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How to renew a Digital Signature Certificate?

In the digital world, where electronic format of documents are filling up the cyberspace and signatures can be done digitally in a few clicks, one question keeps doing rounds – ‘Are these e-signatures legally valid?’ Don’t work amidst doubt or confusion, as this blog will explain to you the legal status of Digital Signature Certificates in India’s e-landscape, the need for DSC renewal and how you can do it?

A Digital Signature Certificate is a necessary tool for e-signing documents, authentication and making online transactions safe. One can apply DSC Online in a few simple steps from a recognized Certifying Authority. As per the Information Technology Act 2000, the Digital Signature Certificates are acknowledged as legitimate and lawful substitutes for handwritten signatures. Therefore, your electronic signature has the same legal weight as one that is in physical form. Documents signed with valid DSCs are legally binding and enforceable and can be used as evidence in Indian courts.

However, DSCs come with an expiration date. Therefore, it becomes essential to make timely renewal to ensure continued service of the DSC.

The step-by-step guide for DSC renewal

Take the following easy steps to renew your digital signature certificate —

  1. Verify the DSC Expiration Date before renewing by:
    1. Plugging in your DSC USB.
    2. Launching the TrustKey, Safenet, or ePass DSC administration tool
    3. Looking up the expiration date of the Digital Signature Certificate.
  2. Visit an authorised DSC partner website and fill the form   renewing DSC certificate.
  3. Once you share your details and submit the form, you will receive a call back.
  4. Verify your identity through the online authentication process.
  5. The team will assist to complete the form.
  6. They will ask questions and select user type based on your use case, which may be individual or organization.Select DSC type as per your business requirements. There is an option to select “Signature” as certificate type by default for all your digital signing purposes. In case, the digital signature certificate is required for eTendering, you can select ‘Both’ (signature and encryption) as the certificate type.Select the validity period as per your requirements, such as 1 year, 2 years or 3 years.

A payment link will be shared and your purchase will be completed. Once the DSC is re-issued, you can download your Digital Signature Certificate.

Why it is important to renew DSC?

Each DSC has a validity time period that lasts generally two or three years for Class 3 and one or two years for Class 2 DSCs. To ensure that your Digital Signature Certificate has a legal validity, never sign documents with an expired DSC and go for timely DSC renewal. According to the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA regulations), new identity verification is required at the time of renewing digital signatures.

The DSC renewal guarantees the user –

  1. Long-term legal compliance, which is required for company filings, GST filings and e-Tenders.
  2. Uninterrupted access to guarantee that digital transactions go smoothly.
  3. Improved security to preserve your key information and transaction details.

You can renew Digital Signature Certificates for both individuals and businesses following a fully online and quick process. According to CCA regulations, new identity verification is required when renewing digital signatures. The procedure for renewing your digital signature certificate is the same as for purchasing a new one. Be very careful when you apply DSC online. The authorities, time and again, issue warnings for the users against falling in the trap of unlicensed certified public accountants, who may issue certificates with dubious authority or noncompliance.