What is DSC?
DSC or Digital Signature Certificate is used to establish one’s identity while filing documents online through the internet.It is the digital equivalent to a normal hand written signature. A digital signature has extra data attached electronically to the document. A digital signature usually is valid for a year or two after which it has to be renewed again. It also acts as a method of confirming the authenticity of a document online. We are witnessing a gradual electronization of documents and digital signatures will play a very important role in this.
There are different types of Digital Signature Certificates. Listed below are the three different types of Digital Signature Certificates.
- Class 2: This type of Digital Signature Certificate is usually used for filing Income Tax documents, Registrar of companies and Value Added Tax documents.
- Class 3: The Class 3 type of Digital Signature Certificate is used in e-tendering which includes various areas such as supplier registration, downloading a contract form, submission of a bid document and also in evaluation of tenders.
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DGFT DSC:
DGFT Digital Certification Facility of Digital Signature Certificate is very useful for importers and exporters. It is operated under Director General of Foreign Trade, it enables importers and exporters in India to transact with DGFT online without having to worry about security.
What is DIN?
DIN or Director Identification Number is an identification number allotted to an individual who is already a director in their role or is expected to be a director soon. The DIN allotted usually contains personal information along with a unique code which also acts as an identifier. It came into existence when Section 266A and 266G was introduced in Companies Amendment act in 2006. It is mandatory for every director, current and prospective.
There are several reasons for the allotment of DIN.
Given below are some of the important reasons for the allotment of DIN.
- It is allotted to create a database of all directors which is also reliable
- To confirm the existence of the directors in the companies
- To avoid financial scams from fake companies wherein the director makes away with the money in most of the cases.
Major Difference between DSC and DIN:
Listed below are some of the major differences between DSC and DIN:
| DSC | DIN |
| DSC is a digital proof of authorisation for online transactions and filing certain documents. | DIN is a unique identification number issued only to exisiting directors or soon to be directors.It contains all the personal information of the director |
| DIN is not a prerequisite to avail DSC | The individual should have DSC in order to avail DIN |
| Directors, Auditors, Company secretaries, bank officials and other authorized organisations can apply for DSC | Only existing directors and future directors can apply for DIN |