In India, the Director Identification Number (DIN) is an essential identification requirement for individuals who wish to become directors in companies.

Introduced under the Companies Act, the DIN system helps the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) track the directors of companies operating within the country.

It’s a mandatory registration for all directors, providing unique number for identification, ensuring transparency, and reducing fraud within corporates.

In this basic guide, we will walk you through who needs to apply for a DIN, the steps to apply, how to search for a DIN and more. 

DIN is an 8 digit identity number, which is issued to persons who are willing to be a director of an Indian based company.  This unique number is issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) under Section 153 of the Companies Act, 2013. It remains valid as long as the director remains in good standing.

The DIN is used to monitor directorship across companies, ensuring accountability and transparency, and it plays a key role in corporate governance.

According to Companies Act, 2013, the following persons / individuals must apply for a DIN:

• Individuals who wish to become a director of a company:

1.  Any person intending to be appointed as a director of a company (whether private or public) must obtain a DIN;
2. This is a requirement for both Indian and foreign nationals.

• Existing directors of a company:

1.  Every person who is already a director of a company who was appointed before the introduction of the DIN system (prior to 2006) must obtain a DIN, if they don’t already have one.

• Designated Partners of Limited Liability Partnership (LLP):

1.  While DIN is primarily for directors, LLP designated partners must also apply for a DIN if they do not already posses one.

• Individuals holding multiple DINs:

1. A director holding directorships in multiple companies, must link all their directorships to the same DIN, ensuring proper registration.

Applying for a DIN is a simple process, and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has streamlined it through an online application system.

See the steps below:

• Register on the MCA Portal

1.  Visit the MCA website: www.mca.gov.in

2. Create a new account: If you do not have a registered account, you will be required to click on the ‘Register’ button and input your name, e-mail address, phone number and physical address.

3. Login: Login using the USER Id and Password that you have created. 

• Fill out the DIR-3 Form

1. Navigate to e-Forms: After logging in go to the ‘Company e-Filings ’ link provided on the homepage of the MCA portal. Click on DIN related forms.

2. Select DIR-3 form: This is the form used for making a DIN application. Personal details such as full name, father’s name, date of birth, nationality, address etc. is to be provided. 

3. Attach the Required documents:

To complete the application, the following documents are required to be uploaded, in order for the verification process:

• Proof of Identity: Passport, Aadhar Card, Voter ID or Driver’s License;
• Proof of Address: Utility bills, bank statements, or rental agreements;
• Photograph: A passport-sized photograph of the applicant;
• Signature: A digital signature (DSC) of the applicant is mandatory.

   4. Complete the Form: After completing the form, it is recommended that there be keen scrutiny of all the data that has been provided.

1.  Submit the DIR-3 Form: Once the form is completed and the documents are attached, submit the form online via the MCA portal. 

• Payment of Fees

1. The fee for application for DIN is ₹500 (for every application) and can be made through debit/credit card, net banking as well as other options available in the MCA portal.
2. As soon as you confirm the payment will be done without any delay.

• Verification of Documents

1. Subsequent to its submission, checks and validates the documents submitted with it. This process usually is within several business days (up to 7-10 days sometimes).

• DIN Issuance

1.  If your application is verified successfully, you will receive your Director Identification Number (DIN) via email.

2. After obtaining your DIN, you must inform all companies where you hold a directorship, and link your DIN to those companies by filing Form DIR-3 KYC every year.

In addition, if one wants to confirm an existing DIN or review the status of a director’s information, on the MCA portal there is a DIN search. This tool allows you to:

• Verify if the DIN is valid: Many people use the DIN number to check online through the MCA portal to ensure that the DIN number is active and who it belongs to.

• Check the director's details: The search results will reveal the full name and any companies, directorships connected to that person.

To search for a DIN:

• Go to the MCA portal: www.mca.gov.in 

• Navigate to 'MCA Services': The “DIN/Director Details” is in the services section part.

• Enter the DIN number: Type DIN to obtain the name of director associated with that number.

View the results: This will have a list indicating the status of the DIN along with its unique name and other relevant details of the person associated with that DIN.

The DIN is a vital part of Indian corporate governance framework.By obtaining DIN, directors ensure compliance with the Companies Act, 2013 and contribute to a transparent and accountable business environment.

Whether you are an aspiring director, or an existing one, or an individual seeking to verify a director details, understanding this process of applying and searching for DIN is crucial.

For directors, the process is straightforward and with the help of MCA portal, the system has been simplified significantly. Ensure that you follow the correct steps and stay compliant with the regulations set by the MCA.

Remember, a DIN not only helps establish your identity as a director but also protects you from fraudulent activities and ensures that the companies that you are associated with, maintain transparency and regulatory adherence.

If you need further assistance with the application process or searching for a DIN, visit the official MCA website and explore the available resources, or get in touch with us!

Stay compliant, stay informed.