DSC Full Form and Benefits

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DSC Full Form and Benefits

DSC full form in company is Digital Signature Certificate. It is a secure digital key that is used for signing various electronic documents. During the time of company registration, DSC certificate is used for signing the incorporation documents like Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association. In this blog post, we shall discuss what is DSC, who issues it and the benefits it has.

What is DSC Full Form?

DSC full form is Digital Signature Certificate. It is basically a digital equivalent of a physical or paper certificate, and is used for authenticating and signing electronic documents, emails and transactions. A DSC serves as a proof of identity for an individual or organization online.

DSC is a mandatory requirement for the company registration process online. It is used to sign company incorporation documents like Memorandum of Association, Articles of Association, SPICe+ form and filings with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. 

The use of a DSC confers legal validity and binding force on these electronic documents, ensuring their authenticity, integrity and security. It is essential for online processes like name approval, incorporation and e-filing of returns. 

Who Issues DSC?

The Certifying Authorities (CAs), authorized by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA), are responsible for issuing the DSC in India. The CAs verify the applicants rigorously and then finally issue them digital certificates that are legally valid for electronic transactions. 

Examples of licensed CAs include e-Mudhra, (n)Code Solutions, Capricorn, Safescrypt, Protean (NSDL e-Gov), IDRBT, CDAC and Vsign (Verasys).

Benefits of DSC

The DSC offers a multitude of benefits. Some of them are as follows :-

• A DSC does away with the need for physical signatures and paperwork. It allows documents to be signed in a digital format in a safe and secure manner.

• Using a DSC, an individual or organization can verify the identity of the signer. They can ensure the authenticity and integrity of electronic records.

• During the company incorporation process, a DSC is used for filing incorporation documents and statutory forms electronically with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. It is also used for filing annual returns.

• Digitally signed documents instill confidence in the recipient regarding the genuineness of the signer and allow actions to be taken without any concern about forgery/tampering.

• A DSC holder is not required to be physically present to authorize or conduct business. It enables transactions and approvals to be completed entirely remotely in a legally valid manner. It saves their travelling time and energy.

Conclusion

DSC stands for Digital Signature Certificate. It is issued to individuals by the Certifying Authorities, which are licensed by the Controller of Certifying Authorities. A DSC does not come with a lifetime validity. It is issued for a period of one, two or three years. After this, it requires renewal. To incorporate a company in India, it is necessary to have a DSC to sign all the company incorporation documents. 

Need assistance in the company registration process? Connect with our experts at Registrationwala. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is DSC full form?

A. DSC full form is Digital Signature Certificate.

Q2. Who issues DSC in India?

A. The Certifying Authorities licensed by the Controller of Certifying Authorities are responsible for issuing DSC in India to individuals.

Q3. Does DSC require renewal or does it come with lifetime validity?

A. The DSC doesn’t come with lifetime validity. It is issued for a limited period of either one, two or three years. After its validity ends, renewal is necessary to be able to use the DSC once again.

Q4. Which Act regulates the Digital Signature Certificates in India?

A. The Information and Technology Act 2000 regulates the DSCs in India.

Q5. Are DSCs legally valid in India?

A. Yes, the DSCs are legally valid in India. They are used for various purposes such as for registering a company online, tax returns, GST submissions, etc.

Q6. Can I register a company online without DSC?

A. No, you cannot register a company online if you do not have DSC. Having a DSC is a mandatory security requirement in India, and you need it to sign SPICe+ form (incorporation form) and incorporation documents. 

Q7. What is the difference between DSC and DIN?

A. DSC, short for Digital Signature Certificate, is a digital key that is used for signing various electronic documents. DIN, short for Director Identification Number, is an ID issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to anyone who wants to become a director.

Q8. Which DSC was discontinued by CCA in 2021?

A. The Class 2 DSC was discontinued in India from 1 January 2021 by the Controller of Certifying Authorities.

Q9. Do company directors require DSC?

A. Yes, the company directors require DSC for company signing forms to register a new company, DIN application, ITR and GST returns. It is also required for approving digital board decisions.

Q10. What are the famous Certifying Authorities that issue DSC in India?

A. Some famous Certifying Authorities that issue DSC in India are e-Mudhra, (n)Code Solutions, Capricorn, Safescrypt, Protean (NSDL e-Gov), IDRBT, CDAC and Vsign (Verasys).

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