Chapter XI - Appointment and Qualifications of Directors
Section 156
Section 156: director to intimate DIN to companies
Every existing director must intimate the DIN to the company, or all companies, where they are a director within one month of receiving it from the Central Government.
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This article is for general information. Refer to the Companies Act, 2013 official text for the official provisions. If you need professional advice for your situation, contact Bizeneed.
Statutory text
Bare law
Every existing director shall, within one month of the receipt of Director Identification Number from the Central Government, intimate his Director Identification Number to the company or all companies wherein he is a director.
Introduction
Section 156 links the DIN to each company. Within one month of receiving the DIN from the Central Government, an existing director intimates it to every company where they hold a directorship. Each company then furnishes the DIN to the Registrar under section 157.
Key takeaways
One month
The intimation is due within one month of receiving the DIN.
All companies
The DIN goes to every company in which the person is a director.
Consequence
Section 159 deals with contravention of section 156.
Intimate every company
An existing director intimates the DIN to the company, or all companies, where they are a director, within one month of receiving it from the Central Government.
What the company does next
Within fifteen days of receiving the intimation, the company furnishes the DINs of all its directors to the Registrar or other specified authority under section 157.
Consequence of default
Section 159 deals with an individual or director who contravenes section 156. Read section 159 in its current form for the penalty.
Practical preparation
List every company where the person is a director; send each a written intimation of the DIN within one month; keep proof of delivery; confirm each company has filed under section 157.
Practical checklist
Do
- Keep dated proof of each intimation.
- Include every company where you are a director.
Avoid
- Do not leave intimation until the next board meeting if that falls after the one-month period.
Illustrative example
Hypothetical: director on three boards
A director serving on three boards receives a DIN.
List
Identify all three companies.
Intimate
Send each company the DIN within one month.
Follow up
Check that each company files under section 157 within fifteen days.
Outcome
- All three companies receive the DIN in time to meet their own filing duty.
Glossary
- Existing director
- A person already holding office as a director when the DIN is received.
- Intimate
- Formally inform the company of the DIN.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a director have to inform the company of the DIN?
Within one month of receiving the DIN from the Central Government.
Does the company have to do anything?
Yes. Under section 157, it furnishes the DIN to the Registrar within fifteen days of receiving the intimation.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 11 October 2026