Documents Required for a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

The days of couriering signed forms for a DSC are long gone. With Aadhaar-based eKYC, getting a Class 3 certificate now takes a handful of details and a short video call — frequently wrapped up the same day. Here's the exact checklist, for individuals and organisations alike.

Documents for a Class 3 Individual DSC

For a certificate in a single person's name (professionals, directors, consultants), you'll need:

• PAN card — a clear digital copy.
• Aadhaar number — used for Aadhaar-based eKYC and OTP.
• Mobile number linked to Aadhaar — for OTP and video verification.
• Active email address — for OTP and certificate delivery.
• Recent passport-size photograph.

That's it — no notarised forms or physical paperwork in most cases. See the full Class 3 Individual certificate details.

Documents for a Class 3 Organisation DSC

An organisation certificate is issued to an authorised signatory on behalf of a company, LLP or firm, so you'll provide documents for both the organisation and the signatory:

• Organisation PAN and GST certificate (as applicable).
• Proof of registration — Certificate of Incorporation, Partnership Deed, or registration document.
• Authorisation letter on the organisation's letterhead naming the signatory (or a board resolution).
• Authorised signatory's PAN & Aadhaar — for paperless eKYC.
• Signatory's email & Aadhaar-linked mobile — for OTP and video verification.

More on the Class 3 Organisation certificate.

DGFT certificate documents

For a DGFT DSC (for importers/exporters), you'll also need the organisation's IEC (Import Export Code) certificate, in addition to the organisation documents above.

Foreign individuals & organisations

Foreign applicants can also get a DSC, but the document set differs — typically an apostilled/attested passport, visa or residence proof, and address proof, depending on the applicant's country and category.

What about the USB token?

A Class 3 certificate (other than a Document Signer) is stored on a secure FIPS-compliant USB token. If you already have a token, it can often be reused; if not, you'll buy one as a one-time hardware item.

Tip: make sure your mobile number is linked to Aadhaar before you start — the eKYC video and OTP steps depend on it. This is the single most common reason applications get delayed.

How long does issuance take?

Once your documents and eKYC are complete, a Class 3 DSC is usually issued within 24 hours — often the same day. A physical USB token, if ordered, is delivered separately.