DIN

The Director Identification Number (DIN) is a unique 8-digit identification number assigned by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) to any individual who is a director or intends to become a director of a company in India. Introduced under Section 153 of the Companies Act, 2013, the DIN is permanent and remains valid for life — it does not expire or require renewal even if the person ceases to be a director. A single DIN can be used across multiple companies. The application for DIN is made online via Form DIR-3 on the MCA21 portal, requiring identity proof (PAN), address proof (Aadhaar, passport, or electricity bill), and a photograph. For existing directors, an existing DIN can be updated via DIR-3 KYC, which must be filed annually. As of 2024, the MCA has made DIN mandatory for all directors and any person participating in board meetings, even without formal appointment. Companies cannot appoint a director without a valid DIN, and the Director's DIN must be quoted on all filings including Form DIR-12, AOC-4, and MGT-7.