Is Your DSC Not Working? Here's DSC Troubleshooting Guide

Digital Signatures have become essential for carrying out official tasks online, from filing taxes to signing legal documents and accessing government portals. They ensure authenticity, security, and trust in digital transactions.
But what happens when your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) suddenly stops working? Whether it's not being detected by the portal, showing error messages, or failing to authenticate, it can bring your work to a halt.

Let's walk you through the most common reasons why you are facing DSC problems and provide step-by-step DSC troubleshooting solutions to solve them and run smoothly again.

DSC not working? Secure your Digital Signature Certificate from a government-certified CA like Capricorn CA.

Common Reasons Why Your Digital Signature Is Not Working

Sometimes your DSC issues may be due to simple errors. Here are the most frequent causes:

1. Expired DSC – Certificates have a validity period; an expired DSC won't work.

2. Browser or Portal Compatibility – Using unsupported browsers or outdated versions can cause errors.

3. USB Token or Driver Issues – Missing or outdated drivers can prevent the system from detecting your DSC.

4. Incorrect Software Installation – Improper token or middleware installation can lead to failure.

5. Antivirus/Firewall Blocking – Security software may block DSC detection or signing.

6. System Date & Time Mismatch – Incorrect computer time can prevent authentication.

Key Cases When Your DSC Is Not Working

Here are some of the most common DSC issues users encounter:

1. Digital Signature Certificate Not Verifying
DSC not verifying? Sometimes the portal fails to verify your DSC, even if the token is plugged in. This can happen due to outdated software, expired certificates, or browser compatibility issues.

2. DSC Not Generated
New DSCs may fail to generate or show because of server issues, incomplete application processes, or incorrect system settings.

3. Simply Digital Signature Not Working
The DSC may not work for signing documents or submitting forms online due to driver or middleware problems.

4. How to Fix DSC Token Error
Token errors occur when the system cannot detect the USB token or its certificate. This is often due to missing drivers, improper installation, or security software interference.

5. DSC Not Working on Windows 10
Windows 10 users may face issues due to security updates, incompatible drivers, or Java version mismatches.

6. DSC Not Working in GST
GST portal errors often happen because of browser compatibility, expired DSC, or incomplete DSC installation.

7. DSC Not Working in EPFO
EPFO-related DSC errors are commonly caused by outdated portal requirements, Java settings, or expired certificates.

DSC Troubleshooting Solutions

Here are some common DSC troubleshooting solutions that you can try when facing DSC issues:

1. Check DSC Validity
Ensure your Digital Signature Certificate has not expired. If it has, renew it before proceeding.

2. Reconnect the USB Token Properly
Remove the token and plug it back into a different USB port.

3. Use a Supported Browser
Some government portals work best with specific browsers. Try switching browsers or updating the current one.

4. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
Cached data may interfere with DSC detection. Clear cache and restart the browser.

5. Check System Date and Time
Make sure your system's date and time are set correctly, as DSC verification depends on accurate timestamps.

6. Temporarily Disable Antivirus or Firewall
Security software may block DSC middleware. Disable it temporarily and retry the process.

7. Run the Browser as Administrator
This helps avoid permission-related issues during DSC signing or verification.

8. Restart Your System
A simple restart can refresh drivers and resolve minor DSC-related glitches.

Final Words

A DSC not working can delay important online tasks, but most DSC issues are easy to fix. Solve all your DSC problems with this DSC troubleshooting guide.

Moreover, always choose a reliable Digital Signature Certificate from a government-certified CA like Capricorn CA, to ensure smooth and secure digital transactions.

FAQ

1. What to do if DSC is not working? / What to do if a digital signature is not working?

Start by checking whether your DSC has expired and ensure the USB token is properly connected. Reinstall the token drivers, switch to a supported browser, and verify system date and time. These basic steps resolve most DSC issues.

2. How to check if DSC is working or not?

Insert the DSC token and open the token management software. If the certificate details appear correctly, your DSC is active. You can also test it on a government portal that requires digital signing.

3. How to solve DSC authentication failed?

This error typically occurs because of incorrect drivers, expired DSC, or system configuration issues. Reinstall the token software, check certificate validity, and retry after restarting your system.

4. How to reactivate DSC?

If your DSC is suspended or expired, it cannot be reactivated and must be renewed or reissued. Contact your Certifying Authority to complete the renewal process and activate a new DSC.

5. Why does my DSC work on one portal but not on another?

Different portals have different technical requirements. A DSC may work on one site but fail on another due to browser compatibility or Java settings.

6. Does a browser update affect DSC working?

Yes. Browser updates can block plugins or middleware required for DSC functioning. Switching to a supported browser often resolves this issue.

7. Why is my DSC showing a “certificate not found” error?

This error usually appears when the token driver is not installed properly or the DSC is not mapped correctly in the browser.

8. What should I do if my DSC stops working suddenly?
Restart your system, reconnect the token, and check for recent browser or system updates that may have caused the issue.