What is a DIN, or Director Identification Number?

It is an 8-digit number assigned by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) to anyone who wishes to become a director of a company or a designated partner of an LLP in India. It is mandatory, and you must use it in all official documents filed with the Register of Companies.

Here is what you should know about a DIN:

Every DIN is unique and belongs to only one individual.

You must mention your DIN in all company-related documents and filings.

You will have only one DIN in your lifetime, irrespective of the number of companies you join as a director.

It is an important aspect of corporate governance. The MCA uses this number to track the directors of various companies and monitor their compliance.

Why reactivation of DIN so important?

Once your DIN is deactivated, you automatically case to be a director. This is not a more formality; it can create problems for you and the companies you are associated with.

1. Restore Directorship

2. Enables Form Submission

3. Maintain Credibility

4. Future Appointments

5. Sign MCA Filling

6. Avoid Penalties

Benefits of DIN Reactivation

1. Increases Corporate Transparency: This ensures that only authentic and genuine individuals occupy Directorship roles, thus preventing any sort of fraudulent dealings.

2. Prevents Identity Theft and Misuse of DIN: This safeguards directors from any sort of misuse of their Director Identification Number by authenticating their credentials on an annual basis.

3. Avoids Heavy Penalties and Legal Consequences: This prevents any sort of financial penalties and disqualification of directors by the concerned regulatory authorities.

4. Easy Online Filing Process: The whole filing process takes place online through the MCA portal, thus making it fast, efficient, and completely hassle-free.

5. Ensures Updated Director Information in MCA Database: This ensures that the government database is always updated and accurate, thus facilitating smooth corporate governance.

6. Increases Credibility of Companies and Directors: Companies with compliant directors are always more trustworthy, thus increasing their reputation in the market among stakeholders, investors, and regulatory authorities.

Types

1. Reactivation through DIR-3 KYC:

If the DIN is deactivated for non-filing of the KYC annual return, the director needs to file the DIR-3 KYC form or web form along with a penalty.

2. Reactivation due to Company Non-Compliance:

If the company is classified as ACTIVE Non-Compliant, the DIN of the director may be frozen. The DIN can be unfrozen if the company resolves its non-compliance.

3. Reactivation through Technical Correction (DIR-6):

 If the DIN is deactivated due to errors in the MCA database, a DIR-6 form is required for personal correction.

4. Reactivation after Voluntary Surrender:

If the director has previously resigned and surrendered the DIN, the director may be required to apply for DIN reactivation with new and valid documentation.

Step by Step Process for DIN Reactivation

Step 1: Check Your DIN Status

Go to the MCA portal. Look for DIN Services and click on “Enquire DIN Status.” Check if it says “Deactivated due to non-filing of DIR-3 KYC.” That’s what you are trying to fix.

Step 2: Arrange Required Documents

· PAN Card

· Aadhaar Card / Passport

· Address Proof (Bank Statement, Utility Bill)

· Mobile number and Email ID (OTP verification)

· Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

Step 3: Download and Fill the DIR-3 KYC Form

Log in to the MCA portal and download the DIR-3 KYC form, unless you have filed KYC before. Fill in your details exactly as they appear in your PAN records, and attach all the required documents.

If you have already done this KYC before and nothing changed, you can just use DIR-3 KYC WEB instead. It is quicker.

Step 4: Certification

Next, get your form digitally certified by a practicing CA, CS, or CMA. Then, attach your DSC as the director.

Step 5: Upload the Form

Upload the filled and certified DIR-3 KYC form on the MCA portal. If you are late, pay the ₹5,000 late fee.

Step 6: Approval and Reactivation

Once you have submitted everything and it gets verified, your DIN status goes back to Active. All set!

Required Documents for DIN REACTIVE

1. PAN Card 

This is a necessity for every Indian citizen as their primary identity proof.

2. Aadhaar Card 

You will require this as identity as well as residence proof, particularly when you require OTP verification.

3. Passport 

Foreigners and NRIs require passport verification.

4. Latest Address Proof 

You will require some recent document such a utility bill, bank statement, or driving license. Just ensure that it is not more than two months old.

5. Email ID and Mobile Number 

These are required for OTP verification while filing the DIR-3 KYC.

6. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) 

You will require an existing DSC that is already registered with the MCA for form submission.

7. Passport-size Photograph 

This is a recent, clear, and colored photograph of yours.

8. Board Resolution (if applicable) 

If you are filing the form through a company or with someone’s assistance, you will require this.

9. Declaration by Director 

You will require signing a declaration stating that all the details you have provided are correct.

Activating your DIN is a very important step if you are looking to regain your legal status as a company director. If your DIN is deactivated, typically due to the non-submission of your DIR-3 KYC, you are in a bit of a fix. You won’t be able to sign any ROC documents, make any decisions for the firm, or take up any new directorships.

Activating your DIN will keep you on the right side of the law, help you avoid some hefty fines, and also help you maintain your reputation. All you need to do is complete any pending KYC submissions, and your DIN will be activated. This will allow you to carry on with your business as usual, without any unnecessary hiccups.