GSTN Announces emSigner 3.3 for New DSC USB Tokens Issued From 21st September 2026

The Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) has issued an advance advisory for taxpayers and tax officers using Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs) on the GST Portal. A new emSigner version 3.3 is being made available to ensure compatibility with DSC USB tokens issued on or after September 21, 2026.

Users with existing valid DSCs whose tokens are working normally can continue using their current emSigner version. However, those facing signing failures or unable to detect their certificates may upgrade to emSigner 3.3, which is backward compatible with existing tokens.

For users receiving a new DSC USB dongle on or after September 21, 2026, including new certificates, renewals or replacement tokens, GSTN has stated that emSigner 3.3 will be required, as older versions will not work with such new tokens.

The updated version requires compatible system specifications, including a 64-bit operating system, at least 8 GB RAM, 64 GB storage and Java 1.8. Java 9 and later versions are not supported. Users can download emSigner 3.3 through the GST Portal's DSC/emSigner section.

GSTN has also clarified that existing DSCs stored on FIPS 140-2 dongles before September 21, 2026 are not automatically invalidated and can generally continue to be used until expiry, subject to the applicable CCA requirements.

Official copy of the advisory is as follows

This is advance information to the all users – Taxpayers and Tax Officers, of GST System who use Digital Certificate Signature on the GST Portal.

A new version of emSigner (v3.3) is being made available for download for the purpose of providing compatibility with tokens (USB dongles) that are issued on or after 21-September-2026.

A. Users with valid certificates: There is no change for the users having existing valid digital certificates and their existing token (USB Dongle) are working, as of 21-Sep-2026. If your existing DSC works normally, you may continue using your current emSigner version.

If you encounter signing failures or if your certificate does not appear for selection despite correctly installed token drivers, upgrade to the emSigner version 3.3 by following steps given under point-B below. The emSigner version 3.3 is backward compatible to support the existing tokens (USB dongles).

B. Users with newly issued tokens: Users who have been issued a new token (USB Dongle) on or after 21-Sep-2026, either due to issuance of new certificate and dongle, or renewal of certificate in a new dongle, shall have to upgrade to version 3.3 of emSigner by following below steps:

Step-1: Please ensure that your system – desktop / laptop / AIO which on which the DSC is used for the GST System, meets the following minimum system requirements:

1.1 Operating system and hardware

1.2 Java

1.3 Browser

Step-2: Download & install the version 3.3 of emSigner from the GST Portal by navigating to https://www.gst.gov.in/help/docsigner-the older versions of emSigner will not work for such new DSC dongles issued from 21 September 2026 onwards.

C. Validity and future renewal: Under CCA’s advisory, DSCs downloaded onto FIPS 140-2 dongles on or before 21 September 2026 can continue to be used until the DSC expires. That date does not automatically invalidate existing DSCs. Subsequent renewal or fresh issuance generally requires a FIPS 140-3 dongle, subject to CCA’s specified exceptions. The CCA migration advisory may be referred for more details on this aspect by navigating to https://cca.gov.in/sites/files/pdf/news/Advisory_on_Migration_from_FIPS_140- 2_to_FIPS_140-3.pdf

Please create a ticket on the GST Helpdesk if you need any assistance while upgrading to the emSigner version 3.3 and our teams shall get in touch for resolution.

Thanks,
Team GSTN