DIN
The concept of a Director Identification Number (DIN) has been introduced for the first time with the insertion of Sections 266A to 266G of Companies (Amendment) Act, 2006. As such, all the existing and intending Directors have to obtain DIN within the prescribed time-frame as notified. Director Identification Number (DIN) is a mandatory requirement for all existing and new directors (or proposed directors) of a company. A DIN is issued in accordance with the directions provided by the amendment to the Companies Act. It is an 8-digit Unique Identification Number allotted to all directors. It has lifetime validity.
Why Director Identification Number is required?
The Director Identification Number provides a unique identity to the director helps in maintaining information of all directors in a database. In past decades, several Indian cities have had chit fund companies promise its residents incomparable returns, then escape with their money to another city.
To be able to cross-check such persons, and to ensure the director’s identity is valid and all information provided is true, the government introduced the DIN. Accordingly, the DIN directory will contain all information regarding the directors, such as their name, PAN number and also their present address. Any change in the address or other information needs to be updated immediately.
The best part of DIN is that, irrespective of the number of companies a person floats, they can use their DIN obtained for a lifetime. What it means is that the DIN is specific to the individual who has obtained it, and not for the company he/she has obtained it.
For instance, if a director of one company applies for a DIN and he wants to start another company, and act as a director, he can do so, with the same DIN.
DIN Application for appointment in Existing Company
- DIR-3 Form: Any person intending to become a director in an existing company shall have to make an application in E-Form DIR-3 for allotment of DIN.
- Upon upload, make the payment of filing fee of E-Form DIR-3. Only electronic payment of the fees shall be allowed (i.e. Net banking / Credit Card/Debit Card/Pay later/ NEFT).
- The user is required to get himself / herself registered on the MCA21 Portal to obtain Login ID. Login to the MCA21 portal and click on ‘EForm upload’ link available under the ‘eForms’ tab for uploading the E-Form DIR- 3.
E-Form DIR-3 will be processed only after the DIN application fee is paid.
Upon upload and successful payment, Director Identification Number shall be generated.
How to modify or change in DIN?
DIR-6 Form: Any changes in the particulars of the directors shall be filed in form DIR-6
If there is any change in the particulars submitted in form DIR-3/SPICe with respect to Directors, applicant can submit e-form DIR-6. For instance, in the event of change of address of a director, he/she is required to intimate this change by submitting e-form DIR-6 along with the required attested document.
