Director Identification Number (DIN)

◈Definition

A Director Identification Number (DIN) is an 8-digit identifier issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to any individual who wants to be appointed as a director of an Indian company. DINs are issued for life and are not company-specific — one person has one DIN across every current and historical directorship. To keep a DIN active, the holder must file an annual KYC (Form DIR-3 KYC) each year. Failure to file results in the DIN being marked 'Deactivated'. Section 165 of the Companies Act 2013 caps the number of simultaneous directorships at 20, of which at most 10 can be public limited companies.

◉See also

• Corporate Identification Number(CIN)

  The 21-character alphanumeric code assigned to every Indian company at incorporation.

• Designated Partner Identification Number(DPIN)

  The LLP equivalent of DIN — unique identifier for designated partners of Limited Liability Partnerships.

• Form DIR-3 KYC(DIR-3 KYC)

  The annual KYC update that every DIN holder must file to keep their DIN active.

• Section 165 (Director cap)

  The Companies Act section that caps simultaneous directorships at 20, with at most 10 public companies.

⬢Related guide

• Director Identification Number (DIN) — Explained

  Every Indian company director has a unique 8-digit DIN. Here's how it's issued, what it means, and how the Section 165 cap works.