EC Support

Digital Signature Certificates

Electronic Conveyancing (EC) uses Gatekeeper Digital Signature Certificates (referred to as an ABN-DSC) to allow Subscribers to securely conduct business in EC using a web browser and a USB security token. These are issued by VeriSign, an organisation accredited by the Commonwealth Government.

The EC system achieves this by allowing transactions to proceed only after every participating Subscriber has digitally ‘signed’ their transaction documents. Legally this is the same as if an equivalent paper document had been signed.

You will need at least one Digital Signature Certificate to use EC. This Certificate will be issued in the name of the person you nominate to be your Authorised Officer. The Authorised Officer can then issue additional standard digital signature certificates to other staff in your organisation as required.

To setup a VeriSign ABN-DSC Account for your company and enrol your Authorised Officer, visit the VeriSign Gatekeeper website. Alternatively, the LX Administrator can assist you to enrol for your ABN-DSC during the EC Registration process.

The VeriSign Gatekeeper Enrolment process has stringent identification requirements aimed at ensuring that only valid authorisations are allowed within the EC system.

What is an ABN-DSC?

• An Australian Business Number – Digital Signature Certificate (ABN-DSC) is a digital signing document that verifies the identity of a particular person and organisation. It must be used to sign electronic documents in EC such as Registrar's Instruments and Instructions.
• ABN-DSCs are downloaded and stored on USB security tokens issued by VeriSign.
• A Subscriber may have multiple ABN-DSCs but each ABN-DSC is issued to an individual who holds it on their security token and uses it on behalf of the Subscriber.

How does a Digital Signature Certificate work?

• The EC system checks that a “signature” on a document is in fact that of the Subscriber through a highly secure process that is known as Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).
• PKI is a set of policies, processes, and technologies used to verify, enrol and certify users of a secure application such as EC.
• PKI provides a high level of security by enabling the verification and authentication of the parties who sign data.

How do I get an ABN-DSC?

• ABN-DSCs are issued by VeriSign who are accredited by the Commonwealth Government.
• During the EC Registration process, you will need to enrol with VeriSign for an ABN-DSC Account and provide evidence of your personal and organisational identity. Further information, including a step by step Enrolment guide is available at the VeriSign Gatekeeper website.
• You will need to nominate at least one Authorised Officer who will be responsible for managing your VeriSign account, including the issuing of standard ABN-DSCs to other staff in your organisation.

What do I need to get an ABN-DSC?

• A valid ABN (Australian Business Number).
• The contact details of your organisation, including the 'entity name' associated with your ABN.
• Organisation Evidence of Identity, such as a Business Registration Certificate.
• 100 Points of personal Identification for Authorised Officers.
• A Credit Card, Purchase Order or cheque authority to cover the costs of enrolment.
• A USB security token which can be purchased from VeriSign.

How long will it take to get an ABN-DSC?

• Enrolment can take up to 4 weeks depending on your availability and prioritisation of enrolment requirements.
• During the enrolment process, your nominated Authorised Officer will need to undergo a 100 point ID check. VeriSign will contact you when your account has been activated and provide assistance with this step.