How to Renew a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

A DSC doesn't last forever — it quietly expires after one to three years, and many people only find out when a filing gets rejected right before a deadline. The fix is simple once you know what "renewal" really means. Here's how it works, and how to make sure you're never caught out.

What "renewing" a DSC really means

Technically, a DSC can't be extended — when it expires, a fresh certificate is issued through the same paperless eKYC process. In everyday language this is called "renewal," but you're really getting a new certificate (often onto the same USB token).

When should you renew?

Renew before your current certificate expires — ideally 1–2 weeks ahead. If you renew in time, there's no gap in your ability to file. Don't wait for the expiry date, especially near filing deadlines.

A good DSC partner will remind you before your certificate expires, so you never miss a filing because of a lapsed signature.

What you need to renew

The renewal process is the same as a new application — the documents are minimal thanks to Aadhaar eKYC:

• PAN and Aadhaar of the certificate holder (or the authorised signatory for an organisation)
• Aadhaar-linked mobile and active email for OTP and video verification
• For organisations: the organisation documents and authorisation, as with a new certificate

See the full document checklist for details.

Can you reuse your USB token?

Yes — in most cases the new certificate can be downloaded onto your existing FIPS-compliant USB token, so you don't need to buy a new one. If your token is old or damaged, you can get a fresh one.

What happens when a DSC expires?

• You cannot sign or file with the expired certificate — portals will reject it.
• Documents you signed before expiry remain valid; expiry doesn't undo past signatures.
• You'll need a brand-new certificate to continue — there's no grace period.

Choosing your new validity

When you renew, you can pick 1, 2 or 3 years again. A longer validity usually offers the best value, because you pay the service and token cost only once. Compare options on our pricing page.