Digital Signature Certificates are essential for uploading statutory documents on the MCA V3 portal, which became the exclusive filing platform from 14 July 2025. Many users face errors while registering or associating their DSC, usually due to software conflicts, incorrect profile details, or previously linked certificates. This guide simplifies the troubleshooting process so the DSC functions smoothly on the portal.
Troubleshooting Issues While Associating DSC
If the DSC does not respond or the portal fails to recognise it, apply the following steps.
i) emSigner/emBridge Not Starting
Uninstall both applications and reinstall them with administrator rights. Always download the latest setup from the MCA homepage to avoid compatibility issues.
ii) Screen Freezes While Associating DSC
Follow these steps if the page becomes unresponsive without any error message:
Step 1: Change the PIN of the DSC token, refresh the page, and retry the process. Confirm that emSigner and emBridge are properly installed and running.
Step 2: If the issue continues, open the Profile Update page and change the Hint Question. Retry after confirming that the signer utilities are running.
Before making another attempt, clear the browser cache.
Common DSC Association Errors and Their Solutions
1. Technical Error: e7002^Customer Already Exists
Triggered when the same DSC is re-associated with the same user ID. Check the DSC details on the Profile Update page and avoid re-registering it.
2. Technical Error: Fail
Indicates that the association attempt failed. Retry the entire process after following the steps given above.
3. DSC Already Registered with Another User / Previously Used in the System
Appears when the DSC is linked to a different user ID. Variants include:
“The DSC is already registered with another user.”
“The DSC that you are trying to register is already used in the system.”
A DSC can be linked to only one user ID on the portal. View the DSC details in your profile to confirm the correct ID. If unsure, contact the MCA helpdesk for assistance.
DSC Errors While Uploading Forms and How to Fix Them
Two frequent reasons cause DSC validation errors during form upload:
i) DSC Associated on V2 Instead of V3: Ensure association is completed on the MCA V3 portal.
ii) Incorrect Identification Number in eForm: Mismatch between the user’s Identification Number in the system and what is entered in the form leads to validation errors.
Example: A Company Secretary registered as Manager/Secretary using PAN must provide the Membership Number in the relevant eForm. If an error appears stating the DSC is not associated with the Membership Number, upgrade the profile to Professional using the Membership Number. The system will then automatically link the DSC with both PAN and Membership Number, allowing successful form upload.
No Need for Re-Association After Profile Upgrade
Once the profile is upgraded, the system automatically links the DSC to the new Identification Number along with the existing ones. No separate DSC association is required.
Linking DSC with CoP Number
If the DSC is already linked with a Membership Number, it will automatically map to the Certificate of Practice (CoP) Number. Professionals holding a CoP should register under the Professional User Role in the Business User category and complete DSC association.
Checking the DSC Associated with Your User ID
Follow these steps to view your DSC details along with the Identification Numbers (PAN/DIN/Membership Number):
Log in to the MCA portal.
Open the Profile Update page.
Select Show DSC at the bottom of the page.
The system displays the DSC and the linked Identification Numbers.
Accurate DSC association is crucial for seamless filings on the MCA V3 platform. The steps above help resolve most issues related to signer utility errors, mismatched credentials, and incorrect profile information. When uncertainty persists, the MCA helpdesk remains the best point of support.
For detailed guidance, refer to the MCA’s FAQs on DSC Association dated 15 March 2023, which continue to apply to the V3 system.
My DSC not showing and the MCA website gets hanged. What to do for this problem?
I am unable to associate DSC on a profile, it says “DSC you are trying to register is already used in the system”, I don’t know how to find in which profile it is associated before?
My Certificate is not showing in MCA website while trying to Associate with DIN, whereas the same is reflecting while signing the form.