How to Make a Digital Signature: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

How to make a Digital Signature:Today, where the process of government and private purchase and sale has also become online, Digital Signature Certificate has become a very important and secure medium. It is a valid way to sign any document electronically and is used in filing tenders, submitting income tax returns, GST, trademark registration and many other important places. 

Digital Signature Certificate not only provides legal validity to your online transactions and documents but also gives them security. If you want to get a digital signature for e-tendering and are unaware of its process, then this guide is for you. Here, we will tell you the complete step-by-step process of how to get a digital signature so that you can apply for your DSC without any hassle. 

What is E-Tendering and why is DSC mandatory for it? 

E-Tendering is an online process under which the government and large companies issue tenders for the purchase of goods, services or construction works and bidders submit their bids online. This process is more transparent, efficient and faster than traditional paper tendering. 

Why is DSC mandatory for e-tendering? 

• Identity Authentication: DSC ensures that the person or organization bidding is genuine and no unauthorized person is bidding. It verifies the digital identity of the bidder. 

• Security & Integrity of the document: Documents signed with DSC cannot be tampered with. If a document changes after being signed, the digital signature will become invalid. It ensures that your bid data is secure and there is no change in it. 

• Legal Validity: Under the Indian Information Technology Act, 2000, any signature made with a digital signature is considered legally valid, just like a signature made with your own hand. 

• Non-Repudiation: Once you sign a bid with a DSC, you cannot later claim that you did not sign it. This ensures accountability in the bidding process. 

For these reasons, it is mandatory to have a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate, which is the most secure type of DSC, to participate in e-tendering.  

What type of DSC is required for E-Tendering? (Class 3 DSC) 

Digital Signature Certificates come in many categories, but Class 3 Organization Signature plus encryption Certificate (Class 3 (B) Combo) is mandatory for e-tendering and other high-security online transactions. 

Features of Class 3 Organization Signature plus encryption Certificate:  

• Highest security: It undergoes the most stringent verification process, giving it the highest level of security. It involves detailed verification of the applicant’s personal and sometimes organization identity. 

• Wide usage: Apart from e-tendering, Class 3 DSC is used for MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs) filings, GST returns, income tax returns, trademark and patent registration, and all other major government portals. 

• For bidders and companies: DSC is required in the name of the individual (proprietor, partner, director) and sometimes the organization participating in e-tendering. 

Other types of DSC like Class 3 Individual or DGFT DSC are not sufficient or valid for e-tendering. Hence, always ensure that you are getting a Class 3 Organization Signature plus Encryption Certificate. 

How to make a digital signature? How to apply for DSC? Step-by-step guide 

The process of getting a digital signature certificate is now completely online and is quite streamlined. Here is the step-by-step process: 

Step 1: Find a reliable digital signature certificate provider 

First, you need to choose a provider that issues DSC from a Certifying Authority (CA) (such as VSign, eMudhra, Capricorn, Sify SafeScrypt, etc.) recognized by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) of the Government of India. 

These CAs have their own websites from where you can apply directly or can also apply through their authorized partners/resellers. 

Step 2: Choose the right DSC provider vendor/reseller 

You can apply directly from the website of the certifying authority, but sometimes it may be more convenient to get a DSC from their authorized vendors or resellers. 

Benefits of choosing vendors/resellers: 

• They often help simplify the process and provide you with step-by-step guidance. 

• They can also provide technical support in installation and verification. 

• Some vendors offer DSC packages (which include both DSC and USB token) at competitive prices. 

How to choose? Choose a vendor that has a good reputation online, has transparent pricing, and offers good customer service. 

Step 3: Provide your eKYC documents 

To obtain a DSC, you need to submit scanned copies of some important documents for your identity and proof of address. This is mandatory to verify your identity and ensure security. 

• Documents required (for individual DSC): 

• Aadhaar Card 

• PAN Card 

• Proof of address (e.g. bank statement, electricity bill, telephone bill – recent 2-3 months) 

• Passport size photograph 

• Valid email ID and mobile number 

DSC for organization (e.g. for company): If you are getting a DSC for an organization, then along with the personal documents, additional documents like organization registration certificate, PAN card, authorization letter, etc. are also required. Confirm with the provider for the specific list. 

Step 4: Complete the digital signature enrolment process 

Once your documents are initially verified, you will have to go through the digital signature enrollment process. 

• This will require you to fill an online form on the provider’s website or CA portal, wherein you will have to enter your personal information and (if applicable) business details. 

• This will ensure that your DSC is issued with the correct details. 

• If you are applying directly from the CA website, you will have to do this process yourself. If you are doing it through a vendor, they can assist you.  

Step 5: Complete the mandatory digital signature verification 

Creating a digital signature requires completing certain mandatory verification steps that confirm your identity: 

• Mobile Verification: An OTP (One Time Password) is sent to your registered mobile number which you have to verify by entering it in the system. This ensures that it is you who is applying. 

• Email Verification: An OTP or verification link is also sent to your registered email ID, which you have to verify. This confirms the authenticity of your email address. 

• Video Verification: This is a mandatory step where you have to record a short video (usually 25-35 seconds long). In this video, you have to state your name, the purpose of applying for DSC, and show your original identity and address proofs (which you have submitted) in front of the camera. This is a type of “face-to-face” verification that enhances online security.  

Tips for video verification: Choose a place with adequate lighting, make sure your face and documents are clearly visible, and the background is clean.  

Step 6: Make payment  

• When all the verifications are successfully completed, you have to pay the DSC amount.  

• Payment for digital signature certificates is usually made only after logging into the applicant’s eKYC account. This makes the process secure and ensures that the payment is linked to the right applicant.  

You can use various online payment methods such as UPI, debit/credit cards, or net banking.  

Step 7: Get a USB token 

• You will need a USB token to download and store the DSC securely. It is a special hardware security device in which your digital signature certificate is stored. 

• Why is USB Token important? Your DSC private key is encrypted and securely stored inside this token. This key can never leave the token, thereby protecting your digital signature from hacking and unauthorized use. 

• Some popular USB tokens include ProxKey USB Token, mToken USB, HYP2003 USB Token. Make sure you get a FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certified token, as it meets the highest security standards. 

• Most DSC providers offer a complete package of USB tokens along with DSC, or you can get it separately. 

Step 8: Download Digital Signature to your USB Token 

Once your DSC is successfully issued (usually after some verification and payment process), you can download the USB token from your DSC. 

Conclusion 

So friends, now you have a complete understanding of how to get a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for e-tendering. The process is secure and systematic, and by following the above steps you can get your DSC without any hassle. 

The demand for DSC is constantly increasing in today’s digital world, and it provides a secure and efficient solution for important tasks like online document signing, verification and e-tendering. Getting a valid and correct DSC is a crucial step to move your business forward with success and security in the digital landscape. We hope this detailed guide has proved to be extremely useful for you!