The documents required for formation of a company are required to be filed on-line and DSC is a verification tool (equivalent to hand written signature) used for filing such documents with the ROC. DSC can be obtained for any one or more directors of the proposed company under whose name the documents are usually filed. DSC is of various classes and a Class II DSC is applicable for incorporation and for the process thereafter.

How to Obtain DSC?
Government has authorized various certification agencies for issuing DSC. In order to obtain DSC, the prescribed application form of the chosen agency has to be filled in and submitted along with the identity proof and address proof. The certification agency office verifies all the documents and upon satisfaction issues DSC in a USB token (and also through email). It is a password protected file.

Documents and Information Required?

One identity proof containing photo and date of birth and one address proof is required to be submitted along with the executed form.

Identity proof may be a Passport/Voter Card/Driving License/PAN Card etc. In case of foreign citizen/NRI, identity proof should necessarily be a passport copy.

Address proof may be a Passport/Voter Card/Ration Card/Driving License/Electricity Bill/Telephone Bill/Bank Statement etc.

General information such as name, father’s name, date of birth, nationality, contact details, etc. is also required for filling the form. Additionally, father’s and mother’s name is required for the mandatory roll check of DSC with ROC.

Attestation Requirement
In case of a foreign national, the photograph, identity proof and address proof should be duly attested by the notary public/Indian embassy/ apostille authority in the home country of the applicant.

Follow Up
It may take around 1-3 days to obtain a digital signature.

Note
An application for DSC can also be made simultaneously with the DIN application to save time.