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Editorial Team
Updated :- July 21, 2023
The blog explains the step-by-step process to obtain a Director Identification Number (DIN) from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) in India. DIN is a unique identifier assigned to company directors, and this guide provides a comprehensive understanding of the process of applying for a DIN. The blog also covers the eligibility criteria for applying for a DIN, the documents required, and how to apply for a DIN number online. It aims to help individuals aspiring to become directors in an existing company or a newly incorporated company obtain their DIN in a hassle-free manner.
Obtaining a DIN (Director Identification Number) is an essential precondition to becoming a director in a Company or Designated Partner in an LLP. If you’re wondering how to obtain a DIN and the stepwise process to apply for a DIN, you’re at the right place! This Comprehensive Guide explains the Process of DIN Application Step by Step. However, you may consider reading about the meaning and legal framework of DINbefore you move ahead with understanding the process.
In its simplest terms, a DIN is a unique identifier assigned to existing or aspiring company directors, facilitating their identification for regulatory purposes. It acts as a digital fingerprint in the corporate world, providing transparency and accountability in directorship. Please note that the DIN is allotted to the directors by the ROC during Company Registration. However, to become a director of an already incorporated company, a separate application for DIN allotment has to be made to the ROC, and we have explained the complete process of doing so further.
In India, the application for DIN Registration is open to anyone intending to become a director. However, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs has put forth a few eligibility conditions which need to be met before the application is actually filed. The primary checklist for the DIN application is as under
Nationality : Any individual, irrespective of nationality, can apply for DIN. However, individuals belonging to countries that share land borders with India, such as China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal etc need prior approval from the Home Ministry.
Age : There’s no specified age limit to apply for a Director Identification Number, but considering that the minimum age for being appointed as a director according to the Companies Act 2013 is 18 years, the same could be considered for DIN application as well.
Intention to be a Director : The individual must have an intention to become a director in an existing company or a company that is being incorporated. This includes both executive and non-executive directors.
Documents Required : The applicant must have the necessary documents for verification, including proof of identity and proof of address. These documents may vary depending on the nationality of the applicant. For example, Indian nationals have to submit their PAN card as mandatory identity proof, while foreign nationals must submit a passport for this purpose. The complete list of documents for DIN Allotment is as under
| Indian Applicant | Foreign Applicant (Attested) |
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| Note on Legalisation/Attestation of Foreign Documents : The documents of the foreign applicant must be in the English language. In the case of another language, get the document translated by an authorised translator under his seal. The legalisation can be done in the following manner as per the location of the residence of the applicant.
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After meeting all the eligibility conditions mentioned above, you can begin the application process for DIN. The process of obtaining a DIN can be completed online on the official website of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs www.mca.gov.in. As mentioned earlier, the DIN of directors of a company under incorporation is allotted during the incorporation process, wherein the details of the company’s First Director are filed under the SPICE Plus Form to the ROC. However, DIN allotment to a person desirous of becoming a director in an existing company is as follows:
Before actually applying for DIN on the MCA website, the applicant director must obtain a DSC. DSC is actually an abbreviation for Digital Signature Certificate, which is a digital equivalent of a physical signature obtained under the Information Technology Act. DSC is required because the DIN application must be filed online and the necessary documents uploaded digitally. Moreover, a DSC verifies the applicant’s identity with 100% accuracy. To obtain a DSC, you can fill out the form given on this link : https://www.setindiabiz.com/digital-signature-certificate.
The Board of Directors must pass a Resolution confirming the appointment of the proposed individual as the company’s director after he has obtained a Director Identification Number (DIN). Also, in the same resolution, the Board provides its consent for filing the application of DIN in Form DIR-3 and authorises its existing Company Secretary, managing director, CEO, or such other authority to certify the form on the company’s behalf. Note that the appointment will be confirmed in the General Meeting of the Company’s shareholders after the DIN has been furnished by the proposed director.
After the Board has given its consent to the proposed director to apply for DIN, the next step involves visiting the MCA website and accessing the online form DIR-3. The form needs to be filled out with the details of the proposed director and his supporting documents like PAN, Address Proof and Coloured Photograph. Note that, if the director belongs to any country which shares a land border with India, he shall have to obtain a security clearance from the Union Home Ministry and attach the appropriate statement with the application. Besides, if the director is a foreign national, submitting his passport will be mandatory.
Once you have filled out the DIN application form, you need to pay the application fee. If you’ve used the DIR 3 form, you will have to pay a fixed fee of Rs.500. However, if you’ve used the SPICE Plus Form, no separate fees will apply. Your DIN application fees will be integrated with your SPICE Plus application fee itself. You can pay the fee online using any of the available payment options.
After paying the application fee, you need to submit the DIN application form on the MCA website. Once submitted, the MCA will verify your application and issue the DIN if all the details provided are correct. It’s important to note that the process of obtaining a DIN can take up to 1-2 weeks, depending on the time taken for verification by the MCA. Once the DIN is issued, you can use it for multiple companies at the same time as well. So, if you already have a DIN, you need not apply for a new one every time you’re appointed in a new Company. You can use the same DIN for all your directorship positions. Also, once you have been allotted a DIN, it’s yours for life, even if you cease to be a director. However, it’s important to keep your DIN details up-to-date through annual Director KYC Filing and comply with any necessary reporting requirements.
Hopefully, this blog has cleared all your doubts on how to get Director Identification Numbers. Obtaining DIN is a vital step towards transparency, accountability, and good governance in the corporate sector. The DIN system helps prevent fraud, track directors' activities, and maintain a comprehensive database. Directors should approach the application process diligently, keeping their DIN details updated and complying with reporting requirements. Embracing the DIN system contributes to a transparent corporate culture that safeguards stakeholder interests and enhances India's corporate reputation.
Any individual aspiring to become a director in an existing or newly incorporated company in India is required to obtain a DIN. Obtaining a DIN is a mandatory requirement under Sections 266A to 266G of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2006.
The necessary documents include proof of identity (such as PAN card for Indian nationals or passport for foreign nationals), proof of address, a recent passport-sized photograph, and a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). Additionally, a Security Clearance Certificate will be required if the director belongs to any nation which shares a land border with India.
The DIN application process typically takes around 1-2 weeks, depending on the verification process conducted by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and the accuracy of the documents filed.
Yes, once issued, a DIN can be used for multiple directorship positions in different companies. There is no need to apply for a new DIN every time a director is appointed in a new company.
The application fee for the DIN can be paid online using various payment options available on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) website.
Directors are required to keep their DIN details up-to-date through the annual Director KYC (Know Your Customer) Filing. Compliance with any additional reporting requirements may be necessary as per the regulations in force.
Yes, a Security Clearance Certificate is required from the Union Ministry of Home, which has to be attached with the application.
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