How to Register a Digital Certificate

A digital certificate completes the same functions of a digital signature.

Most Internet users benefit from the convenience of using digital certification for authenticating business agreements. A digital certificate completes the same functions as a digital signature, authorizing transactions without face-to-face contact. Security is guaranteed. Central authorities like the IRS and banks issue digital certificates frequently. In order to use a digital certificate or signature, the user must register the digital certificate with the issuing authority. Certificates that have not been registered will not be granted full validation rights.

Things You'll Need

• User ID and password
• Account
• Issuer's website

Instructions

1. Gather the user ID and password you selected for the account with the issuing certification authority. The ID and password should have been assigned when the account was activated. Some authorities will require a reference number as well.

2. Go to the authority's website and scroll to the Log-In page. Log in with the account user ID and password.

3. Click on the "My Account" tab to gain access to the digital certificate information for your account. Scroll through the pages to find the "Register Digital Certificate" button and click. Follow the prompts.

4. Click the "Yes" button to validate the "Always trust content from the publisher" question. This gives the issuing authority permission to send and process information for your account.

5. Upload the digital certificate to your desktop by selecting the "Upload" button.

6. Verify that the file was successfully uploaded by clicking the "Browse" button. Scroll through the files to locate the digital certificate.

Tips & Warnings

• Use your digital certificate to cut down on paper use. Sign up for digital or electronic transmission for other business transactions.

• Be sure to secure your user ID and password to your account in a safe place after you have registered your digital certificate in case of a system failure.

• Do not share your account information or show your digital certificate to any third party. Be advised that the digital certificate is confidential information protected under Internet security laws.

• Do not to attempt to use the digital certificate for any purposes other than the transactions expressed by the issuing authority.

References

• Tax Guru Online Tax Resource: How to Register Digital Signature

Resources

• United States Patent and Trademark Office: EFS Register