If you are planning to become a director in any Indian company, there is one prerequisite you simply cannot skip. The Director Identification Number, commonly known as DIN, is a unique eight-digit identification number assigned by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) to every individual who holds or intends to hold a directorship. Without it, your appointment as a director cannot be legally processed.
The DIN number application process might seem straightforward on the surface, but there are nuances that catch first-time applicants off guard. From choosing the correct form to ensuring your documents match MCA's verification standards, each step matters. Whether you are a startup founder incorporating your first company or a seasoned professional joining another board, understanding how to apply DIN online MCA is essential.
This guide covers the complete DIN application journey, the documents you need, the forms involved, common mistakes to avoid, and what to do after you receive your DIN.
What is a Director Identification Number (DIN)?
A DIN is a unique identification number allotted to an individual who is appointed as a director of a company or LLP. It was introduced under Section 153 of the Companies Act, 2013 and is governed by the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014. Think of it as a PAN card, but exclusively for your identity as a company director.
The number remains valid for a lifetime and does not change regardless of how many directorships you hold. Every filing, form, and return you sign as a director is linked to this number. The MCA uses it to track an individual's directorship history across all companies registered in India.
One individual can hold only one DIN. If you already possess a DIN from a previous directorship, you don't need a new one when joining another company. Applying for a second DIN is a violation and can lead to penalties.
Who Needs to Apply for a DIN?
Any person proposed to be appointed as a director in a company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013 must obtain a DIN before the appointment takes effect. This applies to directors of Private Limited Companies, Public Limited Companies, One Person Companies, Section 8 Companies, and Nidhi Companies.
Designated Partners of a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) also require a DPIN (Designated Partner Identification Number), which is allotted through the same process and serves a similar purpose. If you hold a DIN, it is automatically treated as your DPIN for LLP filings.
Foreign nationals and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) being appointed as directors in Indian companies must also obtain a DIN. The process remains the same, though the supporting documents differ slightly. If you're incorporating a new entity, the DIN number application is typically handled alongside your private limited company registration process.
How to Apply for DIN Online: Step-by-Step Process
The process to apply DIN online MCA depends on whether you are obtaining it during company incorporation or as a standalone application after the company already exists. Let's walk through both scenarios.
DIN Allotment During Company Incorporation: SPICe+ Form
When you incorporate a new company through the SPICe+ (Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically Plus) form, DIN is allotted automatically as part of the incorporation process. The SPICe+ form allows allotment of up to three DINs in a single application. You simply fill in the personal details of the proposed directors, attach their identity and address proofs, and the MCA assigns the DIN along with the Certificate of Incorporation.
This integrated approach saves time and eliminates the need for a separate DIN number application. Most founders prefer this route because it consolidates multiple registrations, including PAN, TAN, GSTIN, EPFO, and ESIC, into one streamlined process. Companies opting for one person company registration also receive their DIN through SPICe+ during incorporation.
DIN Application After Incorporation: Form DIR-3
If you need a DIN after the company has already been incorporated, you must file Form DIR-3 on the MCA portal. This is the standalone DIN number application form. Here is how the process works.
First, access the MCA portal at mca.gov.in and navigate to the e-filing section. Select Form DIR-3 from the list of available forms. Fill in personal details including your full name, father's name, date of birth, nationality, PAN, and residential address. Attach self-attested copies of your identity proof, address proof, and a recent passport-size photograph.
The form must be digitally signed by both the applicant and a practising professional, either a Chartered Accountant, Company Secretary, or Cost Accountant. A valid Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is mandatory for signing the form electronically. After submission and payment of the prescribed fee, the MCA processes the application and allots the DIN, typically within 5 to 7 working days.
Documents Required for DIN Number Application
| Document Type | Accepted Proofs |
| Identity Proof (mandatory) | PAN Card (compulsory for Indian residents), Passport (compulsory for foreign nationals) |
| Address Proof (any one) | Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, Driving Licence, Electricity or Telephone Bill (not older than 2 months) |
| Photograph | Recent passport-size photograph (JPEG format, below 2 MB) |
| Verification | Self-attestation on all documents |
| Professional Certification | Certification by a practising CA, CS, or Cost Accountant (for DIR-3) |
| Digital Signature | Valid DSC of the applicant and the certifying professional |
For foreign nationals, all documents must be notarised and apostilled. If the documents are in a language other than English or Hindi, a certified translation must accompany them.
DIN Application Fees and Processing Time
The government fee for filing Form DIR-3 is Rs. 500 per application. When applying through SPICe+ during company incorporation, no separate fee is charged for DIN allotment since it is bundled into the incorporation fee structure.
Processing time varies based on the completeness of your application. If all documents are in order and the form is correctly filled, the DIN is usually allotted within 3 to 7 working days. However, if the MCA raises a query or seeks clarification, the timeline extends until you resubmit the corrected form. Ensuring accuracy the first time around saves considerable effort.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During the DIN Application Process
Several applicants face rejections or delays because of avoidable errors. The most frequent mistake is a mismatch between the name on the PAN card and the name entered in the application form. Even a minor spelling variation triggers a rejection. Always verify that your name matches exactly across all documents.
Another common issue is submitting address proof that is older than two months. Utility bills, bank statements, and similar documents must be recent. Using an expired DSC is another pitfall that halts the filing at the signature stage.
Applying for a duplicate DIN when you already hold one is a serious compliance breach. Before initiating a DIN number application, always check the MCA portal to verify whether a DIN has already been allotted to you. The "Check DIN Status" feature on the portal allows you to search by name or existing DIN.
What to Do After Receiving Your DIN
Once you receive your DIN, the next step is filing the KYC (Know Your Customer) form. Every DIN holder must file Form DIR-3 KYC annually by 30th September of each financial year. This is not optional. Failure to file KYC results in the DIN being marked as "Deactivated" on the MCA portal, and a penalty of Rs. 5,000 is levied to reactivate it.
The DIR-3 KYC form captures your personal details, mobile number, email address, and current residential address. It must be verified through an OTP sent to your registered mobile and email. If you have already filed KYC in the previous year and there are no changes to your personal details, you can use the simplified web-based form DIR-3 KYC-WEB.
Your DIN is now also linked to your company's annual compliance obligations. As a director, you are jointly responsible for ensuring that the company meets its Pvt Ltd and LLP compliance requirements, including filing annual returns and financial statements with the ROC.
DIN Surrender, Deactivation, and Reactivation
If you resign from all directorships and do not intend to serve as a director in any company, you may surrender your DIN by filing Form DIR-5. However, this is only possible if you do not hold any active directorship at the time of filing.
DINs are deactivated primarily for two reasons: non-filing of the annual DIR-3 KYC or if the MCA identifies a duplicate DIN. A deactivated DIN prevents you from signing any MCA form or being appointed to a new directorship. To reactivate, file the pending DIR-3 KYC along with the applicable late fee of Rs. 5,000.
Directors who are disqualified under Section 164 of the Companies Act also have their DINs deactivated. Reactivation in such cases requires clearing the disqualification, which typically involves filing all overdue returns and obtaining the necessary approvals from the ROC or NCLT.
Conclusion
The DIN number application is a foundational step for anyone stepping into corporate governance in India. Whether you apply through SPICe+ during incorporation or file Form DIR-3 independently, having the right documents and a clear understanding of the process ensures a smooth experience.
Remember, your DIN is a lifelong identity linked to your corporate responsibilities. Annual KYC filing, timely compliance, and responsible governance are all tied to this number. Treat it with the same seriousness you would give to any other statutory identification.
For professional assistance with your DIN application, company incorporation, or ongoing regulatory filings, connect with the team at Patron Accounting. Our chartered accountants and company secretaries handle the entire process so you can focus on building your business.
