How to Revoke a Digital Signature Certificate?

Just think about it — your USB token goes missing, your private key gets compromised, or an employee who held a DSC leaves the organization.

What should you do in such situations?

Simply stopping the use of that certificate isn't enough. The responsible and secure step is to formally revoke it.

Revoking a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) ensures that it can no longer be used for any kind of digital signing or authentication, effectively preventing unauthorized access and misuse. It's not just a precaution — it's a compliance requirement governed under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and regulated by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA).

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What Does ‘Revoking a DSC' Mean?

Revoke DSC Meaning: A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) serves as your electronic identity for signing and authenticating documents online. It's built on public key infrastructure (PKI) technology, where a [I]private key[i/] (stored securely with you) and a public key (shared with others) together validate your digital signature.

When you revoke a DSC, you're formally invalidating that certificate before its expiry date. This means the DSC is no longer considered trustworthy by any system, application, or authority that relies on it for authentication.

Is DSC Revoke Different from Expired DSC?

It's important to understand that revocation is different from expiry.

When a DSC expires, it naturally becomes invalid after the validity period ends.

When it's revoked, it's actively and intentionally cancelled before that time — usually because the private key is compromised, lost, or no longer authorized for use.

When Are You Supposed to Revoke Your DSC?

A Digital Signature Certificate is a deliberate action taken when your certificate's integrity or authorization is at risk.
Here are some common scenarios when DSC revocation becomes necessary:

1. Loss or Theft of USB Token

If your USB token is lost or stolen, you must revoke your DSC immediately. Anyone with access to that token could potentially misuse your digital signature.

2. Private Key Compromise

If you suspect that your private key has been exposed, copied, or used by an unauthorized person, revoking the DSC is the only way to prevent fraudulent signing or authentication.

3. Change in Employment or Authorization

When an employee who holds a DSC leaves an organization or changes roles, their existing DSC should be revoked to prevent its use for official transactions post-exit.

4. Organization or Personal Information Change

If there's a change in your name, organization name, designation, or any detail linked to the DSC, it must be revoked and reissued with updated information.

5. Certificate Issued in Error

Sometimes, a DSC might be issued with incorrect information or by mistake. In such cases, revocation ensures compliance and prevents any misuse.

6. Misuse or Fraudulent Activity

If your DSC is being misused or you suspect any fraudulent use, revoke it right away and notify your Certifying Authority (CA).

How to Revoke a Digital Signature Certificate Online?

Here's how you can revoke a DSC:

Step 1: Visit the Capricorn Website

Go to the official Capricorn CA website and click on the ‘Login' option.

Step 2: Log In to Your Account

Choose your preferred login method: Mobile, Email, or eKYC. Verify your identity using the OTP sent to your registered contact.

Step 3: Start the Revocation Process

Once logged in, click on the ‘Revoke' button to initiate the DSC revocation process.

Step 4: Select the Reason for Revocation

Choose the most appropriate reason for revoking your DSC from the available options.

Step 5: Download and Fill Out the Revocation Form

Download the Revocation Form from here-
https://www.certificate.digital/repository/forms/revocation-form.pdf
Fill in the required details carefully, and sign it.

Step 6: Upload the Completed Form

Upload the filled and signed revocation form on the portal to submit your request.

Step 7: Wait for Approval

Capricorn CA will review your request. This process may take some time, depending on verification.

Step 8: DSC Revoked Successfully

Once approved, your Digital Signature Certificate will be officially revoked.

So, suspension and revocation of Digital Signature Certificate DONE!

Now Your DSC Is Revoked! What's Next?

Now you know how to revoke a digital signature certificate online. But wait! What's next?
As soon as the Certifying Authority (CA) approves your revocation request, your DSC is marked invalid. You won't be able to use it for any kind of digital signing or verification.

What you need to remember is that revocation only affects future transactions. Any document signed before revocation remains legally valid, as it was signed when the certificate was still active and trusted.

Can a Revoked DSC Be Reissued?

After revocation, you can always apply for a new Digital Signature Certificate to continue your digital transactions securely.

However, once a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) has been revoked, it cannot be reactivated or reused under any circumstances. Revocation is a permanent action. The certificate is officially marked invalid and recorded in the Certificate Revocation List (CRL) maintained by the Certifying Authority (CA).

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Final Words

Revoking a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) isn't just a technical process. It's an important step in maintaining digital security and trust.

Once revoked, your certificate cannot be used or restored. However, you can easily apply for a new DSC through a trusted and licensed Certifying Authority (CA).

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FAQ

1. How to revoke DSC in EPFO?

To revoke your DSC in the EPFO portal, you first need to revoke it through your Certifying Authority (CA) — such as Capricorn CA.

Once the Suspension and revocation of Digital Signature Certificate is done, log in to the EPFO Employer Portal, remove the linked digital signature, and re-register a new one if required.

Then your signatory revoked in EPFO is successful.

2. Can a Digital Signature be revoked?

Yes. A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) can be revoked at any time before its expiry.

Revocation is done when the certificate is lost, compromised, misused, or no longer authorized. The process must be carried out through your issuing Certifying Authority.

3. How to revoke a digital signature certificate in India?

To revoke a digital certificate:

1. Visit Capricorn CA's website.

2. Log in with your registered credentials.

3. Click on ‘Revoke', state your reason, and submit the revocation form.

4. Wait for approval confirmation from the CA.

Once approved, your certificate will be officially invalidated.

4. How do I revoke a DSC?

You can revoke a DSC directly through your Certifying Authority portal by submitting a revocation request form along with valid ID proof.

If Capricorn CA issued your DSC, follow the simple online process mentioned in the steps above.

5. How do I cancel a Digital Signature?

Revoking and cancelling a DSC mean the same thing.

To cancel a DSC, you must formally revoke it through your issuing CA so that it's no longer valid for digital transactions.

6. Can DSC be cancelled?

Yes, a DSC can be cancelled (revoked) by the subscriber or by the Certifying Authority in case of misuse, compromise, or termination of authorization. Once cancelled, it cannot be used again.

7. Is revoke the same as cancel?

Yes. The term “revoke” means to cancel or withdraw the validity of a DSC before its expiry date.
Once revoked, the certificate is permanently invalid and listed in the Certificate Revocation List (CRL).

So you don't need to get confused between “how to cancel Digital Signature certificate” and “How to revoke a digital signature certificate in India”.