What is DIN or Director Identification Number?

DIN is short form of Director Identification Number, it is a number you need when an individual wants to become a director or already is a director of any company. It consists of 8 unique digits. It is issued by the Ministry of Corporate affairs (MCA), Government of India. Once the DIN has been allotted to the individual it will be valid for the Lifetime. This concept was first introduced in the year 2006.
By using DIN on the MCA portal, you can check the details of that Director like, in how many companies he is working etc. This number holds the details of the Director in the database.
DIN is specific to a person, so even if the person is a director in multiple companies or he changes one company to another the DIN will be the same for him.
“Director Identification Number” also includes Designated Partnership Identification Number (DPIN) issued under section 7 of Limited Liability Partnership Act,2008. So, even if you are a partner in any LLP, you will need DIN.

Governed By Law

Section 152 (4) mandates that every person proposed to be appointed as a director by the company shall furnish their Director Identification Number or such other number as may be prescribed in Section 153.

Why is DIN Important or What is the Significance to obtain DIN?

  • DIN is mandatory to have before becoming a director or a partner in LLP
  • It is a legal identification number provided to the Director
  • It Acts as a unique identifier that helps to track the details of the director
  • Mandatory for filing forms like DIR-3 KYC, DIR-12 with the MCA
  • If fails to have DIN it can lead to fines and penalties
  • It helps in filing any return of the company to the ROC/MCA

Forms related to DIN

Forms Purpose
DIR 3 Application for allotment of Director Identification number before appointment as a director
DIR-6 Intimation of any change in the particulars of the director to the Central Government
DIR-5 Application for surrender of Director Identification number
DIR-3B Intimation of DIN to Company by the directors
DIR-3C Intimation of DIN by the company to the Registrar
DIR-3 KYC / DIR-3 KYC Web Application for KYC of Directors

Reasons for Cancellation/Surrender/Deactivation of DIN

It mentions in Rule 11 of Companies rule,2014

  • Duplicate DIN: If the DIN found to be duplicated in respect of the same person
  • Wrongful or Fraudulent means: If the DIN has obtained by the wrongful manner or by fraudulent means
  • Death of the concerned Individual: If the individual has died his DIN will be deactivate or cancelled
  • Declared unsound mind: If the Individual declared unsound mind by the competent authority
  • Insolvent: If the individual has been adjudicated an insolvent
    By application Form DIR-5: If the individual himself files DIR-5 for voluntary surrender of DIN with declaration

General Provision Regarding DIN

The director needs to intimate their DIN to the company or all the companies he is associated with as per Section 156 by submitting form no DIR-3B
The company also need to inform the registrar within 15 days of receiving the DIN by the director under section 156 after submitting form no DIR-3C

Documents Required To Obtain Din:

  • Photograph of the individual
  • Identity and Address proof
  • If foreign national then need to provide Passport
  • Documents should be attested by Professionals: A chartered accountant or a cost accountant or a company secretary