Under the Companies Act, 2013, every individual intending to be appointed as a director in a company must first obtain a Director Identification Number (DIN). DIN is a unique 8-digit identification number allotted by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), which is used to identify a director. It is mandatory for anyone who wishes to become a director in an Indian company or a designated partner in an LLP.

Legal Provision – Section 154

Section 154 of the Companies Act, 2013 states:

“The Central Government shall, within one month from the receipt of the application under section 153, allot a Director Identification Number to the applicant in such manner as may be prescribed.”

This section mandates the government to issue the DIN within one month of receiving the correct application.

Who is Eligible for a DIN?

Any individual (resident or non-resident) who intends to:

• Be appointed as a director in an Indian company, or
• Be a designated partner in an LLP,
  can apply for a DIN.

Note: DIN is allotted only to individuals, not to firms or corporate bodies.

Who Can Apply and When Is It Required?

Who Can Apply:

• A first-time applicant before being appointed as a director.
• An existing director needing to update their details or file annual KYC.

When Is It Required?

• Before a person is appointed as a director in any company.
• At the time of incorporation of a new company (through SPICe+ form).
• During appointment as an additional or new director in an existing company (using DIR-3).

Modes of Applying for DIN

There are two scenarios:

1. For New Companies – Through SPICe+ Form

• When incorporating a new company, DIN is applied for up to 3 directors in the SPICe+ (INC-32) form.
• No separate DIR-3 form is required in this case.

2. For Existing Companies – Through Form DIR-3

• If an individual is being appointed in an existing company, a separate application in Form DIR-3 must be filed.
• This form is filed online with a digital signature and certification by a professional (CA/CS/CMA).

Documents Required for DIN Application

For Indian Nationals:

1. Passport-size photograph
2. PAN Card (Mandatory)
3. Aadhaar Card / Voter ID / Driving License (Address proof)
4. Mobile Number and Email ID
5. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
6. Board Resolution from the company proposing the appointment (if applying via DIR-3)

For Foreign Nationals:

1. Passport (Mandatory – notarized/apostilled)
2. Residential Address Proof (Utility bill, bank statement)
3. Photograph
4. Email ID and Mobile Number
5. Digital Signature
6. Board Resolution from the Indian company (if applicable)

Information Required in the Application

1. Full Name of Applicant (as per PAN or Passport)
2. Father’s Name
3. Date of Birth
4. Gender
5. Nationality
6. Present and Permanent Address
7. Contact Number and Email ID
8. Educational Qualification
9. Occupation
10. Verification and declaration signed by applicant and CA/CS/CMA

Timeline for Allotment

As per Section 154, the Central Government must allot the DIN within 1 month of receiving a complete application. However, in practice, DIN is usually issued within 1-2 working days if all documents and details are correct.

Important Points to Remember

• A person can hold only one DIN in their lifetime – having multiple DINs is a punishable offense.
• Once allotted, DIN is valid for lifetime (unless surrendered or deactivated).
• Every DIN holder must file DIR-3 KYC annually to keep it active.
• DIN can be surrendered only if the individual never used it in any company or LLP.

Post Allotment Compliance

• Use DIN while filing any MCA forms as a director.
• Update DIN KYC (via DIR-3 KYC / DIR-3 KYC Web) every year before 30th September.
• Notify the company registrar of any changes in personal details using Form DIR-6.

📚 Relevant MCA Forms for DIN

🔍 Penalty for Non-Compliance

• Failure to obtain DIN before appointment = Penalty up to ₹50,000 and ₹500/day of default.
• Not filing annual KYC = DIN deactivation and late filing penalty of ₹5,000.