Digital Signature

Section 2(1)(p) of the Information Technology Act, 2000 defines a Digital Signature as authentication of an electronic record by a subscriber using an electronic method or procedure in accordance with Section 3 of the Act.

Digital Signatures are based on Public Key Cryptography, a recognized method under the IT Act for safeguarding electronic documents and communications.

Public key cryptography uses two mathematically related keys:

• Public Key: Shared openly and used for encryption.
• Private Key: Kept confidential and used for decryption/authentication.

What is encrypted using one key can only be decrypted using the corresponding paired key, ensuring secure and authenticated communication.

How Public Key Cryptography Works

For example, if person A wants to send a secure email to person B, the message is encrypted using B’s public key and can only be decrypted using B’s private key.

Types of Digital Signatures

For MCA Portal eFiling, Digital Signature Certificates of Class 2 and Class 3 issued by a licensed Certifying Authority (CA) are accepted.

Documents Required for Indian Nationals

Identity Proof

• Passport
• PAN Card of Applicant
• Driving Licence
• Post Office ID Card
• Bank Passbook containing photograph and attested by bank official
• Photo ID card issued by Ministry of Home Affairs / State Government
• Any Government-issued photo ID bearing applicant signatures

Address Proof

• AADHAAR Card
• Voter ID Card
• Driving Licence (DL) / Registration Certificate (RC)
• Water Bill (not older than 3 months)
• Electricity Bill (not older than 3 months)
• Latest Bank Statement signed by bank (not older than 3 months)
• Service Tax / VAT / Sales Tax Registration Certificate
• Property Tax / Municipal Corporation Receipt

Documents Required for Foreign Nationals

Identity Proof

• Attested copy of Applicant Passport
• Attested copy of VISA (if applicant is outside native country)
• Attested copy of Resident Permit Certificate (if applicant is in India)

Address Proof

• Attested copy of Applicant Passport
• Attested copy of any Government-issued Address Proof

Attestation Requirements

• Embassy of Native Country (if applicant is outside native country)
• Apostilized by native country after Public Notary (for Hague Convention countries)
• Consularized by native country after Public Notary (for non-Hague Convention countries)