How to Apply for DSC Online (Digital Signature Certificate) as an Individual to Use Personally

1. How to Apply for DSC Online (Digital Signature Certificate) as an Individual to Use Personally DSC, or Digital Signature Certificate, is an electronic certificate issued for signing documents over the internet securely. It certifies a person's identity while making an online transaction or submitting a document. Getting an online DSC is quite a simple process; hence, here we guide you through the procedure step by step to apply for DSC Online for personal purposes. Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining and Using a Digital Signature Certificate: This is an electronic authentication tool using which one can verify the authenticity of individuals and ensure the integrity of digital documents. To obtain and make use of a DSC, this is an electronic authentication tool using which one

2. can verify the authenticity of individuals and ensure the integrity of digital documents. Step 1: Select a Certifying Authority (CA) In India, DSCs are issued by licensed certifying authorities under the Controller of Certifying Authorities, which comes under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Before you apply, you must select a trusted CA. Each CA provides various types of DSCs, such as Class 2 and Class 3, depending on your requirements. For personal use, a Class 2 or Class 3 DSC is usually sufficient. You can easily apply for DSC online through the website of the selected CA to streamline the process. Step 2: Surf the Website of Your Chosen CA After you have shortlisted a certifying authority, surf their website. Scroll down the page to look for the subsection on individuals or personal DSC applications. Most CAs have an individual-specific web page or application form online. Step 3: Fill Up the DSC Application Form On the website of the CA, you will get an application form. Filling out that form is very important and might include the following details: ● Personal Details: Surname, current address, e-mail ID, contact number, etc. ● Type of DSC: Select the type of DSC you need according to your purpose/class. ● Certificate Type: DSC on USB token or through email. Double-check everything since an error could cause a delay in your application process. Ensure that everything is correct because one wrong move will make you lose precious time in processing your application.

3. Step 4: Upload Important Documents The certifying authority will ask you to upload some scanned copies of documents for identity verification purposes. These usually are: ● Identity Proof: This could be a passport, voter ID, Aadhar card, PAN card, or driving license. ● Address Proof: Utility bill, bank statement, passport, or Aadhar card, Pan card, reflecting your current address. ● Photograph: Recent, passport-size photograph. The documents must be readable, clear, and in the correct format, preferably either PDF, JPEG, or PNG. Step 5: Payment You need to fill in the application form and upload the required documents and then proceed for payment of DSC. Many certifying authorities allow online payments using credit/debit cards, net banking, or wallets. The amount that would be paid to get a DSC ranges between ₹500 and ₹2,000 depending upon the certifying authority and type of certificate issued. Step 6: Verify Your Details Upon payment confirmation, the Certificate Authority shall begin to check through your details. There are primarily two ways in which verification can happen: ● In-person Verification (IPV): In some cases, a certifying authority may ask you to visit their office for in-person verification of your documents. Alternatively, they may obtain video verification in which you have to display the documents on camera. ● Aadhaar-based eKYC: Many CAs have also started an Aadhaar-based eKYC. Here, you can get verified using your Aadhaar number and the OTP received at your registered mobile number.

4. Choose one of them, and then the process will be as per the guidelines by the certifying authority. Step 7: Obtain Your DSC After you get successfully verified, your DSC will be issued. There are mainly two ways of receiving your DSC: ● USB Token: You can have it sent to you by courier in case you base your DSC on a USB token. Here you will make use of a USB token, which helps in storing and managing DSC. ● DSC by Email: On email-based DSC, your certificate will get sent to the email inbox from where you shall have to execute all instructions sent with regard to its installation as well as for use. Step 8: Install DSC on Your Computer If you have obtained a USB token, insert the USB token in your computer and install the supplied software and drivers by the certifying authority. The USB token usually contains an instruction on its installation. In case you received a DSC by email, then download the certificate file from your email and then install it following the instructions in the email. In both cases, installation is easy and guided by the certifying authority. Step 9: Using Your DSC for Personal Work Once you have set up your digital signature certificate, you can use it for a range of online activities. Some of the frequent usages of a digital signature certificate include the following: ● Submission of Income Tax Returns: DSCs are utilized for e-signing your income tax returns for submission to the Income Tax Department.

5. ● Signing of Documents: DSCs enable you to sign electronic signatures through contracts, agreements, and applications by attesting to the authenticity of your signature. ● E-Tendering: Many government and private sector tenders require the use of a DSC for bid submissions. Conclusion DSC may be applied through the internet using an easy procedure that ensures efficiency in various personal online tasks. After choosing your certifying authority, completing an application form for DSCs, uploading such documents as requested, and final verification, a DSC could be acquired pretty fast to carry out all these personal online purposes. You can always ensure it is kept confidential because a digital signature certificate happens to be like a digital imitation of you. You can easily apply for DSC online to simplify this process.