What is a director identification number?
A director identification number is the eight-digit number the Central Government allots to one person who is, or intends to be, a director. It is not a company number, and it is not issued again when that person joins another board.
Who is allotted the number?
Section 153 is the application. Section 154 is the allotment. The person cannot be appointed as a director unless this number is allotted, under section 152(3). A designated partner of a limited liability partnership uses the same number. An ordinary partner, and a manager who is not a director, does not get one merely by holding that post. Who a director is, is on the director page.
Which form allots it?
The first directors of a new company take the number inside SPICe+, the incorporation form. They do not file a separate DIR-3 for that incorporation. A person who is to join an existing company, or who is to become a designated partner, applies in DIR-3. The applicant signs it, and a practising chartered accountant, company secretary, or cost accountant certifies it. The usual papers are a photograph, the permanent account number, and proof of the present address. A foreign national also gives the passport.
When is DIR-3 KYC due?
From 31 March 2026, every person who holds a DIN as on 31 March files Form DIR-3 KYC Web by 30 June of every third consecutive financial year. A change of personal mobile number, email address, or residential address is filed in that form within 30 days. The annual filing by 30 September is the rule this amendment replaced. A missed intimation deactivates the number. Filing after the date carries an additional government fee, and the number is then restored. A deactivated number blocks a new appointment. It is not the same as the five-year bar in section 164, which is on the disqualification page. The cycle is on the DIR-3 KYC page.
How is a change reported?
A change of name is filed in DIR-6. A change of personal mobile number, email address, or residential address is filed in DIR-3 KYC Web within 30 days. The company still files DIR-12 when the person is appointed or resigns. DIR-6 does not appoint the person, and DIR-12 does not allot the number. How a director is appointed is on the appointment page.
Frequently asked questions
Four questions cover a second number, an LLP partner, a late KYC, and DIR-12.
Can one person hold two DINs?
No. Section 155 says a person shall not obtain more than one director identification number. The number stays with that person when the person leaves one company and joins another.
Does every LLP partner need a DIN?
No. A designated partner uses this number. A partner who is not a designated partner does not apply for one only because of that partnership.
What happens if DIR-3 KYC is late?
The number is marked deactivated for non-filing of DIR-3 KYC. It is reactivated when the form is filed with the additional government fee.
Is DIR-3 the appointment form?
No. DIR-3 allots the number. Appointment of a director in an existing company is DIR-12, after the number exists.
Sources
Allotment is sections 153 and 154 of the Companies Act. A second number is barred by section 155. From 31 March 2026 the KYC intimation is Form DIR-3 KYC Web under rule 12A.