Form DIR-3: Application for Director Identification Number (DIN)

When you need DIR-3

Section 152(3) says no person can be appointed a director of a company unless they have been allotted a DIN. If a person is joining the board of an existing company and has never held a DIN, they apply in DIR-3 before the appointment is made. The DIN is a lifetime number and stays with the person across all companies.

For a new company, SPICe+ allots DINs to up to three proposed directors as part of incorporation. Additional directors at incorporation, or any director joining later, need a DIN through DIR-3 or an existing DIN. Section 155 bars anyone from holding more than one DIN.

Documents to attach

Rule 9 of the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014 governs the application. Identity is matched against PAN for Indian nationals, so the name, father's name and date of birth must match PAN exactly.

• Recent passport-size photograph
• PAN card for Indian nationals; passport for foreign nationals
• Proof of residence such as a bank statement or utility bill not older than two months
• For foreign nationals, notarised or apostilled identity and address proof
• Board resolution or other evidence of the proposed appointment, where asked

Signatures and verification

The applicant signs DIR-3 with their own DSC, so obtain a class 3 DSC in the applicant's name first. The form is then verified and digitally signed by a company secretary in full-time employment of the company, or by its managing director, a director, the CEO or the CFO. The verifier confirms the particulars from documents they have seen.

Mobile number and email must belong to the applicant personally, since they are used for future KYC under the three-year DIR-3 KYC cycle. Using a consultant's contact details is a common mistake that causes trouble later.

Fee and processing

The fee for a DIN application under Section 153 is ₹500 under the Companies (Registration Offices and Fees) Rules, 2014, for all classes of company. There is no additional fee, since the form has no statutory deadline. The Central Registration Centre processes the application and allots the DIN by email if everything is in order, or asks for resubmission.

Penalties and common mistakes

Section 159 provides that an individual or director who contravenes Sections 152, 155 or 156, for instance by holding two DINs or failing to inform the company of their DIN, is liable to a penalty of up to ₹50,000, with up to ₹500 per day for continuing default.

Applications are commonly sent back for a blurred photograph, a name that differs from PAN, address proof older than two months, missing apostille on foreign documents, or verification by someone not connected with the company. Once the DIN is allotted, the company files DIR-12 within 30 days of the appointment. Refogo's partner professionals can file DIR-3 and the follow-up DIR-12 for a fixed fee.

Step by step

1. 1Get a DSC

   Obtain a class 3 DSC in the applicant's name.

2. 2Collect documents

   Photograph, PAN or passport and recent address proof.

3. 3Fill DIR-3 on V3

   Enter details exactly as per PAN or passport and the company's CIN.

4. 4Sign and verify

   Applicant signs; a director, CS, CEO or CFO of the company verifies with DSC.

5. 5Pay ₹500

   Pay the fee and note the SRN.

6. 6Receive DIN

   On approval the DIN is emailed; then appoint and file DIR-12.