Latest Digital Signature Price in India: Know everything and choose the right DSC!

Digital Signature Price in India: Hello friends! In today’s digital era, everything has gone online – whether it is doing bank transactions from the comfort of your home, applying for government schemes, or signing documents for your business. The Internet has made our lives very easy. But, working in this online world comes with a big challenge – Security! How can you trust that the document you have signed online is genuine? or someone else is not tampering with it?  

This is where Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) comes to your aid. It is a powerful digital certificate that not only makes your online documents and transactions legally valid but also keeps them safe from cyber fraud. 

In this detailed blog post, we will take a deep dive into what Class 3 DSC is, why it is so important, how it works, and what things you should keep in mind while purchasing it so that you can choose the most correct and reliable digital signature for yourself. We will give you all the details so that you can make an informed decision. 

What is a Class 3 Digital Signature and why is it so special? 

So listen, Class 3 Digital Signature is no ordinary digital certificate – it is the most high-security and most trusted digital signature certificate issued in India. It is issued under very stringent rules and guidelines set by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) of the Government of India. This means that you can completely trust its security and authenticity. 

This is the same signature that is commonly used for large and sensitive online tasks, such as: 

• Participating in large government tenders or e-procurement. 

• Corporate filings such as MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs) e-filing. 

• Submitting GST (Goods and Services Tax) returns. 

• Filing Income Tax Return (ITR), especially when audit is mandatory. 

• Applying for intellectual property such as trademarks, patents and copyrights. 

• And sign all other legally valid agreements or documents online. 

Some of its special and unique benefits that make it so important are: 

• Super Secure: Class 3 DSC encrypts your online documents and data. Encryption means that your information is converted into a code that can only be read by the person who has the correct “key”. This prevents any unauthorized person from accessing or altering your documents. It keeps your financial and confidential data completely safe from cyber attacks and fraud. 

• Highest Legal Validity: Under the Indian Information Technology Act, 2000, any digital signature made with a Class 3 DSC is considered as legally valid as your handwritten signature. This keeps your online activities completely within the legal framework and serves as a strong evidence in case of dispute. 

• Versatile & Universal Use: Class 3 DSC is not just for one purpose, but it is applicable for multiple online platforms and processes. Income Tax filing, GST returns, MCA filing, e-tendering, EPFO – it is applicable everywhere. You do not need different signatures for different purposes, which saves both your time and money. 

How does Digital Signature Class 3 work? Understand in simple language. 

Let’s talk a little technical now, but in very simple language so that you can understand it easily. When you use Digital Signature Class 3, it uses two types of “keys” – a public key and a private key. Both of these keys are linked to each other but have different functions:

• Private Key: This is your own personal and confidential key. It is stored very securely in your USB token (such as HYP2003). This key is only with you and no one else can access it. When you digitally sign a document, this private key creates that signature. This is the most important part of your digital identity.  

• Public Key: This key is linked to your private key but can be shared publicly. When you sign and send a document, this public key goes with that document. The person receiving the document can use this public key to verify that the signature is genuine and the document has not been tampered with.  

How does DSC work?  

When you sign a PDF document or an online form, your digital signature certificate uses a cryptographic process. It creates a unique “fingerprint” (called a hash) of your document and encrypts it with your private key. This encrypted hash becomes your digital signature.  

If someone makes even a slight change to the document after it is signed, the hash of the document will change. When the receiver verifies the signature with the public key, the new hash will not match the old hash, and the signature will immediately show as invalid. In this way, the digital signature certificate ensures that the document is completely tamper-proof. This technology is so powerful and reliable that big banks, government agencies, and financial institutions trust it blindly.

Where is Class 3 Digital Signature used? Check out the full list! 

Now it is important to know where Class 3 Digital Signature is used in your daily digital activities and business operations. It is an all-in-one solution for individuals, businesses and organizations. Some of its main and essential uses are: 

E-Tendering and e-Procurement: Class 3 DSC is mandatory for participating in online tenders or bids of government departments, public sector undertakings (PSUs) and private companies. It ensures that the bidder is authentic and there is no alteration in his bid.  

Income Tax Filing (ITR): 

• If your personal income is above a certain limit (e.g. above ₹25 lakh) or your business turnover is more than Rs 1 crore, then the use of DSC for ITR filing often becomes mandatory.  

• DSC is mandatory for ITR filing for Companies and LLPs (Limited Liability Partnerships) as well.  

• In cases of tax audit, ITR cannot be filed without DSC or Aadhar OTP.  

GST Returns (Goods and Services Tax): 

• For businesses whose turnover is above a certain limit, DSC is mandatory to be used for filing GST Returns (GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, etc.). 

• It is also required for all types of applications and corrections on the GST portal. 

MCA Filings (Ministry of Corporate Affairs): 

• DSC is mandatory for company registration, LLP incorporation, and all types of ROC (Registrar of Companies) filings. 

• It is also used for signing board meeting resolutions, director’s KYC and other corporate documents online. 

Trademark and Patent Filing: 

• DSC is also used to apply online for and protect your intellectual property such as trademarks, patents, and copyrights. 

EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund Organization): 

• DSC is required for digitally signing PF-related documents, monthly returns, and claims by employers and authorized persons on the EPFO portal. 

Banking and Financial Transactions: 

• Some banks and financial institutions also provide the option to use DSC for online fund transfer or other sensitive banking services, which increases the security of transactions. 

Foreign Trade: 

• DSC is mandatory for applying for import-export related licenses and other filings on the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) portal. But in DGFT case, you have to Buy DGFT DSC. DGFT dsc basically a IEC number base dsc, which is work DGFT portal import export related work. 

Digital Signature on Legal Documents: 

• You can use Class 3 DSC to digitally sign various legal documents such as contracts, agreements, MOUs, or any other online documents, ensuring their validity and security. 

So, basically, Digital Signature Class 3 is a must-have tool in today’s digital ecosystem, especially for all those who regularly conduct online business or work on government portals. 

What is the ePass (now HYP2003) USB Token and why is it important? 

Let’s now talk in a little more detail about the device that stores digital signatures, i.e. the ePass USB Token. This token is now also known as the HYP2003 USB Token. You may not know, but in July 2023, Epass2003 was renamed to HYP2003 and it is famous by this new name today. 

This is not an ordinary USB drive that you use to store data – it is a specially designed FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certified device. FIPS certification means that it meets very high standards of security and is specially designed to keep your digital signature safe.  

Here are some of its important benefits:  

• Top-notch security: Your private key (which is the most important part of your digital signature) is kept safe inside this token. It is hack-proof due to offline storage, as your keys are never exposed to the internet.  

• Plug-and-Play: It is very easy to use. Just plug it into your computer’s USB port, install the required software (drivers), and it is ready to use immediately. No complicated setup is required.  

• Portable and convenient: It is a small, compact device that you can easily carry around in your pocket. This allows you to use your digital signature anywhere, on any computer.  

• Durable: These tokens are very robust and do not get damaged easily with everyday use. They are designed to last a long time. 

When you buy a Class 3 DSC, most trusted providers will provide you with this HYP2003 USB token along with it. This is very important for the security and portability of your digital signature. 

Class 3 DSC Price and How to Choose the Right DSC for You? 

When you look for Class 3 DSC Price, you will find that the prices in the market vary depending on the validity and the Certifying Authority (CA). Generally, Class 3 DSC prices range from ₹1500 to ₹4500 for 1 year or 2 years validity. Some providers only tell you the price of the certificate and charge the token price separately. 

While choosing the best Digital Signature Certificate for your business or personal needs, you should keep these important points in mind: 

• Certifying Authority (CA) Credibility: Always buy DSC from a provider that is recognized by the Government of India and works with a trusted Certifying Authority (like eMudhra, Capricorn, VSign, etc.). This ensures that your digital signature is genuine and legally valid.  

• Validity Period: For how long do you need a DSC – 1 year or 2 years? Generally, a DSC with a validity of 2 years is more economical and saves you from the hassle of frequent renewals. Buying a DSC with a longer validity in one go will save you money in the long term.  

• Type and certification of USB token: Make sure you are getting a FIPS certified USB token (such as HYP2003). FIPS certification indicates that the token meets international standards of security and is very important for the security of your digital signature.  

• Support and customer service: Check if the DSC provider offers free support for installation, renewal or any other technical issues. Good and timely customer service can be very helpful. 

• GST Invoice: If you are getting a DSC for your business, ensure you get a GST invoice. This will allow your business to claim Input Tax Credit on the cost of the DSC, thereby reducing your actual cost. 

• Complete Package: Some providers quote the price of DSC only, and charge separately for the USB Token. Always choose providers who provide you a complete package of USB Token along with DSC, so that you don’t have to buy anything separately. 

Who should buy Class 3 Digital Signature? 

Who is this Digital Signature Certificate for? Basically, any individual or entity that wants to make their online transactions secure, fast, and legally valid should buy a Class 3 DSC: 

• Business Owners: If you file GST returns for your company, do MCA filings, or are involved in foreign trade (import-export), then DSC is a must for you. It makes your business’s online operations streamlined and secure. 

• Professionals: Chartered Accountants (CAs), Lawyers, Company Secretaries (CS), and Consultants who file for their clients on government portals need a DSC. 

• Individuals: Those whose income is above a certain limit and want to use DSC for their ITR filing, or applying online for a government scheme where a digital signature is required. 

• Organizations: Companies, LLPs, trusts, societies, and NGOs need DSC for all their online legal and compliance filings. 

• Government Contractors: Class 3 DSC is mandatory for anyone who participates in government tenders or e-procurement. 

If you fall into any of these categories, then Digital Signature Class 3 is a smart and necessary investment for you. 

Conclusion:  

So friends, this was the complete and detailed information about Class 3 Digital Signature. In today’s fast-growing digital world, it is an indispensable and powerful tool that makes all your online work secure, fast and legally valid. This not only saves you from legal complications but also saves your time and efforts.  

It is very important to choose the most appropriate and reliable Class 3 Digital Signature for your business or personal needs. Choose a provider that offers good service, adequate validity and necessary technical support so that your digital signature experience is always smooth and secure.