How to Apply for a DSC Online

Getting a Digital Signature Certificate is now fully online — no paperwork, no office visit. Here is the exact step-by-step process and the documents you need.

Documents you need

For a paperless Class 3 certificate you mainly need your PAN and Aadhaar (with the mobile number linked to Aadhaar for OTP), plus a recent photo and email. Organisations also provide proof of the entity and an authorisation letter for the signatory. See the full list in documents required for a DSC.

Step-by-step: the paperless process

• Choose the certificate — Class 3 Individual or Organisation, Signing or Combo. Pick the right one for your use.
• Enter details & PAN/Aadhaar — fill the application and verify your PAN.
• Aadhaar eKYC + OTP — authenticate with the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile.
• Video verification — record a short video saying the given lines (done from your phone).
• Download to a USB token — once approved, the certificate is downloaded onto a secure FIPS token.

How fast is it?

With paperless eKYC, most Class 3 certificates are issued the same day — often within a couple of hours of completing video verification. There is no need to courier documents or visit an office.

Do you need a USB token?

Yes. Every certificate is stored on a secure FIPS-compliant USB token so the private key never leaves the device. If you are renewing, you can often reuse your existing token — see how to renew a DSC.

Frequently asked questions