You need an electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) account to apply for a DSC. eKYC account can be created using Aadhaar Paperless eKYC (a document downloadable from the UIDAI site) or Income Tax Permanent Account Number (PAN).
This account will help you to obtain a DSC considerably faster without submitting additional documents.
This is also necessary for availing eSign services for digitally signing documents without a DSC. The account will remain valid for 2 years.
List of documents required for eKYC account creation
