Frequently Asked Question

What is a Digital Signature?
A digital signature is an electronic form of a signature that can be used to authenticate the identity of the sender of a message or the signer of a document, and also ensure that the original content of the message or document that has been sent is unchanged. Digital signatures are easily transportable and cannot be imitated by someone else. The ability to ensure that the original signed message arrived means that the sender cannot easily disclaim it later.

What is a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)?
Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) is the electronic format of physical or paper certificate like a driving License, passport etc. Certificates serve as proof of identity of an individual for a certain purpose; for example, a Passport identifies someone as a citizen of that country; who can legally travel to any country. Likewise, a Digital Signature Certificate can be presented electronically to prove your identity, to access information or services on the Internet or to sign certain documents digitally.

Where can I use Digital Signature Certificates?
You can use Digital Signature Certificates for the following:

  • For sending and receiving digitally signed and encrypted emails.
  • For carrying out secure web-based transactions, or to identify other participants of webbased transactions.
  • In eTendering, e-Procurement, MCA [for Registrar of Companies efiling], Income Tax [for efiling income tax returns] Applications and also in many other applications.
  • For signing documents like MSWord, MSExcel and PDFs.
  • Plays a pivotal role in creating a paperless office.

How does a Digital Signature Certificate work?
A Digital Signature Certificate explicitly associates the identity of an individual/device with a pair of electronic keys – public and private keys – and this association is endorsed by the CA. The certificate contains information about a user’s identity (for example, their name, pincode, country, email address, the date the certificate was issued and the name of the Certifying Authority that issued it).

These keys complement each other in that one does not function in the absence of the other. They are used by browsers and servers to encrypt and decrypt information regarding the identity of the certificate user during information exchange processes. The private key is stored on the user’s computer hard disk or on an external device such as a token. The user retains control of the private key; it can only be used with the issued password.

The public key is disseminated with the encrypted information. The authentication process fails if either one of these keys in not available or do not match. This means that the encrypted data cannot be decrypted and therefore, is inaccessible to unauthorized parties.

Are Digital Signatures Certificate legally valid in India?
Yes, subsequent to the enactment of Information Technology Act 2000 in India, Digital Signature Certificates are legally valid in India.

Digital Signature Certificates are issued by licensed Certifying Authorities under the Ministry of Information Technology, Government of India as per the Information Technology Act.

What is the difference between a Digital Signature and a Digital Signature Certificate?
A digital signature is an electronic method of signing an electronic document whereas a Digital Signature Certificate is a computer based record that

  • Identifies the Certifying Authority issuing it.
  • Has the name and other details that can identify the subscriber.
  • Contains the subscriber’s public key.
  • Is digitally signed by the Certifying Authority issuing it.
  • Is valid for either one year or two years

Usage Of Digital Signature

Can I use one Digital Signature Certificate for multiple e-mail addresses?
No, you cannot. A digital signature certificate can have only one email address.

Can I use digital signature certificate in e-tendering systems?
Digital signature certificates in e-tendering systems are allowed, but based on the service provider.

Can digital signature certificates be used in wireless networks?
Yes, digital signature certificates can be employed in wireless networks.

Am I allowed to use one web server certificate (SSL) for more than one website?
No. You will not be able to use one SSL certificate on different websites with different domain names because the certificate is explicitly associated with the exact host and domain name.

A wild card SSL certificate can be issued that can support different sub domains like abc.digiglobus.com, def.digiglobus.com etc.

Apply and Download

How do I apply for a digital signature certificate through Digi Globus?
Digi Globus provides the easiest and most reliable way to obtain your Digital Signature Certificates. You can obtain them in one of the following ways:
Directly through our retail portal i.e. https://www.digiglobus.com

  • Apply using our online registration wizard
  • Make payment online
  • Send filled & complete application form along with attested supporting documents to our below address :Digi Globus Technologies Private Limited
    11B, 3rd Cross, 3rd Main, KGE – Layout,
    New Bel Road, RMV 2nd Stage, 2nd Block,
    (Opp. MS Ramaiah Hospital) Bangalore – 560094
    Karnataka, India
    Phone: +91 80 40999100

Please note that applications for Class 2 Gold and Class 3 Platinum require verification and clearance for certificate issuance by concerned authority.

For queries and assistance in completing your registration/application, contact our Help Desk or send us an e-mail.

I’m trying to apply for a new Digital Signature Certificate. What ‘User Type’ should I select?
You can select the ‘User Type’ based on your requirement of Digital Signature Certificate. It can be for personal, company or government use. If you choose user type as ‘Company’ or ‘Government’, you need to submit company or government organization related documents for verification as part of the Digital Signature Certificate issue process.

I’m trying to apply for a new Digital Signature Certificate. What ‘Certificate Class’ should I select? Selection of certificate class depends completely on your usage and security requirements. A rough guideline is provided below on the applicability of various levels of certification:

Class 2 Gold – if you need to use the certificate for signing documents, encryption and electronic access control in transactions where proof of identity based on information in the Validating Database is sufficient class.

Class 3 Platinum – for transactions that require a high degree of security and privacy due to exchange of extremely sensitive information that requires unequivocal authentication of the subscriber’s identity. Some of the common transactions requiring Class 3 certificates are e-commerce, electronic data interchange by banks, etc.

I’m trying to apply for a new Digital Signature Certificate. What ‘Certificate Type’ should I select?
Selection of a certificate type depends completely on your requirement. The options available to you are:

  • Signature – Certificate with this key usage, can be used for only digitally signing documents, emails and online transactions.
  • Encryption – Certificate with this key usage, can be used for only encrypting documents, emails and online transactions.

I’m trying to apply for a new Digital Signature Certificate. What ‘Type of Token’ should I select?
Selection of a token type depends completely on your requirement. The options available to you are:

  • Soft Token – If you would like to download the Digital Signature Certificate to your local machine and use it from that specific machine only
  • USB Token – If you would like to download the Digital Signature Certificate to a USB Token or a Smart card and use it from multiple machines.

Why do I need to submit documents for a Digital Signature Certificate?
A Digital Signature Certificate has almost the same importance in the digital world as your Passport or PAN card does in the physical world. Therefore, all information displayed on your Digital Signature Certificate needs to be verified before the certificate can be issued.

What are the documents I need to submit to get a Digital Signature Certificate?
The following documents are required for all classes 2 and 3 and Server Certificates

For an individual

  • Attested copy of any one of the following as identity proof (attestation may be by any Gazetted Officer/Bank Manager)
  • Passport
  • Driving License
  • PAN card
  • Post Office ID Card
  • Bank Account Passbook containing the Photograph and signed by an individual with attestation by the concerned Bank official
  • Any Government issued photo ID Card bearing the signature of the individual
  • Photo ID Card issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs of Centre/State Government
  • Attested copy of any one of the following as Address Proof (attestation may be by any Gazetted Officer/Bank Manager)
  • Telephone Bill
  • Electricity Bill
  • Water Bill
  • Gas Connection
  • Bank Statements signed by the Bank
  • Service Tax /VAT/Sales Tax registration certificate
  • Property Tax/Corporation/Municipal corporation receipt
  • Driving Licence
  • Voter ID Card
  • Passport
  • Certificate of Registration for owned Vehicle

For an Organization

  • Attested copy of any one of the following as Identity Proof (attestation may be by any Gazetted Officer/Bank Manager)
  • Passport
  • Driving License
  • PAN card
  • Post Office ID Card
  • Bank Account Passbook containing the Photograph and signed by an individual with attestation by the concerned Bank official
  • Any Government issued photo ID Card bearing the signature of the individual
  • Photo ID Card issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs of Centre/State Government
  • True copy of any one(from the Company Secretary/Director/Partner of the organization)
  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • Memorandum of Association/Articles of Association
  • Partnership Deed
  • Valid Business License
  • True copy of any one (attested by Company Secretary/Director/Partner of the organization)
  • Annual Report
  • Latest Income Tax Return
  • Latest Bank Details of the organization from the Bank
  • Statement of Income issued by Chartered Accountant
  • Authorization letter in favor of the certificate applicant from the organization
  • Domain Name registration proof from the registrar of Domains (if applying for Server Certificate)

Do I have to be physically present for verification of identity when my application is being processed?
Physical presence is mandatory only for verification of applicants seeking Class 3 Platinum type Digital Signature Certificates.

What is the reason for refusal of my request for a Digital Signature Certificate?
Digi Globus follows stringent verification procedures as laid down by Govt. of India. Refusal to issue a Digital Signature Certificate is a result of incomplete application, information or wrong information is the common causes for such refusal.

Can I be sure that my confidential information will not be misused during enrollment for obtaining a Digital Signature Certificate?
Digi Globus has a strict policy on the use of applicant and customer information. Digi Globus will not disclose such information, except as required by the law.

I have submitted my application for Digital Signature Certificate, but now I have decided to cancel my request. Will I get a refund?
No, the Digi Globus does not provide any refund of fees paid for the digital signature certificates.

Some of the details in my Digital Signature Certificate are incorrect. Can these be corrected?
No, details cannot be changed. You need to revoke the current certificate and apply for a new one by following the same process as the one you used for the earlier certificate.

eMudhra provides a facility where in you can check for the correctness of your details just before downloading of the digital signature certificate. If you are not satisfied with your details displayed, you can reject the application.

What do I do if someone copies my Digital Signature Certificate?
Your Digital Signature Certificate cannot be used without your private key. To maintain security, your private key should be protected by a password and never sent across any network. However, you do want your Digital Signature Certificate (which contains your public key) to be available to other users so that they can verify your right to use the Digital Signature Certificate, decrypt messages that you have encrypted with your private key, and verify your digital signatures.

I have lost the Smart Card / USB Token containing my certificate and cryptographic keys. What do I do?
Please contact your nearest RA Administrator immediately to get your certificate suspended to avoid unauthorized access to it.

Will I lose my Digital Signature Certificate if my hard drive is formatted or crashed?
If you have a soft token and if the hard drive is formatted or has crashed, the Digital Signature Certificate will be deleted.

I accidentally deleted my Digital Signature Certificate from my PC hard disk drive. What should I do now?
Once your Digital Signature Certificate and key files have been deleted, damaged or overwritten, there is no way to reactivate your Digital Signature Certificate. You need to revoke your Digital Signature Certificate and then enroll for a new one.

How to record Video for DSC?

Open the e-mail received for video recording on your smart phone or computer.

  • Record video using camera on smartphone or computer.
  • Read the statement shown on screen – loud and clear.
  • Show documents to camera – original PAN Card and Address Proof
  • Applicant face must be visible
  • Duration of video will be for 20 seconds

Video Recording has been enabled with extra 4 languages (Kannada, Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam), in addition to Hindi & English.

What is eKYC for DSC ?

KYC stands for Know-Your-Customer. Applicants upload Pan Card or Aadhaar XML to complete eKYC online. The process is completed online with upload of PAN Card and one proof of address. No attestation is required. There is no need send physical documents.

Scanned copies to Upload:

  1. PAN Card (front side copy)
  2. Passport size photo
  3. Any One Address Proof with applicant name
    • Aadhaar eKYC
    • Driving License
    • Voter ID
    • Passport

Steps to create e-KYC account using PAN Card

  • Step 1: Fill online application form and complete payment
  • Step 2: Open the e-mail received and click on DSC link
  • Step 3: Choose option to create e-KYC as “Pan Card Based”
  • Step 4: Enter PAN Number of Applicant. Automatically, name of the PAN Card holder will be fetched.
  • Step 5: Enter address as per proof of address
  • Step 6: Create new eKYC ID and PIN. An account will be created with 2 years validity.

What is Aadhaar e-KYC XML?

It is a secure sharable document which can be used by Aadhar number holder for offline verification of Identity.

Service Providers like telecom mobile companies, Digital Signature Providers, and others can establish identify of an individual using Aadhaar eKYC XML.

The XML file contains Name, Address, Photo, Gender, DOB, registered Mobile Number, Email address of resident among other details.

Steps to download Aadhaar XML file for eKYC

It is a secure sharable document which can be used by Aadhar number holder for offline verification of Identity.

Watch Online Video on how to download Aadhaar XML File

  • Step 1: Go to URL www.uidai.gov.in
  • Step 2: Enter ‘Aadhaar Number’ or ‘VID’ and mentioned ‘Security Code’ in screen, then click on ‘Send OTP’
  • Step 3: Enter the OTP received by registered Mobile Number for the given Aadhaar Number
  • Step 4: Enter a Share Code which will be password for the ZIP file and click on ‘Download’ button
  • Step 5: The Zip file containing the digitally signed XML will be downloaded