How to obtain for Director Identification Number (DIN) Online?

Editorial Team
Last Updated
July 21, 2023

Obtaining a DIN (Director Identification Number) is an essential pre condition to become director in a Company or Designated Partner in the LLP. If you’re wondering how to obtain the DIN and what is the stepwise process to apply for DIN, you’re at the right place. This Comprehensive Guide explains the Process of DIN Application Step by Step. You may consider reading more on the meaning and legal framework of DIN. 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 during Company Registration by the ROC. However to become director of an already incorporated company a separate application for DIN allotment is made to the ROC.

Who Needs to Apply for DIN?

As mentioned earlier the DIN gets allotted to a person during the Company Registration Process and to become a director in an existing company, a separate application is filed. 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 some eligibility criterias which needs to be met before the application is actually filed. The primary checklist for 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 a prior approval from the Home Ministry.
Age: There’s no specified age limit to apply for 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 has to submit their PAN card as a mandatory identity proof, while foreign nationals must submit a passport for this purpose. The complete list of document for DIN Allotment is as under

Play Video

Indian Applicant	Foreign Applicant (Attested)
Digital Signature Colour Photo PAN Card Aadhar Card Address Proof not older than 2 months Bank Statement Telephone/Mobile Bill Electricity Bill Any other public utility Bill	Digital Signature Colour Photo Passport Address Proof not older than 2 months Bank Statement Telephone/Mobile Bill Electricity Bill Any other public utility Bill
Note on Legalisation/Attestation of Foreign Documents: The documents of the foreign applicant must be in the english language. In 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 location of the residence of the applicant. Commonwealth Countries: Self attested and thereafter Notary Certification. Hague Convention Countries: They have the option to get the documents either attested by the Indian Embassy/Consulate or obtain apostille attestation. Non Hague or Non Commonwealth Countries: The document has to be self attested and thereafter further certified to be true copy by the office of Indian Embassy or any sub ordinate office under it. Please note that the Indian embassy may demand a local notary of the document.

How to Apply for DIN Number Online? Step-By-Step Guide

The process of obtaining a DIN is application-based and can be completed online on the official website of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. As said earlier the DIN of the promoter of a company under incorporation is allotted during the incorporation process itself, where in the details of the First Director of the company is filed under SPICE Plus Form to the ROC. However for DIN allotment to a person desirous of becoming a director in an existing company is as under.

Step 1: Obtain a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

Before actually applying for DIN on the MCA website, the applicant director must obtain a DSC. A DSC is required because the application and documents for DIN have to be uploaded online and thus can only be signed digitally. Moreover, a DSC enables the verification of 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 ).

Step 2: Create an account on the MCA portal

Once you have obtained a DSC, the next step is to create an account on the MCA website. For creating an account, you simply need to register by providing your email address and mobile number. After registration, you need to activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent to your registered email address.

Step 3: Fill out the DIN application form

After activating your account, you need to log in using the credentials you receive on your registered mail. Next, you need to access the DIN Application form. If you wish to be appointed as a director in a Company that is being incorporated, you can apply for it using the SPICE Plus form for Company incorporation itself. However, if you wish to be appointed in a company that has already been incorporated, you must use the DIR 3 form. Both these forms require you to provide your personal details such as name, address, date of birth, and PAN. You also need to upload a passport-sized photograph, a copy of your PAN card (for Indian National) or a Passport (for Foreign National), and an Address Proof.

Step 4: Pay the DIN application fee

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.

Step 5: Submit the DIN application

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.

Conclusion

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.

FAQ

Q1: Who is required to obtain a Director Identification Number (DIN)?

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.

Q2: What are the documents required for the DIN application?

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).

Q3: How long does it take to obtain a DIN?

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.

Q4: Can the same DIN be used in multiple companies?

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.

Q5: How can the DIN application fee be paid?

The application fee for the DIN can be paid online using various payment options available on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) website.

Q6: What are the reporting requirements after obtaining a DIN?

Directors are required to keep their DIN details up-to-date through annual Director KYC (Know Your Customer) Filing. Compliance with any additional reporting requirements may be necessary as per the regulations in force.