New DSC token issued on or after 21 September 2026? Upgrade to emSigner 3.3 for the GST portal
GSTN has released emSigner version 3.3 for tokens issued on or after 21 September 2026. Older versions will not work with the new tokens; existing working DSCs need no change.
Key facts
- In force
- Tokens issued from 21 September 2026
- Who it affects
- Everyone who signs with a DSC on the GST portal
- What it is
- Action needed
- Section
- GST
- Published
- 19 September 2026
In 30 seconds
- emSigner v3.3 is needed for tokens (USB dongles) issued on or after 21 September 2026.
- Existing valid DSCs that work normally can continue on the current emSigner version.
- Version 3.3 is backward compatible with existing tokens.
- Java 1.8 must be pre-installed; Java 9 and above are not supported.
हिंदी में सार
21 सितंबर 2026 या उसके बाद जारी नए DSC टोकन के लिए GST पोर्टल पर emSigner का वर्ज़न 3.3 लगाना ज़रूरी है — पुराने वर्ज़न नए टोकन पर नहीं चलेंगे। जिनका पुराना DSC ठीक चल रहा है, उन्हें कुछ बदलने की ज़रूरत नहीं।
Who has to upgrade
Users who have been issued a new token on or after 21 September 2026 — a new certificate and dongle, or a renewal on a new dongle — have to upgrade to emSigner version 3.3. The advisory says older versions of emSigner will not work for such new DSC dongles.
Who need not
If the existing DSC works normally, the current emSigner version may continue. If signing fails, or the certificate does not appear for selection even though the token drivers are correctly installed, upgrade to version 3.3 — it is backward compatible.
System requirements given by GSTN
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit); Linux (Ubuntu 18 and above); macOS (10.6 and above) |
| RAM / storage | 8 GB and above / 64 GB and above |
| Java | Java 1.8 (OpenJDK or Oracle), pre-installed — it is not bundled with the installer; Java 9 and above not supported |
About validity of old dongles
Quoting the CCA advisory, GSTN says DSCs downloaded onto FIPS 140-2 dongles on or before 21 September 2026 can continue to be used until the DSC expires. Subsequent renewal or fresh issuance generally requires a FIPS 140-3 dongle, subject to CCA’s specified exceptions.
The installer is on the GST portal under Help → DocSigner (gst.gov.in/help/docsigner).
Published 19 September 2026. Updated 13 October 2026. This report is for general information and is not professional advice. Read the source document before acting on it.