Common mistakes
- Choosing the wrong DSC class or type (signing-only when encryption is also needed for e-tenders)
- Letting the DSC expire without renewal, causing filing rejections at deadline time
- Losing the USB token without informing the Certifying Authority to revoke and reissue
- Mismatched PAN/Aadhaar details causing verification failure
Penalties for non-compliance
- Filings signed with an expired or revoked DSC are treated as invalid, potentially causing missed statutory deadlines and late fees on the underlying filing
- Misuse of another person's DSC is a punishable offence under Section 71 of the Information Technology Act, 2000
Legal references
- Information Technology Act, 2000 — provides legal recognition to digital signatures
- Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology — regulates licensed Certifying Authorities issuing DSCs
- IT (Certifying Authorities) Rules, 2000 — prescribes DSC issuance procedure and standards
What will this cost you?
Adjust the options below for an instant, indicative estimate. Final pricing is confirmed once our team reviews your specific documents.
All catalogue prices are exclusive of GST. Tax (typically 18%) is calculated and added at checkout. Government fees vary by state and are confirmed before filing.
Packages for this service
Every tier includes the same filing accuracy and compliance review — the difference is turnaround priority, support access and how hands-on we are with your documents.
Indicative tiers — talk to us to confirm exact scope and pricing for your business.
Get this handled — start today
Delivered by our verified compliance experts and tax professionals — tracked end-to-end in your client portal.
Request a callback
Tell us what you need and our team will call you within one business day with a confirmed scope and quote.