In today’s digital world, many important tasks are done online – from filing income tax returns to applying for tenders, signing contracts, and securing emails. To ensure these online transactions are safe and legally valid, the Government of India has introduced Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs). Among the various types of DSCs, the Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate is the most secure and trusted.
In this article, we will explain what a Class 3 digital signature is, where it is used, its features and benefits, and how you can apply for it easily.
What is a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)?
A Digital Signature Certificate is the digital version of your handwritten signature. It is issued by a government-approved Certifying Authority (CA) and is used to sign documents online. A DSC proves your identity electronically, ensures data privacy, and confirms that the signed document has not been changed.
Just like how your handwritten signature is accepted on paper documents, a DSC is accepted on digital documents. It is legally valid under the Information Technology Act, of 2000.
Types of Digital Signature Certificates
There are mainly three classes of DSCs:
- Class 1 DSC: Used for securing email communication.
- Class 2 DSC: Used for filing income tax, GST returns, and MCA forms. (Note: This class has been discontinued for individuals since January 1, 2021.)
- Class 3 DSC: The highest level of digital security, used for online auctions, e-tendering, e-bidding, and other secure transactions.
Let’s now focus on Class 3 DSC, which is the most trusted and widely used digital signature in India today.
What is Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate?
A Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate is the most secure and advanced type of DSC. It is issued only after the applicant’s identity is verified thoroughly by a certifying authority, either through video verification or physical appearance.
It is mainly used for high-value transactions where strong authentication is required, such as:
- E-tendering
- E-procurement
- E-bidding
- E-auctions
- Patent and trademark filings
- Company registration
- Government contract applications
This certificate ensures that the person signing the document is genuine and that the document has not been tampered with.
Who Needs a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate?
A Class 3 DSC is essential for:
- Business owners and companies participating in online tenders.
- Government contractors or vendors supplying goods and services to government departments.
- Chartered accountants, company secretaries, and legal professionals who file returns and documents online.
- Individuals who participate in online auctions (like coal, telecom spectrum, eProcurement, etc.).
- Trademark and patent agents for filing intellectual property documents.
If you are applying for tenders on portals like GeM (Government e-Marketplace), NIC, or IRCTC eProcurement, then Class 3 DSC is mandatory.
Key Features of Class 3 DSC
Here are some important features that make Class 3 DSC the preferred choice for secure digital operations:
- Highest Level of Security: Class 3 DSC is based on PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) and uses 2048-bit encryption, ensuring complete data safety and confidentiality.
- Legally Valid: Under Indian law, Class 3 DSC is legally recognized and holds the same importance as a physical signature.
- USB Token Protection: Class 3 DSC is usually issued with a USB token (crypto token). This token stores your certificate securely and prevents misuse.
- Multi-Year Validity: The certificate is valid for 1, 2, or 3 years, depending on what you choose at the time of application.
- Identity Verification: To issue a Class 3 DSC, the certifying authority verifies your identity either through video recording or physical documents.
Benefits of Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate
Using Class 3 DSC has many advantages for businesses and professionals:
- Saves Time and Effort: You can sign and send documents online without printing, scanning, or couriering them. This saves time and paperwork.
- Secures Online Transactions: Class 3 DSC encrypts your data and protects it from unauthorized access or tampering.
- Mandatory for E-Tendering: Most government and private e-procurement portals accept only Class 3 DSC for applying and signing bids.
- Cost-Effective: Once you get a DSC, it can be used multiple times across platforms, making it a low-cost solution for digital authentication.
- Environment Friendly: DSCs reduce the use of paper, ink, and transportation, making your business eco-friendly.
How to Apply for a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate
Applying for a Class 3 DSC is simple, fast, and completely online. You can apply either through the official websites of Certifying Authorities (CAs) or through trusted online service providers.
Step 1: Visit Our Website
- Go to our website to start the process.
Step 2: Fill in Your Details
- User Type: Choose if you are an individual or an organization.
- Certificate Type: Pick if you need it just for signing documents or for both signing and encryption.
- Validity: Choose how long you want the certificate to last.
- Personal Info: Enter your name, phone number, email, and address.
- Agree to Terms: Check the box to agree to the terms.
- Submit: Click the submit button.
Step 3: Choose Token Option
- Already Have a Token?: If you have a USB token, choose “No.” If you need a new one, choose “Yes.”
Step 4: Make Payment
- Payment: Enter your payment details and choose how you want to pay (net banking, credit card, debit card, or UPI).
Step 5: Complete the Process
- Review: Make sure all your information is correct.
- Submit: Click submit and wait for a confirmation email.
Step 6: Get Your Digital Signature
- You’ll receive your digital signature on a USB token drive after processing.
Validity and Renewal
A Class 3 DSC is valid for 1 to 3 years from the date of issue. After that, you must renew it to continue using it.
Renewal Process:
- Visit the same provider’s website
- Select “Renew DSC”
- Provide your old DSC number
- Update your KYC (if required)
- Complete video verification again
- Make payment
- Receive renewed DSC
Renewal should be done before the expiry date to avoid service interruptions.
Where Can You Use Class 3 DSC?
Some popular platforms that require Class 3 DSC are:
- GeM (Government e-Marketplace)
- IRCTC eProcurement portal
- Income Tax Department
- GSTN portal
- EPFO and MCA eFiling
- ICEGATE (Customs portal)
- DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade)
- IP India (Patent and Trademark filings)
It can also be used for signing PDFs, invoices, contracts, and other electronic documents.
Suggested Read – Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate For eTender
Conclusion
A Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate is an essential tool for secure, fast, and legal digital communication. Whether you’re a business owner, a government contractor, or a professional who needs to sign documents online, having a Class 3 DSC saves time, ensures safety, and helps meet legal and compliance needs.
The application process is now simpler than ever. With just a few steps, you can get your DSC issued and start using it on all major government and business platforms. So don’t wait—get your Class 3 DSC today and make your digital interactions smarter and safer.
