DIN Application - Get Director Identification Number
DIN (Director Identification Number) is a unique 8-digit identification number issued by MCA to every person intending to become a director of a company under Section 153 of the Companies Act, 2013. It is mandatory for all directors - existing and prospective - and is valid for a lifetime. We handle DIN application through SPICe+ (during incorporation) and standalone via DIR-3.
DIN Application
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The key facts, in one place
Everything a founder usually has to piece together from five different pages, in one place.
- Governing law
- Companies Act, 2013Sections 153, 154, 155, 266
- Issuing authority
- Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)mca.gov.in
- Form (during incorporation)
- SPICe+DIN allotted along with incorporation
- Form (standalone)
- DIR-3For existing individuals not yet a director
- DIN format
- 8-digit number (e.g. 01234567)Unique per individual, not per company
- Validity
- LifetimeOne DIN per person, valid for life unless cancelled
- DIR-3 KYC
- Mandatory annuallyEvery director must do KYC by 30 September each year
- Processing time
- 1-2 working daysStandard processing through MCA portal
- Government fee
- ₹500 (DIR-3) / Nil (SPICe+)SPICe+ DIN is free as part of incorporation
What is DIN application?
DIN (Director Identification Number) is a unique 8-digit identification number issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) to any person intending to become a director of a company under Section 153 of the Companies Act, 2013. It was introduced to ensure that directors across companies can be uniquely identified and tracked, preventing fraud and abuse.
Every person who is or intends to become a director must obtain a DIN before being appointed. This includes existing directors of existing companies, new directors of existing companies, and directors at the time of incorporation. A person can have only one DIN - even if they are a director of multiple companies.
DIN is obtained either during company incorporation via SPICe+ form (no separate fee) or as a standalone application through DIR-3 form (₹500 government fee). Once allotted, DIN is valid for a lifetime, but directors must complete annual DIR-3 KYC to keep it active.
DIN through SPICe+ vs standalone DIR-3: which route?
DIN can be applied during company incorporation (free) or separately for existing individuals. Choose the route that matches your situation.
| Aspect | DIN via SPICe+ (Incorporation) | Standalone DIN (DIR-3) |
|---|---|---|
| When to use | During new company incorporation | Existing person becoming a director for the first time |
| Government fee | Nil (part of SPICe+) | ₹500 |
| Form used | SPICe+ (Part B - DIN section) | Form DIR-3 |
| Processing time | 1-2 days (along with incorporation) | 1-2 days |
| Documents required | Same as company incorporation | Identity, address, and nationality proof |
| Best for | ✓ New company, first-time directors | ✕ Individuals already incorporated, adding as director |
Who needs a DIN?
DIN is mandatory for anyone who is or intends to become a director of a company under the Companies Act, 2013.
- All existing directors of existing companies
- All prospective directors of companies being incorporated
- All directors appointed to an existing company
- Directors of Section 8 companies, public companies, and private companies
- Alternate directors and nominee directors
- Women directors (mandatory for certain classes of companies under Section 149(1))
- Resident directors (at least one director must be a resident of India - stayed 182+ days)
By entity type
| Entity | Governed by | Eligible |
|---|---|---|
| Private Limited Company | Companies Act, 2013, Section 153 | ✓ Yes |
| Public Limited Company | Companies Act, 2013, Section 153 | ✓ Yes |
| Section 8 Company | Companies Act, 2013, Section 153 | ✓ Yes |
| One Person Company (OPC) | Companies Act, 2013, Section 153 | ✓ Yes |
| LLP | Not applicable - LLP uses Designated Partner, not Director | ✕ No |
| Partnership Firm | Not applicable - Partnership Act | ✕ No |
Common DIN applicants
Company promoters
- Startup founders incorporating a Pvt Ltd
- NRI investors becoming directors
- Professional directors (non-executive)
Existing company directors
- Additional directors being appointed
- Alternate directors
- Newly appointed independent directors
Nominee directors
- Bank nominee directors
- Investor nominee directors
What does not qualify
- ✕LLPs do not require DIN - they have Designated Partners instead (governed by the LLP Act, 2008)
- ✕Partnership firms have partners, not directors
- ✕Sole proprietorships do not have directors
Documents required for DIN application
Common to every entity
- PAN Card of the applicantMandatory
- Aadhaar Card of the applicantMandatory
- Passport size photographMandatory
- Address proof (utility bill, Aadhaar, passport, voter ID)Mandatory
- Nationality proof (passport, birth certificate, or citizenship proof)Mandatory
- Email ID and mobile numberMandatory
Entity-specific
| Entity | Additional documents |
|---|---|
| Indian Individual | PAN, Aadhaar, photo, address proof, nationality proof (passport/birth certificate/10th marksheet) |
| Foreign National / NRI | Passport copy, overseas address proof, photo, visa (if in India) |
| Company Director (existing company) | PAN, Aadhaar, photo, address proof, nationality proof - file DIR-3 on MCA portal |
Get the DIN document checklist as a PDF
A one-page checklist for DIN application via DIR-3.
How DIN application works
DIN is applied either during company incorporation (free, via SPICe+) or as a standalone application (DIR-3, ₹500). We handle both routes.
Route selection
If you are incorporating a new company, DIN is applied for free through SPICe+. If you are an existing person becoming a director for the first time, you apply through DIR-3. We determine the right route for your situation.
Prepare and fill application
For SPICe+: DIN details are entered in the SPICe+ form along with other incorporation details. For DIR-3: we fill the standalone DIR-3 form on the MCA portal with your personal details, identity proof, and address proof.
Upload documents and pay fee
For DIR-3: upload identity, address, and nationality proofs. Pay ₹500 government fee online. For SPICe+: documents are part of the incorporation filing; DIN fee is Nil.
MCA approval and DIN allotment
MCA processes the application and allots an 8-digit DIN. The DIN is typically approved within 1-2 working days and communicated via email. It is also visible on the MCA portal under 'Director Information'.
You can apply for DIN yourself on the MCA portal - DIR-3 form is straightforward. The main value we add is ensuring correct document formatting (MCA rejects blurry scans and non-standard formats), correct category selection, and ongoing support for DIR-3 KYC which is required annually.
DIN application timeline
DIN processing is fast through the MCA portal.
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Application preparation (SPICe+ or DIR-3) | 10-15 minutes |
| Document upload and fee payment | 10-15 minutes |
| MCA processing and DIN approval | 1-2 working days |
DIN through SPICe+ is typically approved simultaneously with incorporation. Standalone DIR-3 DIN is usually approved within 24-48 hours of submission.
What it costs
DIN through SPICe+ is free. Standalone DIN through DIR-3 has a small government fee.
DIN via SPICe+
DIN included in company incorporation
- Free DIN during incorporation
- Part of SPICe+ filing
- No separate fee
- Email support
Standalone DIN (DIR-3)
DIN for existing individuals
- DIR-3 form preparation
- MCA filing
- Document verification
- DIN tracking
- Email + phone support
DIR-3 KYC (Annual)
Mandatory annual KYC for existing DIN holders
- DIR-3 KYC form filing
- MCA submission
- Annual compliance reminder
- Email support
Full fee breakdown
| Particulars | Government fee | Professional fee |
|---|---|---|
| DIN via SPICe+ (during incorporation) | Nil | Included in incorporation |
| DIN via DIR-3 (standalone) | ₹500 | ₹299 (includes govt. fee) |
| DIR-3 KYC (annual, per director) | Nil | ₹199 |
| DIN correction (name, address, etc.) | ₹500 | ₹299 |
Not included in any tier:
- ✕ DIR-3 KYC late fee (if missed the 30 September deadline)
- ✕ DIN surrender processing (Form DIR-5)
Which DIN service do you need?
Answer three quick questions and we will recommend the right DIN application route.
Are you already a company director?
What is your situation?
Do you need DSC as well?
Why DIN is mandatory for all directors
Legal requirement
- Mandatory for all directors under Section 153 of the Companies Act, 2013(Companies Act, 2013, Section 153)
- One DIN per person - cannot have multiple DINs even if director of multiple companies
- DIN is valid for a lifetime - no renewal required (but annual KYC is mandatory)
Compliance & tracking
- MCA can track all directorships of a person across companies using DIN
- DIR-3 KYC must be done annually by 30 September - non-compliance deactivates DIN(Companies Act, 2013, Section 155)
- Helps prevent fraudulent directorships - MCA database cross-checks for duplicate or fake directors
Corporate governance
- Required for company incorporation, director appointment, and director resignation filings
- Linked to DIN e-filing - all MCA filings of a director are tracked against their DIN
- Part of the MCA21 system - forms like MGT-7, AOC-4, and DIR-12 all reference DIN
Common DIN application mistakes
Not getting DIN before director appointment
Section 154 of the Companies Act requires that a person cannot be appointed as a director without holding a valid DIN. Appointing a director without DIN is a violation and the appointment is invalid.
Missing DIR-3 KYC deadline
DIR-3 KYC must be completed by 30 September each year for all active DIN holders. Missing the deadline deactivates the DIN, which blocks new director appointments until reactivation. Set calendar reminders.
Incorrect nationality proof for foreign directors
Foreign nationals must provide passport copy as nationality proof. Indian citizens born abroad need a birth certificate or passport indicating Indian origin. Wrong nationality proof is a common rejection reason for DIR-3 applications.
Name mismatch across documents
The name on PAN, Aadhaar, and DIN application must be exactly identical. Even minor variations (spacing, middle name placement) cause DIR-3 rejection. Use the name exactly as it appears on your PAN.
Every rejection above has a fix - most come down to how the innovation note is written, not the business itself. Most applicants don't know that until after the rejection.
If you have already been rejected, or want to make sure it does not happen, the 15-minute call below is the fastest path.
DIN compliance calendar
DIN itself requires minimal ongoing effort - mainly the annual KYC.
| Form | Trigger | Due date |
|---|---|---|
| DIR-3 KYC (all active directors) | Every financial year | By 30 September each year |
| KYC update (if details change mid-year) | When personal details change | Within 30 days of change |
| DIN surrender (Form DIR-5) | On resignation from all directorships | Within 30 days of last directorship end |
Why Bizeneed for DIN application
Frequently asked questions
DIN (Director Identification Number) is a unique 8-digit identification number issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) to any person intending to become a director of a company, under Section 153 of the Companies Act, 2013. It is a one-time requirement - once allotted, the same DIN is used across all companies where the person is a director.
Every person who is or intends to become a director of a company needs a DIN - this includes all existing directors, new directors being appointed, and directors at the time of company incorporation. It applies to private limited, public limited, and Section 8 companies. LLPs do not require DIN (they use Designated Partners).
DIN is applied either during company incorporation via SPICe+ (free, no separate form needed) or as a standalone application through Form DIR-3 on the MCA portal (₹500 government fee). Fill the form with your personal details, upload identity/address/nationality proof, pay the fee, and submit.
DIN is for company directors (Companies Act, 2013). DPIN (Designated Partner Identification Number) is for LLP designated partners (LLP Act, 2008). Both serve the same purpose - unique identification for key management personnel - but apply to different entity types. You need DIN if you are a company director; DPIN if you are an LLP designated partner.
DIN through SPICe+ is approved within 1-2 days along with incorporation. Standalone DIN via DIR-3 is typically approved within 1-2 working days of submission. You receive DIN allotment confirmation via email and on the MCA portal.
Yes, DIN is valid for a lifetime once allotted. However, you must complete DIR-3 KYC annually by 30 September. Failure to do so deactivates your DIN, which blocks new director appointments until you re-activate it.
DIR-3 KYC is an annual mandatory compliance for all active DIN holders under the Companies Act, 2013. You must update your identity and address proof annually by 30 September. Non-compliance results in DIN deactivation, which can only be reversed with a penalty.
PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, passport-size photograph, address proof (utility bill, Aadhaar, or passport), nationality proof (passport, birth certificate, or 10th marksheet for Indians; passport for foreign nationals), and email/mobile number.
DIN through SPICe+ (during company incorporation) is free - no separate fee. Standalone DIN via DIR-3 costs ₹500 government fee. Our service fee (₹299) includes form preparation, MCA submission, and DIN tracking. DIR-3 KYC is free on the MCA portal; our fee of ₹199 is for professional handling.
Yes. Foreign nationals, NRIs, PIOs, and OCIs can obtain DIN by filing Form DIR-3 with their passport copy, overseas address proof, and a passport-size photo. At least one director of an Indian company must be a resident of India (stayed in India for 182+ days in the previous financial year).
Yes. If you have resigned from all director positions and do not intend to become a director again, you can surrender DIN using Form DIR-5 on the MCA portal. Attach a declaration stating you have no remaining directorships. DIN is not cancelled for inactive status - it remains valid.
The MCA system checks for duplicate applications. If a person already has a DIN and applies again, the second application will be rejected. If you are unsure whether you already have a DIN, check using your PAN on the MCA portal before applying.
No. LLPs are governed by the LLP Act, 2008, not the Companies Act, 2013. LLP partners use DPIN (Designated Partner Identification Number), not DIN. DIN and DPIN are separate systems with separate application forms.
DIN is an 8-digit numeric number assigned by MCA (e.g., 01234567). It is different from PAN, which is a 10-character alphanumeric number. DIN is used exclusively for company director identification on the MCA portal.
No. DIN is specifically for company directors under the Companies Act, 2013. Company Secretaries (CS) do not need DIN. CSs have their own professional registration through the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI).
Written by Rohan Kulkarni, Compliance Content Lead · Reviewed by CS Neha Kapoor, FCS, 12 years in corporate compliance
Last updated 5 September 2026
Sources
DIN applicability, DIR-3 KYC deadlines, and compliance requirements are verified periodically against the MCA portal. Requirements can change; confirm specifics with our team.
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