First-time login

1. I have completed all the steps for the first-time login and I have been directed to a new credentials page. What should I do?

You need to create your username and password to login to the GST Portal. For subsequent logins, you will use the username created now.

2. The system is not accepting the password I am entering. Are there any special requirements for setting the password?

Your password should be of 8 to 15 characters which should comprise of at least one number, special character and letter (at least one upper and lower case).

Subsequent Login

  1. I have forgotten my username. How do I retrieve it? Please use the Forgot Username link available on the login page to retrieve your username.
  2. I have forgotten my password. How do I reset it? Please use the Forgot Password link available on the login page to reset your password.
  3. How long is my password valid? Your password is valid for 120 days.
  4. What is Captcha Code? Why do I need to fill it? Captcha Code is a numeric code that must be filled every time you login to the GST Portal. It has been added as an additional security measure.
  5. The Captcha Code provided is not legible. What should I do? You can click the refresh icon next to the code and the system will generate a new code for you.
  6. Do I need to register my DSC before I can use it on the GST Portal to digitally sign any documents? Yes, you must register your DSC before you can digitally sign any document on the GST Portal.
  7. Is it mandatory for me to use DSC or can I opt for E-Sign? DSC is mandatory for companies and LLPs. All other entities can either use DSC or E-Sign to digitally sign documents on the GST Portal.

1. What is DSC?

Ans – DSC stands for Digital Signature Certificate.  All the Authorized Signatories will have registered DSCs. DSC is used to authenticate the Enrolment Application.

What are the various modes for user authentication on the GST Portal?

There are three methods for user authentication on the GST Portal. a. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) are the digital equivalent (that is electronic format) of physical or paper certificates. A digital certificate can be presented electronically to prove one’s identity, to access information or services on the Internet or to sign certain documents digitally. In India, DSC are issues by authorized Certifying Authorities. The GST Portal accepts only PAN based Class II and III DSC. To obtain a DSC, please contact any one of the authorised DSC-issuing Certifying Authorities: http://www.cca.gov.in/cca/?q=licensed_ca.html b. Electronic Signature (E-Sign) Electronic Signature (E-Sign) is an online electronic signature service in India to facilitate an Aadhar older to digitally sign a document. A One Time Password (OTP) will be sent to mobile phone number that is registered with Aadhar at the time of digitally signing documents at the GST Portal. c. Electronic Verification Code (EVC) The Electronic Verification Code (EVC) authenticates the identity of the user at the GST Portal by generating a OTP. The OTP will be sent to the user via SMS on the registered mobile number and e-mail address of Authorized Signatory at the Portal. To avail this service, the user must have a valid Aadhaar Card and valid mobile phone number that is registered in the Aadhar database.

How do I register/update my DSC on the GST Portal?

Precondition: You must have the EmSigner utility (free download available) installed on your system (mandatory for using DSC on the GST Portal).

Login to the GST Portal.Click on your username on the top right section of the post-login landing page.From the dropdown, select My Profile.In the My Profile landing page, click on the Register/Update DSC link under the Quick Links section.Attach your DSC dongle and open emSigner utility.The Register/Update DSC landing page will have a dropdown with the PANs of all the authorised signatories. Select your PAN from the dropdown.Select the relevant option from the emSigner utility.Before registering, you will be asked to enter your password to authorise the registration.Once you enter the correct password, your DSC will be registered on the GST Portal.

emSigner is not working on my machine for the trust key tool while using hard token issued from e-Mudhra Limited, Class 3 or Class 2 certificate. How can I resolve this issue?

Click here to troubleshoot DSC issues

What are the pre-requisites to register DSC?

The pre-requisites are:

a) Emsigner should be installed on the computerb) DSC Donglec) Software of DSC on the computer

How do I register/update my DSC on the GST Portal?

Precondition: You must have the EmSigner utility (free download available) installed on your system (mandatory for using DSC on the GST Portal).

Login to the GST Portal. (Check GST Login Procedure)Click on your username on the top right section of the post-login landing page.From the dropdown, select My Profile.In the My Profile landing page, click on the Register/Update DSC link under the Quick Links section.Attach your DSC dongle and open emSigner utility.The Register/Update DSC landing page will have a dropdown with the PANs of all the authorised signatories. Select your PAN from the dropdown.Select the relevant option from the emSigner utility.Before registering, you will be asked to enter your password to authorise the registration.Once you enter the correct password, your DSC will be registered on the GST Portal.

2. Is a DSC mandatory or applicable for me?

Ans – DSC is compulsory for all types of Companies & LLPs. Others may sign using DSC or e-sign.

3. Which DSC is permissible in GSTN?

Ans – DSC issued by any Indian Competent Authority is permissible in GSTN. But it should be registered with the GST system using Register/Update DSC service available.

4. What to do in case the DSC, I am trying to affix is not registered at the portal?

Ans – In case the DSC is not registered at the GST Common Portal, you must first get the DSC registered. To register DSC, follow the steps mentioned in the User Manual available under the Help in Footer of the GST Common Portal.

5. How can I procure DSC?

Ans –  Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) can be obtained directly from any Certifying Authorities (CAs) in India by filling requisite application form, attaching supporting documents, and payment of specified fees. Certifying Authorities (CA) has been granted a license to issue a digital signature certificate under Section 24 of the Indian IT-Act 2000. One can procure Class 2 or 3 certificates from any of the certifying authorities.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) “http://www.tcs-ca.tcs.co.in”National Informatics Center (NIC) “http://nicca.nic.in/”IDRBT Certifying Authority “http://idrbtca.org.in”SafeScrypt CA Services, Sify Communications Ltd. “http://mcacert.safescrypt.com”Code Solutions CA “https://www.ncodesolutions.com”E-MUDHRA “http://www.e-mudhra.com”What is Msigner why I need to download the same?

Msigner is the utility for enabling DSC you can download the same from the GST system portal.  You need to download , right click on the icon and select run as administrator option. 7. Can I submit my Enrolment Application at GST Common Portal without electronically signing the application with DSC or E-sign? Ans –   Yes, you can submit the Enrolment Application at GST Common Portal without electronically signing the application but you need to sign the application after the appointed date to perform any activity on the GST Common Portal like filing returns. You can view the submitted application by accessing the Dashboard at the GST Common Portal. 8. Is electronically signing the Enrolment Application using the DSC mandatory for enrolment? Ans –   Electronically signing the Enrolment Application using DSC is mandatory for enrolment by Companies, Foreign Companies, Limited Liability Partnership (LLPs) and Foreign Limited Liability Partnership (FLLPs). For other taxpayers, electronically signing using DSC is optional. 9. My DSC is not registered with the GST Common Portal? Will I be able to submit my Enrolment Application with my DSC? How can I register my DSC with the GST Common Portal? Ans –  You cannot submit the Enrolment Application if your DSC is not registered with the GST Common Portal. Therefore, you need to register your DSC at the GST Common Portal by clicking the Register DSC menu. During registration of DSC with the GST Common Portal, the PAN of the DSC holder will be matched with the PAN database of the CBDT. After validation you need to select the certificate that you need to register. Note: Only Class -2 or Class 3 DSC can be registered at the GST Common Portal. 10. While registering DSC in GST portal, I receive the message; “Failed to establish connection to the server”. How do I fix the error? Ans –  Before you register your DSC, you need to install the EM Signer utility. The utility can be downloaded from the Register DSC page. Please install the EM Signer utility and execute it. The steps to install the EM Signer utility are available under the System Requirements page accessible from the Help in the Footer. Also, only Class 2 and Class 3 DSC are accepted at the GST Common Portal. 11. My DSC certificate is not listed in the EM signer web socket. What should I do? Ans –   Check if the DSC Certificate has expired. Also, only Class 2 and Class 3 DSC are accepted at the GST Common Portal.

  1. Can I submit my Enrolment Application at GST Common Portal without electronically signing the application with DSC or E-sign? Yes, you can submit the Enrolment Application at GST Common Portal without electronically signing it but you need to sign the application at a later date within the time allowed under the GST Act. Only signed Enrolment Applications shall be considered for issue of Final Registration Certificate. You can view the submitted application after login by accessing “My Saved Applications” at the GST Common Portal.
  2. Is electronically signing the Enrolment Application using the DSC mandatory for enrolment? Electronically signing the Enrolment Application using DSC is mandatory for enrolment by Companies, Foreign Companies, Limited Liability Partnership (LLPs) and Foreign Limited Liability Partnership (FLLPs). For other taxpayers, electronically signing using DSC is optional.
  3. My DSC is not registered with the GST Common Portal? Will I be able to submit my Enrolment Application with my DSC? How can I register my DSC with the GST Common Portal? You cannot submit the Enrolment Application if your DSC is not registered with the GST Common Portal. Therefore, you need to register your DSC at the GST Common Portal by clicking the Register DSC menu. During registration of DSC with the GST Common Portal, the PAN of the DSC holder will be matched with the PAN database of the CBDT. After validation you need to select the certificate that you need to register. Note: Only Class -2 or Class 3 DSC can be registered at the GST Common Portal.
  4. My DSC is expired or revoked? What should I do? You need to procure a DSC and update your DSC at the GST Common Portal. To register DSC, follow the steps mentioned in the User Manual available under the Help in Footer of the GST Common Portal.

What is E-Sign and EVC?

In addition to DSC the GST Portal also provides authentication using E-Sign and EVC. Electronic Signature (E-Sign) Electronic Signature (E-Sign) is an online electronic signature service in India to facilitate an Aadhar older to digitally sign a document. A One Time Password (OTP) will be sent to mobile phone number that is registered with Aadhar at the time of digitally signing documents at the GST Portal. Electronic Verification Code (EVC) The Electronic Verification Code (EVC) authenticates the identity of the user at the GST Portal by generating a OTP. The OTP will be sent to the user via SMS on the registered mobile number and e-mail address of Authorized Signatory at the Portal. To avail this service, the taxpayer must have a valid Aadhaar Card and valid mobile phone number that is registered in the Aadhar database. Recommended Articles –

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Video Guide for DSC Registration on GST Portal

FAQ on DSC Registration   Digital Signature Update on GST Portal - 74