How to apply for DIN or Director Identification Number?

If you are planning to become a director in a company or a partner in an LLP, you need to have a DIN or Director Identification Number.

In this post we will cover what is DIN and how can you apply for DIN.

What is DIN?

DIN is the first step for becoming a Director or a Designated Partner. DIN is a unique number which is allotted to an individual who intends to become a Director in a company or a Designated Partner in a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).

DIN is also a mandatory requirement for a company or an LLP for filing eForms with MCA.

For designated partner, the applicable term is DPIN (Designated Partner Identification Number).

How do I make an application for DIN?

The application for DIN has to made in e-Form DIR- 3 to MCA. The form is available for download on MCA’s website. The DIN application fee is Rs. 500/-.

You also need to have a digital signature (token) or DSC to apply for your DIN.

Update: Allotment of DIN will now be done only at the time of appointment of Directors for incorporation of a company.  In case an existing company wants to appoint a director, then it can file form DIR – 3. That means now it will be the responsibility of the companies to file form DIR – 3.

Along with the application form (Form DIR – 3), the following documents are required to be attached:

1. Latest passport size photograph (high resolution .jpeg image)
2. Identity proof – copy of your PAN card
3. Address proof in your name

The following documents can be attached as proof of permanent address

1. Passport
2. Election or voter identity card
3. Driving license
4. Bank account statement duly certified by the bank official (not older than 2 months)
5. Telephone bill in the name of the applicant (not older than 2 months)
6. Electricity bill in the name of the applicant (not older than 2 months)

The following need to be kept in mind while making an application for DIN:

1. PAN is compulsory as identity proof for Indian nationals.
2. The name of the applicant should be expanded even if the ID proof contains the name in abbreviated form. Single alphabet is not allowed to be specified in the name field.
3. Copies of identity proof and address proof should be self attested by the applicant and also certified by a practising professional.
4. If you are intending to become in a director in a company which already has a Company Secretary or MD, the documents can be attested by such person.
5. DIN application will not be accepted if the details entered in the form as not as per Income Tax data base.
6. In case of proofs which are in languages other than Hindi / English, the proofs should be translated in Hindi / English from professional translator carrying his details (name, signature, address) and seal.
7. Applicant’s name, address, date of birth, father’s name should be exactly as mentioned in proofs submitted.

Some additional points for application for DIN by a foreign national:

1. Passport number is mandatory to be mentioned in the form.
2. Passport copy is mandatory for identity proof.
3. The copy of the supporting documents should be duly notarised and apostilled (authenticated by authorities).
4. If you are intending to become in a director in a company which already has a company secretary / MD, the documents can be attested by that person. In that case it is not required to get the documents notarised or apostilled.
5. It is mandatory to enter either father’s first name or father’s last name.
6. Address proof should not be older than 1 year from the date of filing of the eForm.
7. In case of proofs which are in languages other than Hindi / English, the proofs should be translated in Hindi / English by the professional translator or by the notary of your home country.

Once the application is processed and accepted, the status of the DIN will be “Approved” and an email communication will be sent on the email ID mentioned in application form. The process usually takes two working days.

Do I have to send documents physically to MCA?

The form DIR -3 has to be filed online on MCA. Physical documents are not required to submitted.

Can I apply for DIN myself or I have to get it filed through a professional?

You can, yourself, file the DIN application. For that, you have to register on MCA21 portal. Click here to register on MCA.

Another option is get the application filed by a practising professional. S/he can file the form on your behalf.

However, remember that the identity proof and the address proof have to be certified by a practising professional such as a Chartered Accountant or a Company Secretary or a Cost Accountant.

Update: MCA has updated the process of DIN application and only companies can file DIN application for the director to be appointed. 

Can DIN application be rejected?

Yes, there are cases where DIN application can be rejected. The common causes of rejection are:

1. The proof or identity and address are not attested by the authorised person.
2. The details submitted in the form do not match with the proofs attached.
3. The submitted application is a duplicate.
4. The supporting documents attached are not valid or have expired.

To know more reasons, please click here.

What happens if my DIN application is rejected?

In case your DIN application is rejected, you need to make a fresh DIN application and also pay application fees.

What if there are changes in the information already submitted during the application?

After the allotment of DIN, if there are any changes in the details submitted in Form DIR-3, you have to make an application in form DIR-6. There is no application fees for filing Form DIR-6.

The process is the same as DIN application. However you need to only submit those proofs where the details have changed. E.g., if there is a change in the address, you have to fill the new address in the form and attach a valid address proof as mentioned above.

It is recommended to update the changes submitted at the time of DIN application.

Is DIN required if I want to become an Independent Director?

Yes, DIN is required for becoming a Director, Additional Director, Whole Time Director, Managing Director, Independent Director and Nominee Director.

Do I need a separate DIN for each company I am a director in?

No. DIN is a unique number allotted to you and you can use that for every position you hold as a Director.

Is there a requirement to renew DIN?

No. Currently, DIN is issued on permanent basis.

What if I forget my DIN?

If you do not remember your DIN, you can find out from MCA21 portal, by clicking here. You will go to a screen as shown below.

You have to click at the search icon and on the pop-up window, enter the director’s name and last name.

To read more FAQs on MCA’s website, click here.

---

Have you applied for DIN or planning to? Hope this post makes it easier for you. In case you have any queries, you can write to me at kruti@cskruti.com.