How to Register DSC on TRACES Portal?

Almost all government portals today are stepping up their security with modern digital tools — and Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs) play a key role in that transformation. The TDS TRACES (TDS Reconciliation Analysis and Correction Enabling System) portal is no exception.

Developed and managed by the Income Tax Department of India, the TRACES portal serves as the central platform for managing all TDS-related activities. From filing and correcting TDS statements to downloading Form 16/16A and more.

To make these processes more secure and paperless, TRACES requires users to register their Digital Signature Certificate.

Here is a simple step-by-step process guide on how to register DSC on TRACES portal.

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Prerequisites

You must have the following to register DSC on TRACES Portal:

1. Valid Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): Only Class 3 DSCs are accepted on the TRACES portal.

2. TRACES DSC Utility download and installed: Download and install the latest DSC utility for TDS TRACES. This utility is essential for validating and linking your DSC with the portal.

3. System Compatibility

Ensure the following:

- Use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser.

- Enable Java and Pop-ups.

4. Active Token Device: Connect your DSC token to your computer and ensure the driver software is installed and functioning properly.

5. Active TRACES Login: You'll need valid User ID, Password, and TAN/PAN credentials to log in to your TRACES account.

Therefore, before you move towards the step of how to register DSC in TDS Income tax portal, make sure you have all these.

Steps to Register DSC on TRACES Portal

Want to know how to register DSC in TDS Income tax portal?

Follow these simple steps to register your DSC on TRACES portal:

Step 1: Visit the TRACES Portal. Enter your User ID, Password, and TAN/PAN according to your role (Deductor/Taxpayer/PAO) to log in to your TRACES account.

Step 2: Go to “My Profile” and click on “Signature.”

Step 3: Open the “Signature” tab.

Step 4: Select your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) from the list.

Step 5: Enter your DSC password.

Step 6: Your details will appear on the screen — verify them carefully and click “OK.”

Step 7: You'll see a confirmation message — “DSC successfully registered.”

Note: TRACES DSC Utility download
Before you start with DSC registration on the TDS TRACES portal, download the DSC utility for TDS TRACES. Install it and run it as Administrator before moving ahead.

Conclusion

The TDS portal is used for various TDS/TCS compliance-related activities like Form 26AS, TDS correction statements, Form 16/16A, and more. Registering your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) on the TRACES portal ensures that each of these is carried out securely.

Always make sure your DSC is active, valid, and matches the PAN registered on TRACES. In case your certificate expires, simply renew and re-register it on the portal to continue using all TRACES features smoothly.

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FAQ

Q1. How do I register my DSC?

Wondering how to register dsc on TDS TRACES portal online? To register DSC on TRACES portal,

Log in to the TRACES Portal,
Go to My Profile -> Signature
Select your Digital Signature Certificate.
Enter your DSC password, verify your details, and click OK.

Q2. How to use DSC for TDS return?

Once your DSC is registered on TRACES, you can use it to digitally sign TDS correction statements, Form 16/16A, and other TDS-related documents.

It helps verify your submissions securely and ensures that your TDS filings are legally valid.

Q3. How to use DSC for the first time?

If you're using DSC for the first time, install the DSC utility for TDS TRACES. Plug in your DSC token, run the utility, and then proceed with DSC registration. Once done, you can start signing TDS-related forms digitally.

Q4. How to change DSC on TRACES portal?

If your DSC has expired or been renewed, you can update it by

Logging in to TRACES
Going to My Profile → Signature → Register DSC.
Select your new DSC and complete the same registration steps again.

The old DSC will be replaced automatically.

Q5. What are the possible TRACES DSC registration errors?

Common errors while registering DSC on TRACES include:

“DSC utility not detected” – Run the DSC utility for TDS TRACES as Administrator.

“No valid certificate found” – Check if your DSC token is properly connected.

“PAN mismatch error” – Ensure the PAN in your DSC matches the one on TRACES.

“Error in connecting to server” – Try again using Chrome or Edge with pop-ups enabled.

Avoid these TRACES DSC registration error online and carry out the process smoothly.