{"id":826,"date":"2026-08-06T14:48:41","date_gmt":"2026-08-06T09:18:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.taxaj.com/learn\/difference-between-dsc-with-signing-only-signing-with-encryption\/"},"modified":"2026-08-14T11:09:54","modified_gmt":"2026-08-14T05:39:54","slug":"difference-between-dsc-with-signing-only-signing-with-encryption","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.taxaj.com/learn\/difference-between-dsc-with-signing-only-signing-with-encryption\/","title":{"rendered":"Difference Between Signing-Only and Sign+Encrypt DSC"},"content":{"rendered":"

When buying a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)<\/strong>, you’ll be asked whether you want a \u201cSign only\u201d<\/strong> certificate or a \u201cSign + Encrypt\u201d (combo)<\/strong> certificate. The difference matters because each serves a distinct purpose. This guide explains signing-only vs signing-with-encryption DSC.<\/p>\n

Signing DSC (Sign only)<\/h2>\n

A signing certificate<\/strong> is used to digitally sign<\/strong> documents and forms \u2014 it proves the signer’s identity and that the document hasn’t been altered. This is what you use for filings like MCA\/ROC forms, GST, income-tax returns, EPFO<\/strong> and e-signing PDFs. For most compliance work, a signing DSC is all you need.<\/p>\n

Encryption DSC<\/h2>\n

An encryption certificate<\/strong> is used to encrypt data<\/strong> so that only the intended recipient can read it \u2014 it protects confidentiality rather than proving identity. It is mainly required in e-tendering, e-procurement and e-bidding<\/strong> portals, where bid documents must be encrypted.<\/p>\n

Sign + Encrypt (combo) DSC<\/h2>\n

A combo certificate<\/strong> contains both a signing and an encryption certificate on the same token. It is the right choice if you participate in e-tenders\/e-procurement<\/strong> (which need encryption) as well as normal signing. If you only file statutory forms, a signing-only<\/strong> DSC is sufficient and cheaper.<\/p>\n

Which one should you buy?<\/h2>\n