DIRECTOR IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (DIN)

What is DIN?

A Director Identification Number (DIN) is a unique 8-digit number allotted by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) to any individual who wishes to become a director or designated partner in a company or LLP. It is valid for a lifetime.

Purpose of DIN

• Identification of directors
• Transparency in company administration
• Tracking director activities
• Preventing duplicate/fake directorships

Who Needs a DIN?

Any individual intending to become:

• Director in a Private/Public Limited Company
• Designated Partner in LLP (DPIN)
• Independent Director

Methods to Apply for DIN

METHOD 1: Through SPICe+ (For New Company Registration)

• Apply via SPICe+ (INC-32) form
• Up to 3 DINs can be issued during new company incorporation

METHOD 2: Through DIR-3 (For Existing Company)

Required Documents

• PAN (mandatory for Indian citizens)
• Aadhaar
• Passport (mandatory for foreign nationals)
• Address proof (not older than 2 months)
• photo
• DSC of applicant
• Declaration by proposed company
• Certification by CA / CS / CMA

Fees

• DIR-3 Filing Fee: ₹500

Allotment:

DIN is approved by MCA and an approval letter is issued. DIN remains valid for lifetime.

DIN Status Types:

• Approved
• Disqualified
• Deactivated (due to non-KYC)
• Surrendered

Annual DIN KYC (DIR-3 KYC):

Two Options:

• DIR-3 KYC Form (first-time)
• DIR-3 KYC Web (every year)

Due Date: 30th September
Penalty: ₹5,000 for Delay

DIN Surrender:

DIN can be surrendered through DIR-5 when:

• Duplicate DIN exists
• Fraudulent DIN obtained
• Director not associated with any company
• Death or incapacity

Important Notes

• One person can have only one DIN
• DIN must be quoted in all MCA filings
• Foreign nationals must get documents notarized/apostilled