How to Register a Private Limited Company in India Without DSC: A Practical Guide
Private limited company registration is one of the most popular ways to start a business in India. It offers limited liability, a separate legal identity, and better funding options. Normally, obtaining a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is a key step in the registration process because it allows the directors and shareholders to sign documents electronically.
However, many entrepreneurs often ask: “Is it possible to register a private limited company in India without a DSC?” The short answer is — not entirely, but there are smart workarounds you should know.
In this article, we’ll explain the process of private limited company registration, why DSC is needed, and whether there’s any way to complete the registration without getting a DSC yourself.
✅ What is a Private Limited Company?
A Private Limited Company is a business entity registered under the Companies Act, 2013, with a minimum of two directors and two shareholders. It restricts the transfer of shares and prohibits inviting the public to subscribe to securities, making it ideal for startups and growing businesses.
🔍 Is It Possible to Register a Private Limited Company Without DSC?
To be clear: DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) is legally required to sign the incorporation documents electronically on the MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs) portal.
However, if you personally don’t want to get a DSC or don’t have the means to get one immediately, you can still move forward using the following three practical workarounds:
🔁 Option 1: Authorize a Consultant or Director with DSC
If you’re a promoter or investor but don’t want a DSC, appoint at least two directors who already have valid DSCs. They can complete the entire private limited company registration on your behalf.
For example, if you are just a shareholder and not involved in daily operations, the DSC can be managed by the executive directors.
🧾 Option 2: Apply for DSC with Aadhaar OTP
DSCs can now be issued online in just 15 minutes using Aadhaar-based eKYC with OTP. No physical verification or video call is required. If you’re the promoter or director, this is a fast and hassle-free way to get DSC temporarily and complete registration.
After the private limited company registration, you may or may not continue using that DSC.
🛂 Option 3: Foreign Nationals or NRIs
If you’re a foreign national or NRI, you can notarize the signed physical copies of documents and send them to India. Your authorized representative in India (with DSC) can then use their signature for MCA filings. This option is limited to foreign shareholders.
📋 Step-by-Step Process of Private Limited Company Registration
Here is a simplified step-by-step process for private limited company registration, with insights on where DSC is normally required:
Step 1: Obtain DSC (Digital Signature Certificate)
As explained earlier, this is mandatory for all proposed directors and subscribers. Without this, e-forms like SPICe+ cannot be signed.
✅ Workaround: Let authorized representatives or co-directors use their DSCs.
Step 2: Apply for Director Identification Number (DIN)
DIN can be applied along with the SPICe+ form. DSC is used for validation here.
Step 3: Name Reservation via SPICe+ Part A
Choose a unique name and submit via MCA portal under SPICe+ Part A. Name should not resemble existing company names or trademarks.
Step 4: Draft MOA and AOA
Memorandum and Articles of Association must be signed digitally using DSCs. These define your company’s constitution and internal rules.
Step 5: File SPICe+ Part B and Other Linked Forms
This includes:
- SPICe+ Part B (Main incorporation form)
- AGILE-PRO-S (for GST, EPFO, ESIC, Bank Account, and Shops Act registration)
- INC-9 (declaration by subscribers)
- eMOA & eAOA
These require DSC authentication.
Step 6: Get Incorporation Certificate
Once approved, you’ll receive:
- Certificate of Incorporation (COI)
- Company PAN and TAN
- CIN (Corporate Identification Number)
Your private limited company registration is now complete, and you can legally start your business operations in India.
📑 Documents Required for Private Limited Company Registration
- For Directors and Shareholders
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card/Passport/Voter ID
- Passport-size Photograph
- Email ID and Mobile Number
- For Registered Office
- Electricity Bill/Water Bill (not older than 2 months)
- NOC from owner
- Rent agreement or ownership proof
- Other Requirements
- DSC of all directors (or authorized signatories)
- Signed declaration (INC-9 auto-generated)
- Board resolution if a corporate body is a subscriber
💰 Cost and Time Involved
| Service | Timeline | Estimated Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| DSC (Aadhaar-based) | 1 day | ₹1,000 – ₹1,500 |
| Name Approval (SPICe+ Part A) | 2–3 days | Included |
| Company Incorporation (MCA) | 7–10 days | ₹5,000 – ₹15,000 |
| PAN, TAN, COI | Along with COI | Included |
🎯 Post-Registration Compliances
After your private limited company registration is complete, the following compliances are required:
- Open a current account in your company’s name
- Appoint a statutory auditor within 30 days
- File commencement of business (INC-20A) within 180 days
- Maintain proper accounting records
- File annual returns (MGT-7, AOC-4)
- Conduct board meetings and annual general meetings
🔍 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Can I register a private limited company without DSC?
Not entirely. Someone with a valid DSC must sign the documents. If you don’t want to apply for one, you can appoint another director or authorized professional to handle the filing.
❓ Can DSC be issued without video KYC?
Yes. Using Aadhaar-based OTP authentication, you can now get a DSC issued instantly without video verification.
❓ Can I be a shareholder only without DSC?
Yes. If you are just investing and not taking a director’s role, you may avoid DSC by signing physical forms and authorizing another director to proceed.
✅ Final Words
While DSC is mandatory for private limited company registration in India, you can still register your company without getting it yourself by appointing someone else with a DSC to handle filings on your behalf. With the right consultants and documentation, the process can be smooth, quick, and fully digital.
If you’re looking to register your company with minimal hassle, our team at Taxlegit can assist you end-to-end — whether you want to use a DSC or not. We help you with name reservation, document drafting, MCA filings, and post-incorporation compliances.