Before applying for a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), prepare the identity, address, photograph and, where applicable, organization or authorization documents required for your applicant category. The exact checklist can vary by DSC class, certificate purpose, applicant type, Certifying Authority (CA), and verification method.
Last Updated: 02 October 2026 | Verification basis: Current CCA identity-verification guidance and current DSC document-checklist practices.
This updated checklist covers individual DSC applicants, proprietors, partnership firms, companies, LLPs, trusts/NGOs, government organizations, DGFT users, foreign applicants and NRIs. eFiling Infotech recommends confirming the final document set with the issuing CA or Registration Authority before submission because additional documents may be requested for a particular certificate or use case.
What Documents Are Required for a Digital Signature Certificate?
The documents required for DSC depend mainly on who is applying, whether the DSC is individual or organization-based, the intended use, and the verification route selected by the issuing CA.
Common document categories include:
- Identity Proof: PAN, Aadhaar, Passport, Driving Licence or another accepted government-issued ID.
- Address Proof: Aadhaar, Passport, Driving Licence, Voter ID, utility bill, bank statement or another accepted proof.
- Photograph: Recent passport-size photograph where required by the application process.
- Organization Proof: GST certificate, incorporation/registration document, partnership deed, trust/registration document or other applicable entity proof.
- Authorization Proof: Authorization letter, board resolution, list of directors, partnership authorization or equivalent proof of authority.
- Contact Details: Applicant's active email ID and mobile number for communication and verification.
Important: These documents should not be confused with the verification method. The CCA currently recognizes multiple identity-verification routes, including Aadhaar e-KYC and document-based verification with applicable physical or video verification. Therefore, every applicant must submit all of these documents and complete the same video process the exact combination depends on the CA's approved verification procedure and the applicant's circumstances.
Documents Required for Individual DSC
For an Indian individual applicant, the basic DSC checklist normally includes proof of identity/address, PAN where applicable, photograph and contact details. The acceptable documents can vary depending on the verification method and CA.
Option 1: Aadhaar e-KYC Based Verification
- Aadhaar details for e-KYC authentication.
- Mobile number and/or email address as required by the e-KYC process.
- PAN details where PAN is required for the certificate or intended application.
- Applicant's consent and authentication through the applicable e-KYC process.
Aadhaar and PAN must always be submitted as scanned documents. Under an Aadhaar e-KYC route, supporting identity/address documents may not be required in the same manner as paper-based verification; however, additional information such as PAN may still need separate verification when required for the certificate.
Option 2: Document-Based / PAN-Based Verification
Keep the following documents ready where the selected CA requires document-based verification:
- PAN Card of the applicant, where applicable.
- One accepted identity proof such as Aadhaar, Passport, Driving Licence or other government-issued photo ID.
- One accepted address proof where the identity document does not establish the required address.
- Recent passport-size photograph, if required by the CA/application.
- Email ID and mobile number of the applicant.
Examples of commonly accepted address proofs may include Aadhaar, Passport, Driving Licence, Voter ID, electricity/water/telephone bill, eligible bank statement and other government-issued address proof. Acceptance, age limits and format requirements can vary by CA.
Individual DSC Verification
Depending on the selected verification route, the applicant may need to complete Aadhaar authentication, physical verification or video verification. During video verification, the CA/RA may require the applicant to display the original documents used for the application.
2–3 OTPs are mandatory for every DSC enrollment. OTP requirements depend on the selected e-KYC or verification workflow and should not be treated as a universal document requirement.
Documents Required for Proprietorship DSC
A proprietorship DSC generally requires both the proprietor's identity documents and proof connecting the proprietor with the business.
GST-Registered Proprietorship
- Proprietor's PAN Card.
- Recent passport-size photograph, where required.
- GST Registration Certificate or other accepted business registration proof.
- Applicant's email ID and mobile number.
- Additional identity/address proof if required by the selected verification method.
GST Certificate must always contain the proprietor and firm name and must be stamped and signed by the proprietor. The CA may accept the GST certificate or another eligible business-registration document according to its approved verification process.
Non-GST Proprietorship
- Proprietor's PAN Card.
- Business registration proof, such as applicable Shop & Establishment, Udyam/MSME or other accepted registration document.
- Recent bank statement/bank certificate where required for non-GST entity verification.
- Applicant photograph, email ID and mobile number.
- Additional authorization or identity documents where applicable.
Documents Required for Partnership Firm DSC
- PAN Card of the applicant/authorized person.
- Partnership Deed containing the relevant partner details.
- GST Registration Certificate, where applicable.
- Partnership firm PAN or other entity proof, where required.
- Authorization Letter or other proof establishing the applicant's authority to represent the firm.
- Identity proof of the authorized signatory.
- Recent photograph, email ID and mobile number of the applicant.
- Additional organization proof or bank statement where required, particularly for non-GST verification.
Tip: Keep the authorization document consistent with the firm's current partner/authorized-signatory information to reduce the possibility of verification queries.
Documents Required for Company / Private Limited / Limited Company DSC
- PAN Card of the applicant/authorized signatory.
- Company PAN, where required.
- GST Registration Certificate, where applicable.
- Certificate of Incorporation or other accepted company registration proof, particularly where GST details are not being used.
- List of Directors/MCA company information or equivalent organization proof.
- Board Resolution, Authorization Letter or other proof authorizing the applicant to obtain/use the DSC.
- Identity proof of the authorized signatory.
- Recent photograph, email ID and mobile number.
- Recent organization bank statement/bank certificate where required by the CA for non-GST verification.
Only a Board Resolution is accepted in every company DSC application. The exact authorization document depends on the applicant's role and the CA's approved organization-verification process; an authorization letter, board resolution or other accepted authority proof may apply.
Documents Required for LLP DSC
- Applicant/authorized signatory PAN Card.
- LLP incorporation/registration proof.
- LLP PAN, where required.
- GST Registration Certificate, where applicable.
- Authorization Letter or equivalent authority document.
- Authorized signatory identity proof.
- Recent photograph, email ID and mobile number.
- Bank statement/bank certificate where required for non-GST verification.
Documents Required for NGO / Trust / Society / AOP / BOI
For entities other than companies, partnerships and LLPs, the CA generally needs documents that establish both the legal existence of the organization and the authority of the person applying for the DSC.
- Applicant/authorized person's PAN Card.
- Organization PAN, where applicable.
- GST Registration Certificate, where applicable.
- Trust Deed, Society Registration Certificate, AOP/BOI registration or other applicable entity document.
- Authorization Letter or resolution from the competent authority.
- Identity proof of the authorized person.
- Recent photograph, email ID and mobile number.
- Organization bank statement/bank certificate where required for non-GST verification.
Documents Required for Government Department / PSU / Bank
- Government/organization-issued identity card of the applicant.
- Authorization Letter, Department Letter or applicable official authorization on the organization's letterhead.
- Identity/official proof of the authorizing authority, where required.
- Organization/department details required in the DSC application.
- Applicant photograph, email ID and mobile number, where applicable.
For government and institutional applicants, the issuing CA may apply a specific organization-verification procedure. Therefore, the department should confirm the exact authorization format before submitting the application.
Documents Required for DGFT DSC
A DGFT DSC application should be prepared with both the applicant's verification documents and the Import Export Code (IEC) / organization information that must correspond with the DSC and DGFT profile.
- Applicant's PAN Card or applicable identity proof.
- Organization/authorized-signatory proof, depending on the entity type.
- IEC Certificate / IEC details.
- GST or business registration documents, where applicable.
- Partnership Deed for partnership firms, where applicable.
- Certificate of Incorporation/List of Directors or equivalent company documents for companies, where applicable.
- Authorization document establishing the applicant's authority.
- Applicant email ID and mobile number.
DGFT currently supports Class 2 and Class 3 DSCs issued by CCA-approved Certifying Authorities, and its documentation specifies validation between the DSC information and the IEC profile. For non-proprietorship entities, organization information in the DSC is relevant to DGFT validation.
For a detailed explanation of DGFT-specific DSC requirements and usage, see DGFT Digital Signature Certificate.
Documents Required for Foreign Individual DSC
Foreign applicants generally need stronger identity and address documentation because Aadhaar-based Indian e-KYC may not be available to them.
- Valid Passport.
- Visa or Resident Permit, where applicable.
- Government-issued address proof or another accepted address document.
- PAN Card, if PAN is available or required for the certificate/application.
- Recent passport-size photograph.
- Email ID and mobile number.
Foreign documents may require notarization, apostille or consularization/embassy attestation, depending on the country, document and CA's applicable procedure.
Documents Required for Foreign Organization DSC
- Applicant's valid Passport or government-issued identity proof.
- Organization Certificate of Incorporation/Registration.
- Organization address proof, where required.
- Authorization Letter issued by the organization.
- Authorizing person's identity/signature proof, where required.
- List of Directors or equivalent organization information.
- Organization bank statement or other financial/entity proof where required.
- PAN of the applicant/entity, if applicable or required.
- Recent passport-size photograph.
- Email ID and mobile number.
Foreign Document Attestation
Depending on the applicant's country and the applicable CA procedure, foreign documents may need to be apostilled or consularized, and translated documents may need appropriate notarization/attestation. Confirm the exact procedure before uploading or sending documents.
Documents Required for NRI DSC
An NRI applicant should generally keep the following documents ready:
- Passport.
- PAN Card, if available/required.
- Overseas address proof.
- OCI/other applicable status document, where relevant.
- Recent photograph.
- Email ID and mobile number.
The exact attestation and verification process depends on the applicant's location and the issuing CA's approved procedure.
GST vs Non-GST DSC: Why the Checklist Can Differ
One of the most important changes when comparing current DSC checklists is the distinction between GST-registered and non-GST organizations. For GST organizations, the GST registration certificate can serve as an important organization/business proof. For non-GST entities, the CA may require additional evidence such as incorporation/registration documents, organization PAN, bank statement or business-registration proof.
| Applicant Type | Typical GST Case | Typical Non-GST Case |
|---|---|---|
| Proprietorship | PAN + GST/business proof + applicant details | PAN + business registration/MSME or other accepted proof + additional entity proof if required |
| Partnership | PAN + GST + Partnership Deed + authorization | PAN + entity PAN/registration + Partnership Deed + authorization + additional proof if required |
| Company / LLP | PAN + GST + incorporation/entity proof + authorization | PAN + incorporation/entity proof + organization PAN + authorization + additional proof if required |
| Trust / NGO / Society | Entity documents + GST + authorization | Registration/trust documents + organization proof + authorization + additional proof if required |
Documents vs Verification: What You Actually Need to Prepare
A common mistake is to assume that every DSC applicant follows the same KYC process. The CCA recognizes different verification mechanisms, including Aadhaar e-KYC, paper-based applications with supporting documents and applicable physical/video verification, depending on the certificate and approved CA process.
| Verification Route | What It Generally Means | Do You Always Need Scanned KYC Documents? |
|---|---|---|
| Aadhaar e-KYC | Identity information is authenticated through the applicable Aadhaar e-KYC process. | No, not necessarily in the same form as paper/document verification. |
| Document-Based Verification | Applicant submits applicable identity, address and supporting documents. | Yes, according to the CA's prescribed process. |
| Video Verification | Applicant's identity/documents may be verified through an approved video process. | Depends on the selected application and CA process. |
| Physical Verification | Applicant appears before the applicable CA/RA where required. | Supporting documents may still be required. |
Common DSC Document Mistakes to Avoid
- Uploading an expired or unclear identity document.
- Using a name that does not match the relevant applicant/entity records.
- Submitting an authorization letter without establishing the signatory's authority.
- Using outdated company/director or partnership information.
- Providing organization documents that do not match the applicant/entity details.
- Ignoring additional requirements for non-GST organizations.
- Assuming an Aadhaar e-KYC application requires the same documents as paper-based verification.
- Uploading foreign documents without checking the applicable apostille/attestation requirement.
- Using a DSC whose details do not match the intended portal requirement, particularly for DGFT.
Do DSC Renewal Applications Need the Same Documents?
Not necessarily. A DSC renewal can involve a different document and verification workflow from a fresh certificate application. Whether documents can be reused or whether fresh KYC is required depends on the CA, certificate details and applicable verification process.
For the practical renewal checklist, read How to Renew Digital Signature Certificate.
Do You Need a New USB Token for a New DSC?
Not every DSC application requires purchasing a new USB token. If your existing compatible token can be reused and the issuing CA permits it, the certificate may be issued/reinstalled on the existing token. However, token compatibility and current cryptographic-device requirements should be checked before renewal or reissue.
If you have an old or unused token, see Old USB Token Buyback. For organizations requiring multiple tokens, see Bulk Digital Signature USB Token Inquiry.
Current DSC Token and Security Considerations
Applicants should also consider the cryptographic token requirements applicable to their DSC. The CCA continues to prescribe hardware-based private-key protection for applicable certificate classes, and the current ecosystem is also moving toward newer cryptographic-device requirements.
If your organization is replacing older tokens, read FIPS 140-3 DSC Token Migration in India before purchasing replacement tokens in bulk.
Can a DSC Be Used Without a USB Token?
Some signing workflows use cloud or remote-signing infrastructure rather than a traditional USB token. Whether a cloud-based signing option is suitable depends on the application, certificate type and service provider.
Learn more about Cloud-Based Digital Signature if you are looking for a token-free signing workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions About DSC Documents
What documents are required for a DSC?
For an individual DSC, commonly required documents include identity/address proof, PAN where applicable, photograph and contact details. Organization applicants may additionally need GST/entity registration documents, organization PAN, authorized-signatory proof and authorization documents.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for DSC?
Aadhaar is not the only possible verification route. The CCA recognizes Aadhaar e-KYC as well as document-based verification and applicable physical/video verification methods. The available route depends on the CA and certificate application.
Is PAN mandatory for a Digital Signature Certificate?
PAN requirements depend on the certificate and intended use. PAN may need to be verified or included where the application or portal requires it. Therefore, applicants should not assume that PAN is universally optional or universally sufficient by itself.
What documents are required for a company DSC?
A company DSC application may require the applicant's PAN/identity proof, company PAN or GST details, incorporation/entity proof, director or company information, authorization/board resolution and authorized-signatory proof. Additional documents may be requested for a specific verification route.
What documents are required for a partnership firm DSC?
Common requirements include the applicant's PAN, Partnership Deed, GST/entity proof where applicable, authorization document, authorized person's identity proof, photograph and contact details. Non-GST applications may require additional organization or bank proof.
What documents are required for DGFT DSC?
DGFT applicants should keep their IEC details, applicant identity documents and applicable organization/authorization documents ready. The DSC information must satisfy the relevant DGFT validation against the IEC/profile information.
Can a foreign national obtain a DSC in India?
Yes. Foreign applicants may need a passport, applicable visa/resident permit, address proof, photograph and other documents depending on the certificate and CA. Foreign documents may also require apostille, consularization or other prescribed attestation.
Do I need to submit documents for DSC renewal?
Renewal requirements depend on the issuing CA and verification route. A renewal should not automatically be assumed to require exactly the same documents as a fresh DSC application.
How long does DSC document verification take?
The time varies according to the CA, verification method, document completeness and whether additional verification is required. Preparing clear and matching documents can help avoid avoidable verification delays.
Need Help Checking Your DSC Documents?
Because DSC requirements can differ by applicant category, certificate purpose and CA verification process, eFiling Infotech can help you identify the appropriate checklist before submitting your application. Share your applicant type, DSC purpose and whether it is a new DSC or renewal to confirm the documents applicable to your case.
For Class 3 DSC requirements and use cases, visit Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate. For e-tendering requirements, see DSC for e-Tendering: Complete Guide.
