What is a DIN under the Companies Act?
What a DIN is, the sections 153 to 159 of the Companies Act, 2013 that govern it, how to apply through DIR-3 or SPICe+, the once-in-three-years DIR-3 KYC rule, and the bar on holding more than one DIN.
In this guide
A DIN, or Director Identification Number, is a unique eight-digit number the Ministry of Corporate Affairs allots to an individual who wants to be a company director, under sections 153 and 154 of the Companies Act, 2013. It is applied for in Form DIR-3, or through SPICe+ for a new company. A person can hold only one DIN under section 155, and must complete DIR-3 KYC to keep it active.
What is a Director Identification Number?
A DIN, or Director Identification Number, is a unique eight-digit number the Ministry of Corporate Affairs allots to an individual who wants to be a company director. It is allotted under sections 153 and 154 of the Companies Act, 2013, and once given it stays with the person for life. The same DIN is used for every company or LLP the person is a director or designated partner of.
The number identifies the director across all filings. When a company reports its directors, appoints a new one, or files an annual return, the DIN is how the MCA links the person to each role.
Which sections govern a DIN?
Sections 153 to 159 of the Companies Act, 2013 govern the DIN from application to penalty. The table names the main sections so you can point to the right one.
| Section | What it covers |
|---|---|
| 153 | Application for allotment of a DIN. |
| 154 | Allotment of the DIN by the Central Government. |
| 155 | Prohibition on holding more than one DIN. |
| 156 | Director to intimate the DIN to the company. |
| 157 | Company to inform the DIN to the Registrar. |
How do I apply for a DIN?
For a new company, the DIN is applied for inside the SPICe+ incorporation form, so first-time directors of a new company do not file a separate application. For appointment as a director in an existing company, the individual files Form DIR-3 under section 153 with identity proof, address proof, and a digital signature certificate.
Do first-time directors of a new company file DIR-3?
No. SPICe+ carries the DIN application. Filing a separate DIR-3 at incorporation is how a duplicate DIN starts.
The DIR-3 application is processed by the Central Government office that handles DIN allotment. Once allotted, the director intimates the DIN to the companies they join under section 156, and each company reports it to the Registrar under section 157.
Can a person hold two DINs?
No. Section 155 prohibits any individual from holding or applying for more than one DIN. If a person already has a DIN, they must use that same number for every directorship rather than apply again. Holding a second DIN is an offence and the extra number must be surrendered.
This is why the application checks whether a DIN already exists. A duplicate application, even by mistake, creates a compliance problem that has to be cleared by surrendering the surplus number.
How do I keep a DIN active?
A director keeps a DIN active by completing DIR-3 KYC. From 31 March 2026, the MCA simplified this so DIR-3 KYC (web) is required once every three consecutive financial years where the director's details have not changed, instead of every year. If details change, the fuller KYC form is used.
What happens if DIR-3 KYC is missed?
A DIN that misses its KYC is deactivated with the reason 'non-filing of DIR-3 KYC', which stops the person acting as a director until it is reactivated. Reactivation generally requires filing the pending KYC with the applicable fee. Confirm the current interval and fee on the MCA portal before relying on a figure.
Why do DIN applications get rejected?
- Applying for a second DIN when one already exists, which breaches section 155.
- Filing a separate DIR-3 for a new company instead of using SPICe+ at incorporation.
- Missing DIR-3 KYC and letting the DIN deactivate before an appointment.
- Confusing the DIN with the DSC and assuming one covers the other.
- Forgetting to intimate a change in personal details, so the KYC on record goes stale.
Where do DIN KYC rule changes appear?
The DIN rules sit in sections 153 to 159 of the Companies Act, 2013, but the KYC interval, forms, and fees move through MCA notifications and rule amendments. Complied AI keeps MCA updates in one feed so you can open the notification behind a KYC or form change, then read sections 153 to 159 next to it when you need the exact wording.
Practical checks
Common questions
What is a DIN and who needs one?
A DIN is a unique eight-digit Director Identification Number the MCA allots to an individual under sections 153 and 154 of the Companies Act, 2013. Anyone who wants to be appointed as a director of a company needs one. A designated partner of an LLP uses a DIN as well. Once allotted, the same number stays with the person for every company or LLP they join.
I'm incorporating a Pvt Ltd. Do I still file DIR-3?
No. For a new company, the DIN is applied for through the SPICe+ incorporation form, so a separate DIR-3 is not filed. For appointment as a director in an existing company, the individual files Form DIR-3 under section 153, with identity and address proof and a digital signature. Filing DIR-3 at incorporation is the usual duplicate.
Can I have one DIN for my company and another for my LLP?
No. Section 155 of the Companies Act, 2013 prohibits any individual from holding or applying for more than one DIN. A person who already has a DIN uses the same number for every company or LLP they join. Holding a second DIN attracts penalty and requires surrender of the extra number.
How often is DIR-3 KYC required to keep my DIN active?
A director completes DIR-3 KYC to keep the DIN active. From 31 March 2026, the MCA simplified the framework so DIR-3 KYC (web) is required only once every three consecutive financial years, rather than every year, provided the details have not changed. If details change, the fuller KYC form is used. Confirm the current rule on the MCA portal before relying on the interval.
I missed DIR-3 KYC. Is my DIN dead?
A DIN is deactivated with the reason 'non-filing of DIR-3 KYC' if the KYC is not completed by the due date. A deactivated DIN blocks the person from acting as a director until it is reactivated, which usually requires filing the pending KYC with the applicable fee. Confirm the current fee on the MCA portal before you file.
Is a DIN the same as a DSC?
No. A DIN is the identification number for a director under sections 153 and 154, while a DSC is a digital signature certificate used to sign electronic forms. A director needs a DSC to file DIR-3 and other MCA forms, but the two serve different purposes and are obtained separately. See the DSC guide for the signing tool.
I already have a DIN. Can I apply again for a new company?
No. Use the existing DIN. Section 155 bars a second number, and the DIR-3 application checks whether a DIN already exists. A duplicate application, even by mistake, creates a compliance problem that has to be cleared by surrendering the surplus number. For a new company, put the existing DIN into SPICe+ rather than filing DIR-3 again.
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How this guide was prepared
This guide is published by the Complied AI research desk. Its source list and stated position were checked against the official records shown below on 4 September 2026.
Automation, including AI, may assist research, drafting and structure. It does not replace the official record or amount to an independent professional review. Read our editorial standards and corrections policy.
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