Thousands of professionals and businesses face last-minute DSC errors, rejections, and technical glitches while filing important documents on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal. A small mistake with your DSC can delay approvals, lead to rejections, or even result in penalties.
Searching for solutions online often leads to incomplete or confusing information, and technical support can be slow when you need answers fast. So, here is every possible question that might cross your mind about DSC for MCA—answered in one place! These DSC for MCA FAQs will help you understand better.
DSC for MCA FAQs
- What is a DSC in MCA site?A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) on the MCA site is an electronic signature used for securely signing and submitting documents online. It ensures authenticity, security, and legal validity for filings like company registration, annual returns, and other corporate forms.
A company's legal existence in the MCA framework is entirely dependent on the use of DSC. Learn why DSC has such an important role in MCA,
click here.
- Which DSC is required for MCA?You need a Class 3
DSC for MCA filings, issued by a Certifying Authority in India. It must be registered with the MCA portal before use.
- Is DSC mandatory for all directors?Yes, if a director needs to sign forms on the MCA portal, they must have a valid DSC. However, if they are not involved in filings, it's not required.
- How long does it take to get a DSC?If all documents are correct, a DSC can be issued within a few hours to 2 days.
- How do you register your DSC on the MCA portal?You need to know all the steps for registering a DSC on MCA or
Ministry of Corporate Affairs portal:
Log in to the MCA portal.
Go to "Associate DSC" under "MCA Services."
Select your role
Attach your DSC and submit.
Want to know about these steps in detail?
Click here for a step-by-step guide.
- How to do MCA filings if the DSC is expired?You cannot file forms with an expired DSC. You must renew your DSC and re-register it on the MCA portal before continuing..
- Why do companies need a DSC for MCA registration?DSC ensures that company filings are secure, legally valid, and tamper-proof. It is mandatory for all official MCA transactions.
- How many DSCs do I need for MCA?Usually, one DSC per director or authorized signatory is enough. However, if a person holds multiple roles, they might need separate DSCs.
- Who can issue a DSC for MCA?Only government-approved Certifying authorities (CA) like Capricorn CA can issue DSCs.
Want your Digital Signature? Buy your
Capricorn DSC today
- How to do a DSC validity check?You can easily check your DSC validity by just plugging in your DSC token and following a few steps.
Want to know about these steps in detail?
Click here- When do I need to renew my MCA DSC?DSCs are valid for 1, 2, or 3 years. It depends on the choice of time period you made at the time of purchase. You should renew it before it expires to avoid filing issues.
- Can a director register a DSC on the MCA portal with a provisional DIN?While a DIN is required for directors, MCA allows DSC registration for professionals (such as CAs, CSs, etc.) without a DIN, using their PAN instead.
- What are the requirements for registering your DSC on the MCA portal?To register your
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) on the MCA portal, you need:
A valid Class 3 DSC (Issued by a government-approved Certifying Authority)
Your PAN or DIN (For directors and professionals)
MCA portal login credentials
Java installed on your system (For DSC utility tool)
USB Token (To store and use your DSC securely)
- Is the process of obtaining DSC for foreign users different than for Indian Users?Most of the process remains the same, but foreign users need to provide additional documents such as Passports, Visas, Address proof, and OCI.
- What is the price of DSC for MCA?The cost of a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for MCA starts somewhere from ₹800, however, it can vary based on several factors:
Validity period – 1, 2, or 3 years (longer validity costs more)
USB Token – Some providers include it, while others charge separately
Service provider charges – Prices differ among certifying authorities
Additional services – Some providers offer setup assistance
- Who is eligible for MCA DSC?Anyone who is 18 years and above and needs to digitally sign documents on the MCA portal is eligible for a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).
- What happens if I lose my DSC USB token?If you lose your USB token, you must reapply for a new DSC, as it cannot be recovered.
- Can I use my DSC for MCA filings on multiple devices?Yes, as long as you have your USB token and drivers installed, you can use it on any device.
- Can I use my DSC for MCA filings if I change my PAN or personal details?No. If your PAN or key details change, you must
apply for a new DSC and register it again on the MCA portal.
- Can I take DSC in the name of the company?Yes, DSC can be issued in the company's name, but verification must be completed by a company representative.
- Why is my DSC showing an error while signing MCA forms?Your DSC might not be working for many reasons. Common reasons include:
Expired DSC – Check your DSC validity.
Incorrect browser settings – Use Internet Explorer or Edge with Java enabled.
USB token issue – Ensure drivers are installed properly.
DSC not registered – Associate your DSC again on the MCA portal.
- What happens if MCA disassociates my DSC?If MCA removes or disassociates your DSC due to incorrect registration, you will need to re-register the DSC before filing any forms.
- Can I use my DSC after company closure or dissolution?Yes, your DSC remains valid, but you cannot use it for filings of a dissolved company. You can still use it for other authorized purposes.
- Do DSCs require periodic password changes?No, but it's recommended to keep your DSC token password secure and update it periodically to prevent misuse.
Want your own Digital Signature? Search no more;
click here.
Conclusion
With this DSC for MCA FAQ guide, you now have clear answers to all your DSC-related questions. Whether you're applying for a new DSC, renewing an expired one, or troubleshooting errors, you can now handle everything as you stand informed. No more last-minute confusion or technical struggles.