Director Identification Number
Director Identification Number (DIN) is a unique identification number given to an existing or a potential Director of any company which is incorporated. DIN came into existence after the insertion of the section 266A & 266B of the Companies Act, 1956 (as amended vide Act No 23 of 2006). It is an 8-digit unique identification number which has a lifetime validity. Through DIN, details of the directors are maintained in a database. It is done do keep a database of the directors of the incorporated companies ad to keep complete information about the directors.
DIN is specific to a person, which means even if he is a director in 2 or more companies, he has to obtain only 1 DIN. And if he leaves a company and joins some other, the same DIN would work in the other company as well.
Where is DIN used?
Whenever a return, an application or any information related to a company will be submitted under any law, the director signing such return, application or information will mention his DIN underneath his signature.
How to apply for DIN and relevant forms?
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs, India has an online portal where one can apply for DIN:
http://www.mca.gov.in/MinistryV2/applyfordin.html
FAQ
Here is the list of the Frquently asked questions on DIN as released by the MCA online portal, India:
