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A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is an electronic form of identity proof, similar to physical documents like PAN or passport, but used digitally to authenticate a person or organization. It enables secure access to online services and allows users to digitally sign documents, saving time and simplifying e‑governance interactions. All DSCs in India follow the IT Act, 2000, and the X.509 PKI standards.
Clarifications on Use of Digital Signature Certificates : A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is used to authenticate documents electronically. Different government portals and regulatory authorities prescribe different DSC categories based on the nature of the filing, legal liability, and verification requirements.
Below is a detailed purpose-wise clarification:
Required DSC: Organization (Class 3) – Sign Only. BIS Hallmarking is issued in the name of a business entity (jeweler/manufacturer). The person signing must represent the organisation legally. Authentication must reflect the entity-level responsibility, not an individual’s personal identity. Digital signature certificates must contain the organization name and authorized signatory details. and person. Ensure authorization on company letterhead is uploaded on the BIS portal.
Required DSC: Organization (Class 3) – Sign Only. DPIIT recognition is granted to a registered entity (LLP, company, or partnership). Verification must establish the identity of the organization, not the personal user. The authorized signatory’s PAN must match the entity’s registration details.
Individual (Class 2/Class 3 as per state)—Sign Only. RTO services (Vahan, Sarathi, permit renewals, driving license, fitness, etc.) involve personal declarations, individual identity verification, and government mandates for individual verification of the person submitting forms. Even if filing for a company vehicle, RTO systems usually require individual DSC.
Individual Class 3 – Combo/Sign Only and Organisation Class 3 – Combo/Sign Only (depends on portal & tender category). Some procurement portals require the bidder’s authorized signatory to sign—an individual DSC is acceptable. Many government tenders require the DSC to reflect entity details; organization DSC becomes mandatory. Combo DSC (Sign + Encrypt) is often required because
Check the tender document: “Bidder signing requirement”, PSUs and central government portals mostly prefer organization combo DSC.
Required DSC: Individual Class 3 – Sign Only. (Specifically of the IEC‑linked authorized signatory). And ICEGATE DSC for customs filing is legally the responsibility of the IEC holder’s authorized person. ICEGATE binds filings to the individual associated with IEC, not just to the entity. Ensures traceability for import/export documents, bills of entry, shipping bills, etc. DSC must match the PAN of the authorized signatory registered at ICEGATE. And Organisation DSC is not accepted.
Required DSC – Class 3 – Individual or Organisation (as applicable) – Sign Only.
DSCs are generally issued within 3 to 7 days after submission.
| Purpose / Portal | Allowed DSC | Why |
| Hallmark (BIS) | Org Sign Only | Filing is entity-based |
| DPIIT Startup India | Org Sign Only | Recognition granted to entity |
| RTO / Transport | Individual Sign Only | Personal verification required |
| Tender / e‑Procurement | Individual/Org. Sign or Combo | It depends on portal; a combo is often required |
| ICEGATE | Individual Sign Only | Must be IEC‑linked authorized signatory |
| GST | Class 3 Sign Only | Statutory requirement |
| Income Tax | Class 3 Sign Only | Mandatory for companies/LLPs |
| Trademark IP India | Class 3 Sign Only | Legal submission by applicant/agent |
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