Digital Signature Certificate can be renewed by re-submitting your valid Identity & Address proof along with the renewal form and appropriate fees. A new set of Public Private Key is issued to you along with the certificate. A DSC of any Certifying Authority can be renewed by us.

A Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate is the highest level of certificate, issued only after the registrant’s identity has been verified by a Registration Authority.

• A Class 3 certificate is an upgrade from the discontinued Class 2 certificate.
• To participate in online auctions or submit e-tenders online, an individual must possess a Class 3 certificate.
• Without a Class 3 certificate, one cannot submit e-tenders or participate in online auctions.

A DGFT Digital Signature Certificate is similar to a Class 2 certificate and differs only in its area of application.

• DGFT stands for the Directorate General of Foreign Trade.
• A DGFT certificate is required for the import and export industry involved in foreign trade.

Yes, The signature and encryption certificate should be separate for an individual. The encryption keys are to be generated at the subscriber’s system and should be archived prior to transfer into crypto-medium. The signature keys should be generated in the crypto-medium and should not be copied.

USB eToken is a security device (looks similar to pen drive) which securely stores your Digital Signature Certificate. However, e-TOKEN IS NOT A PEN-DRIVES It contains a smart-card chip that attaches in the USB Port.

Benefits of using eToken:

• Identifies the Certifying Authority issuing it.
• Security: Once a DSCis imported into an e-Token, it is impossible to fetch it out or copy it even if you have complete control of the token.
• Mobility: e-Token ensures that the DSC can be used in multiple computers without compromising security, a person is not stuck up with a single computer
• Safety: e-Token cannot be infected by viruses and hence will be safe until its validity.
• Is valid for either one year or two years.

On the contrary, the use of DSC without the eToken / Smart Card, will compromise security because it requires you to install and copy your DSC in a computer. This is NOT recommended or safe method of use, if you are in a public environment i.e. using a Cyber Cafe / other person’s computer / other people have access to your computer. A copy of the DSC will be stored in that computer unless you delete it after every use from that computer.