A DIN (Director Identification Number) is a unique 8-digit number the Ministry of Corporate Affairs allots to any individual who is or intends to become a director of an Indian company. It is allotted once, is valid for life, and must be quoted on every ROC filing the director signs. One person can hold only one DIN.
You get a DIN either through the SPICe+ incorporation form (for up to three first-time directors of a new company) or by filing form DIR-3 with an existing company's endorsement. It needs identity and address proof, a photograph, and the applicant's digital signature. Designated partners of LLPs use the same number — a DIN doubles as a DPIN.
Holding a DIN comes with one recurring duty: annual DIR-3 KYC by 30 September every year. Miss it and the DIN is deactivated, which means you cannot sign any ROC form until you pay the ₹5,000 reactivation fee. Every director in your company needs an active DIN before the company can file its annual returns, so check status well before filing season.
Common mistake: applying for a second DIN after forgetting an old one. Holding multiple DINs is an offence — the later DIN must be surrendered through form DIR-5. Another: assuming a resigned director's DIN obligations end; DIR-3 KYC applies to every DIN holder, director or not.
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Reviewed to the law in force in FY 2026-27. General information, not advice — confirm the position for your facts before acting.