If you are a government employee, or need to file GST, Income Tax Returns, or sign documents online—then you must use a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) that is stored inside a secure USB token. This is not just a best practice—it’s mandatory under Indian law.
Let’s make it easy to understand what kind of token you need and how to buy it.
✅ What Is a DSC Token?
A DSC token is a special USB device that safely stores your digital signature. It’s like a pen drive, but with a security chip inside. This chip makes sure that only you can use your signature, and no one else can misuse it.
In India, these tokens must be approved by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) and should meet FIPS-140 Level 3 security standards. Why? Because only such tokens are accepted for official use like:
- Filing Income Tax Returns (ITR)
- Filing GST Returns
- Government eTendering
- Signing PDFs and office files electronically
🔒 Which Token Should I Buy?
To avoid confusion, here’s the short answer:
🟢 Buy a CCA-approved token with FIPS-140 Level 3 security. The most popular and trusted one is HYP2003 (also known as HyperPKI or ePass 2003 Auto).
🔍 Best Tokens (2025)
1. HyperPKI HYP2003 (FIPS-140 Level 3)
- ✅ Recommended by Certifying Authorities (like eMudhra, Capricorn, VSign)
- ✅ Works with Windows, macOS, and Linux
- 💰 Price: ₹450 to ₹700 (for empty token)
- 🔐 Safe for Govt. Employees, GST, ITR
2. Watchdata PROXKey
- ✅ Also CCA-approved and widely used
- 💰 Price: ₹500 to ₹800
- ✅ Also FIPS-compliant and secure
💵 How Much Does It Cost?
| Item | Approx. Price |
|---|---|
| Empty Token Only | ₹450 – ₹700 |
| Token + DSC (1 Year) | ₹1,000 – ₹1,800 |
| Token + DSC (2 or 3 Years) | ₹1,800 – ₹3,000 |
⚠️ Tip: The cost may vary depending on the service provider and duration (1, 2 or 3 years).
🛒 Where Can I Buy a DSC Token?
You can buy a DSC token from:
- Authorized Certifying Authorities (like eMudhra, Capricorn, VSign)
- Local digital service agents or vendors
- Online platforms (Amazon, Flipkart, or vendor websites)
✅ When buying, make sure:
- It clearly says FIPS-140 Level 3 or CCA-approved
- The DSC is valid for your need (like ITR, GST, or Govt. work)
- The token is new and not previously used
🧾 What Documents Do You Need?
To get your DSC activated, you’ll need:
- PAN card
- Aadhaar card
- Passport photo
- Mobile number linked with Aadhaar (for OTP)
Some vendors also ask for a video verification, which they help you complete.
🎯 Final Advice
If you’re confused about which token to buy—just remember:
- 🟢 Choose HYP2003 (HyperPKI) with FIPS-140 Level 3
- 🛡️ It works for everything: ITR, GST, Govt. Jobs, Office Signing
- 💬 Always ask the vendor if the token is CCA-approved and FIPS certified
- 🧾 Keep your PAN and Aadhaar ready for activation
📎 Official Resource
For more info, visit https://cca.gov.in – the official website of the Controller of Certifying Authorities.
Leave a comment