Director Identification Number (DIN) in India: Eligibility & Online Application

If you’re planning to become a company director in India, one requirement comes first, before board meetings, before compliance filings, even before incorporation in many cases: the Director Identification Number (DIN).

Despite being a basic statutory requirement, DIN often creates confusion. 

• Is it permanent? 

• Who needs it? 

• Can one person have multiple DINs? 

• What happens if you forget annual KYC?

Let’s break it down clearly, based on the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, and official guidance from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).

What is a Director Identification Number (DIN)?

A Director Identification Number (DIN) is a unique 8-digit number allotted by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to an individual who intends to become a director of a company in India.

It serves as a permanent identity number for directors and is mandatory under Section 153 of the Companies Act, 2013.

Once issued:

• DIN remains valid for a lifetime
  

• It does not change if the director joins or leaves a company
  

• It links all directorships under one identification number
  

Think of it as a PAN card, but specifically for corporate directorships.

Why Was DIN Introduced?

Before DIN was implemented, tracking directors across multiple companies was difficult. This created room for:

• Shell company misuse
  

• Multiple identities
  

• Fraudulent appointments
  

To improve transparency and corporate governance, MCA introduced DIN to maintain a centralized database of directors.

Through DIN, regulators can:

• Track directorships across companies
  

• Monitor compliance history
  

• Prevent duplicate identities
  

This strengthens accountability in the corporate ecosystem.

Who is Required to Obtain DIN?

DIN is mandatory for:

• Proposed directors of a private limited company
  

• Directors of public limited companies
  

• Directors of One Person Companies (OPCs)
  

• Additional or alternate directors
  

If a person is appointed as a director without a DIN, the appointment is invalid under the law.

However, DIN is not required for:

• Shareholders who are not directors
  

• Sole proprietors
  

• Employees or consultants
  

It applies strictly to directors under company law.

Legal Provisions Governing DIN

DIN is governed by:

• Sections 152, 153, and 155 of the Companies Act, 2013
  

• Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014
  

Section 155 clearly prohibits obtaining more than one DIN.

The MCA portal remains the official platform for DIN application and compliance filings.

How to Apply for DIN in India

There are two main ways to obtain DIN, depending on the situation.

1. DIN Through Company Incorporation (SPICe+ Form)

If you are incorporating a new company, DIN can be allotted through the SPICe+ (INC-32) form.

Process:

1. Obtain Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
   

2. Fill SPICe+ incorporation form
   

3. Provide director's details (PAN, address, identity proof)
   

4. Submit with the prescribed fee
   

5. DIN is generated upon approval
   

This is the most common route for first-time directors.

2. Separate DIN Application (Form DIR-3)

If the company already exists and a new director needs DIN, use Form DIR-3.

Steps:

1. Log in to MCA portal
   

2. Fill DIR-3 form
   

3. Attach required documents
   

4. Get certification from a practicing CA, CS, or CMA
   

5. Pay the government fee
   

After approval, DIN is allotted electronically.

Documents Required for DIN Application

For Indian Nationals:

• PAN card (mandatory)
  

• Address proof (bank statement, electricity bill, etc., not older than 2 months)
  

• Photograph
  

• Aadhaar (generally required for verification)
  

For Foreign Nationals:

• Passport (mandatory)
  

• Address proof
  

• Documents must be notarized and apostilled
  

Ensure that name, father’s name, and date of birth match exactly across all documents. Even small mismatches lead to rejection.

DIN Application Fees and Timeline

As per MCA guidelines:

• Government fee: ₹500
  

• Processing time: Typically 1 to 3 working days
  

Applications with incorrect documentation may take longer or get rejected.

Accuracy matters more than speed here.

Can a Person Hold Multiple DINs?

No. An individual cannot obtain or possess more than one DIN as per Section 155 of the Companies Act, 2013. If someone mistakenly obtains multiple DINs:

• The extra DIN must be surrendered
  

• MCA may initiate penalties
  

DIN is strictly one person, one identification number.

DIN KYC: Annual Compliance Requirement

Many directors overlook this, and it causes unnecessary trouble.

Every director must file DIR-3 KYC annually with MCA.

If KYC is not filed:

• DIN becomes “Deactivated due to non-filing of KYC”
  

• Reactivation requires a late fee of ₹5,000
  

Once deactivated, the director cannot file forms or act in compliance matters until reactivated.

This is one of the most common compliance lapses in India.

Can DIN Be Surrendered or Cancelled?

Yes, but only in specific cases.

DIN can be surrendered through Form DIR-5 if:

• It was allotted in duplicate
  

• The individual never became a director
  

• It was obtained by mistake
  

MCA reviews the application before approval.

DIN cannot be casually cancelled just because someone resigns from a company.

DIN vs DPIN: Are They Different?

Earlier, LLP designated partners needed a DPIN (Designated Partner Identification Number). However, MCA integrated DIN and DPIN.

Today:

• DIN serves both company directors and LLP designated partners
  

• Separate DPIN is no longer required
  

This simplified compliance significantly.

Practical Importance of DIN in Corporate Governance

Let’s say a person serves as a director in five companies. If a company defaults on its statutory filings, authorities can trace an individual’s involvement across all entities through the DIN.

This prevents misuse of corporate structures and improves transparency.

From a regulatory standpoint, DIN creates traceability and accountability.

Common Mistakes During DIN Application

Avoid these errors:

• Mismatch between PAN and application details
  

• Incorrect father’s name
  

• Using expired address proof
  

• Uploading unclear documents
  

• Skipping professional certification in DIR-3
  

Even minor spelling differences can delay approval.

Always double-check details before submission.

Important DIN Compliance Update (December 2025)

In December 2025, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) introduced an important amendment to the DIN KYC framework under the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014. This change shifts the compliance requirement from annual DIN KYC filing to a once-every-three-financial-years filing cycle, effective from 31 March 2026.

Earlier, directors were required to file Form DIR-3 KYC every year. Under the revised framework, directors will now complete KYC once in three financial years, unless they need to update personal details such as mobile number, email address, or residential address.

What This Means for Directors

The update reduces repetitive compliance work while maintaining regulatory oversight. However, a few important points remain unchanged:

• Every director must ensure their DIN status remains “Active”
  

• Incorrect or outdated details can still trigger deactivation
  

• Reactivation may involve late fees and additional filings
  

• PAN, Aadhaar, and MCA records must match exactly
  

In practical terms, the compliance cycle is longer, but accountability is not reduced. MCA has strengthened backend validation systems, particularly around identity verification and cross-database matching.

Impact on Company Registration Timeline

This update directly affects company incorporation.

During SPICe+ filing, the MCA system verifies the DIN status of all proposed directors. If a DIN is:

• Deactivated
  

• Marked non-compliant
  

• Mismatched with PAN records
  

the incorporation approval time increases due to resubmissions or additional filings.

So while the revised DIN framework simplifies ongoing compliance, it also makes data accuracy more critical at the time of registration.

For founders planning to register a company in 2026, the takeaway is simple:
Before starting incorporation, confirm that all proposed directors have active DINs and updated KYC records under the revised rules.

For official reference, always review updates directly from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) through the government portal

Conclusion

In 2026, registering a company in India typically takes 7 to 15 working days, but the actual timeline depends heavily on documentation accuracy, active DIN status, and smooth MCA processing. While the SPICe+ system has made incorporation more streamlined than ever, delays still occur when compliance details are overlooked. This is where structured tracking and expert handling make a difference. With OneDash by One-Startup, founders can monitor documentation, approvals, and compliance milestones in one place, reducing uncertainty and keeping the incorporation process transparent from start to finish. When preparation and monitoring are done right, company registration becomes predictable rather than stressful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DIN valid for a lifetime?

Yes. Once allotted, it remains valid for life unless surrendered or cancelled by MCA.

Is DIN required for company incorporation?

Yes. At least one proposed director must have a DIN during incorporation, or a DIN must be applied through SPICe+.

Can DIN be transferred to another person?

No. DIN is unique and non-transferable.

Is DIN mandatory for foreign directors?

Yes. Foreign nationals appointed as directors in Indian companies must obtain DIN.

Official Sources for Reference

For updated and authentic information, refer to:

• Ministry of Corporate Affairs official website
  

• Companies Act, 201
  

• Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014