How to Apply for a Director Identification Number (DIN) Online

A Director Identification Number (DIN) is a mandatory requirement for anyone who wants to serve as a director of a company in India. It is an 8-digit unique identification number allotted by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs that tracks a director's identity and associations across all Indian companies. Without a valid and active DIN, no person can be appointed as a director, sign any MCA form, or participate in official company proceedings filed with the Registrar of Companies.

This guide covers the complete process of obtaining a DIN in India in 2026, including both methods of allotment (SPICe+ and DIR-3), the annual DIR-3 KYC compliance requirement, and what to do if your DIN gets deactivated. Whether you are a first-time director, a professional advising clients, or a foreign national joining an Indian company's board, this guide has everything you need.

What is a Director Identification Number (DIN)

DIN is a unique 8-digit number issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs under Sections 153 to 159 of the Companies Act 2013. It serves as a lifetime identifier for individuals who serve as directors of companies registered in India.

Key Characteristics of DIN

• Unique and permanent: Each person gets only one DIN which remains the same for life, regardless of how many companies they are associated with
• Universal: The same DIN is used across all companies where the person holds a directorship
• Mandatory: No person can be appointed as a company director without a valid DIN
• Trackable: MCA uses DIN to track all directorships, filings, and compliance associated with a director
• Annual maintenance: Requires annual DIR-3 KYC filing to remain active

Who Needs a DIN

Two Methods to Get a DIN

Method 1: Through SPICe+ (During Company Incorporation)

When incorporating a new company (Private Limited, OPC, or Section 8), the SPICe+ form allows DIN allotment for up to 3 proposed directors who do not already have a DIN. This is the most common and cost-effective way to get a DIN since there is no separate fee or application.

• Fee: No additional fee - included in the incorporation charges
• Processing time: DIN is allotted along with the Certificate of Incorporation (3 to 7 working days)
• Limit: Maximum 3 directors can get DIN through a single SPICe+ form
• Documents: PAN, Aadhaar, photograph, and address proof of each proposed director (submitted as part of SPICe+)

Method 2: Through Form DIR-3 (Standalone Application)

If you need a DIN outside of the incorporation process - for example, if you are being appointed as a director in an existing company, or if more than 3 directors need DIN during incorporation - you must apply separately using Form DIR-3 on the MCA portal.

• Fee: 500 rupees government fee
• Processing time: 3 to 5 working days
• Professional certification: The form must be certified by a practicing CA, CS, or Cost Accountant
• DSC required: Both the applicant and the certifying professional must sign using DSC

Documents Required for DIN Application

Step-by-Step: Applying for DIN Through DIR-3

Step 1: Obtain a Digital Signature Certificate

Before applying for DIN, you must have a valid Class 3 DSC. Apply for a DSC from a government-approved Certifying Authority such as eMudhra, Sify, or Capricorn. The DSC must be registered on the MCA V3 portal. The name on the DSC must exactly match your PAN card name.

Step 2: Create an MCA Account

1. Visit mca.gov.in (MCA V3 portal)
2. Click on "Register" if you do not have an account
3. Choose "Business User" registration
4. Fill in your details: name, email, mobile number, and set a password
5. Verify your email and mobile through OTP
6. Associate your DSC with the MCA account

Step 3: Fill Form DIR-3

1. Log in to the MCA portal
2. Navigate to MCA Services > Company Forms > DIR-3
3. Fill in personal details:

• Full name (as per PAN card - first name, middle name, last name)
• Father's name
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Nationality
• PAN number
• Aadhaar number (for Indian nationals)
• Educational qualifications
• Present residential address (with proof not older than 2 months)
• Permanent residential address
• Email address and mobile number

Step 4: Upload Documents and Get Professional Certification

1. Upload scanned copies of PAN card, identity proof, address proof, and photograph in the prescribed format (PDF/JPEG, within the allowed file size)
2. The form requires certification by a practicing Chartered Accountant, Company Secretary, or Cost Accountant
3. The professional verifies the applicant's identity, reviews the documents, and signs the form using their DSC
4. Enter the professional's membership number and certificate of practice number

Step 5: Pay Fee and Submit

1. Review all details for accuracy
2. Sign the form using your DSC
3. Pay the government fee of 500 rupees through the MCA payment gateway
4. Submit the form
5. Note the SRN (Service Request Number) for tracking

Step 6: Receive DIN Allotment

1. The form is processed by the Central Registration Centre (CRC)
2. Processing typically takes 3 to 5 working days
3. Upon approval, a unique 8-digit DIN is allotted
4. A DIN allotment letter is sent to your registered email
5. The DIN is also visible on the MCA portal when you check DIN status

DIN Through SPICe+ (During Incorporation)

If you are incorporating a new company and do not have a DIN, the SPICe+ form handles DIN allotment automatically. Here is how it works:

1. In the SPICe+ form, enter details for all proposed directors (up to 3 who need new DINs)
2. Provide PAN, Aadhaar, photograph, and address proof for each director directly in the SPICe+ form
3. When the Registrar approves the incorporation, DINs are allotted simultaneously
4. The DIN numbers appear on the Certificate of Incorporation and in the director master data on MCA
5. No separate DIR-3 form or 500 rupees fee is required

Annual DIR-3 KYC Compliance

DIR-3 KYC is the most important annual compliance requirement for every DIN holder. Non-filing leads to DIN deactivation.

Key Details

DIR-3 KYC Web Form (For Repeat Filers)

If you filed DIR-3 KYC in the previous year, you can use the simpler web form version:

1. Log in to mca.gov.in
2. Navigate to DIR-3 KYC Web
3. Enter your DIN, email, and mobile number
4. Verify through OTP sent to email and mobile
5. Confirm that your details are unchanged or update any changed information
6. Submit - no DSC or professional certification required

DIR-3 KYC E-Form (For First-Time or Missed Filers)

If you are filing DIR-3 KYC for the first time or missed the previous year's filing, you must use the e-form version:

1. Log in to mca.gov.in
2. Navigate to DIR-3 KYC Form
3. Enter all personal details: name, DOB, nationality, address, email, mobile, PAN, Aadhaar
4. Upload address proof (not older than 2 months)
5. Obtain certification from a practicing CA, CS, or Cost Accountant
6. Sign using your DSC
7. Submit with 5,000 rupees penalty if filing after September 30

DIN Deactivation and Reactivation

Reasons for DIN Deactivation

• Non-filing of DIR-3 KYC: The most common reason. DIN is deactivated after September 30 if KYC is not filed
• Duplicate DIN: If MCA discovers a person holds more than one DIN
• Company struck off: DINs of directors of companies struck off by RoC may be flagged (though not always deactivated)
• Court or NCLT order: DIN can be deactivated pursuant to legal proceedings

How to Reactivate a Deactivated DIN

1. File DIR-3 KYC (e-form) on the MCA portal with full details and documents
2. Pay the 5,000 rupees penalty
3. Get the form certified by a practicing professional (CA, CS, or CMA)
4. Sign using your DSC and submit
5. The DIN is reactivated within 5 to 7 working days

How to Check Your DIN Status

1. Visit mca.gov.in
2. Go to MCA Services or the search section
3. Select "Check DIN Status" or "View Signatory Details"
4. Enter your DIN number and click Search
5. The system displays your DIN status: Active, Deactivated, Surrendered, or Cancelled
6. It also shows the list of companies where you are currently a director

If you do not remember your DIN number, you can search by name and date of birth to find your DIN.

Maximum Directorships Under One DIN

Private company directorships and LLP partnerships are counted within the overall limit of 20. However, the restriction on committee memberships applies only to committees of public companies.

DIN for Foreign Directors

Foreign nationals who wish to serve as directors of Indian companies must obtain a DIN through Form DIR-3. The process is similar to Indian nationals with these differences:

• Passport is used instead of PAN for identity verification (PAN is needed if the foreigner has one)
• Foreign address proof must be notarized or apostilled in the country of origin
• A DSC must be obtained from an Indian Certifying Authority
• Processing takes 5 to 7 working days (slightly longer than Indian nationals)
• DIR-3 KYC is required annually regardless of the director's location

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not filing DIR-3 KYC on time: This is by far the most common DIN-related problem. Set a reminder for August every year and file the KYC before September 30. The web form takes just 5 minutes
2. Applying for a second DIN: If you already have a DIN, do not apply for another one. The MCA system may initially allot a second DIN but will subsequently cancel it and may impose penalties. Before applying, check on the MCA portal whether you already have a DIN allotted
3. Name mismatch between PAN and DIN: The name on your DIN must match your PAN card. Any discrepancy causes issues when signing MCA forms. If your name in PAN and DIN records does not match, update it through the appropriate forms
4. Using an expired DSC for DIR-3 filing: Ensure your DSC is valid before filing DIR-3 or DIR-3 KYC. An expired DSC means you cannot sign the form and the submission will fail
5. Not keeping address proof updated: The address proof submitted must not be older than 2 months for DIR-3 e-form. Old utility bills are a common rejection reason
6. Ignoring DIN deactivation: If your DIN is deactivated, resolve it immediately. Do not wait until you urgently need to sign a form. The reactivation process takes 5 to 7 days, which can cause serious compliance delays

Conclusion

Obtaining a Director Identification Number is a straightforward process that every company director in India must complete. For most directors, DIN is obtained automatically through SPICe+ during company incorporation at no additional cost. For directors joining existing companies, the standalone DIR-3 application takes 3 to 5 working days and costs just 500 rupees in government fees.

The most critical aspect of DIN management is the annual DIR-3 KYC compliance. Filing before September 30 is free and takes just a few minutes using the web form. Missing the deadline results in DIN deactivation and a 5,000 rupees penalty - a completely avoidable expense and disruption.

Keep your DIN active, file DIR-3 KYC on time every year, and ensure your DSC is always valid. These three simple practices will keep your director credentials in good standing with the MCA. If you need assistance with DIN application, DIR-3 KYC filing, or DIN reactivation, the IncorpX team can handle it for you quickly and accurately.