What Is a DIN and Who Needs One
The Director Identification Number is mandatory before anyone can be appointed as a director of a company. Here is how it works.
By Legal Munshi Expert Desk
A Director Identification Number, or DIN, is a unique eight-digit number issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to anyone who is to be appointed as a director of a company.
Who needs a DIN
Every individual who is a director of a company must have a DIN. The number is required before the person can be appointed, and it is quoted on every filing that involves them. Partners of an LLP do not need a DIN for the LLP itself, but if the same person is also a company director, they need one.
How it is obtained
A DIN is obtained by filing an application with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, supported by identity and address proof. For a new company, the DIN of the proposed directors is usually obtained as part of the incorporation process itself, so no separate application is needed.
What you need to apply
The application requires the person's PAN, Aadhaar, a recent photograph, and proof of residence. The name and details on the PAN and Aadhaar must match, because a mismatch is one of the most common reasons an application is rejected.
Keeping it valid
A DIN does not expire, but it can be deactivated if the director fails to file the annual KYC form within the prescribed period. Once deactivated, the director cannot be appointed or continue in a company until it is restored, and filings that require the DIN will be blocked.
One person, one DIN
A person can hold only one DIN, and it remains with them for life even if they resign from every company. Quoting the same number across companies is what allows the registry to link a director to every board they sit on.
If you already have one
If you have held a DIN and forgotten the number, it can be retrieved from the Ministry's portal using your PAN and other details. Before applying for a fresh DIN, always check whether one already exists, because holding two is not permitted.