DSC and DIN for company registration: what directors need

2 min read

Two identifiers come up again and again when you register a company. A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) lets you sign MCA forms online. A Director Identification Number (DIN) is a lifelong ID for anyone who is a director of an Indian company. Here is how each works.

Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

A DSC is the electronic equivalent of a signature, issued by a licensed certifying authority under the Information Technology Act, 2000. All MCA forms, including SPICe+, e-MOA, e-AOA and INC-9, are signed with it.

Who needs one

Every proposed director
Every subscriber (first shareholder)
The professional who certifies the forms

How to get one

1.Choose a licensed certifying authority or its reseller.
2.Apply for a Class 3 DSC (signing), usually with two or three years' validity.
3.Complete online KYC with Aadhaar or PAN, plus video verification.
4.Receive the DSC on a USB token, or as a cloud-based signature where supported.

Director Identification Number (DIN)

DIN is a unique eight-digit number allotted under Section 153 of the Companies Act. A person gets one DIN for life, and uses it for every company they are a director of. Holding two DINs is an offence.

How to get a DIN

For a new company, DIN for up to three proposed directors is allotted through SPICe+ itself. You do not need to apply separately.

For an existing company appointing a new director, the director applies through form DIR-3, and the company then files DIR-12 within 30 days of appointment, with the director's DIR-2 consent.

Keeping your DIN active: DIR-3 KYC

Every person who holds a DIN must complete DIR-3 KYC. Since 31 March 2026, it is due once every three financial years, by 30 June, instead of every year. Any change in mobile number, email or address must still be reported within 30 days.

If KYC is missed, the DIN is marked "Deactivated due to non-filing of DIR-3 KYC". You can reactivate it by filing with a fee of ₹5,000. Until then, you cannot sign forms as a director. See DIR-3 KYC.

DSC vs DIN at a glance

	DSC	DIN
What it is	Electronic signature	Lifelong director ID
Issued by	Licensed certifying authority	Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Who needs it	Directors, subscribers, professionals	Directors only
Validity	1–3 years, then renew	For life, with KYC every three years
Cost	Paid to the certifying authority	No separate fee via SPICe+

Frequently asked questions

No. DIN is only for directors. Shareholders who are not directors only need a DSC to sign the MOA and AOA at incorporation.

Yes. Foreign nationals can get a DIN using a passport and notarised or apostilled address proof.

You cannot sign MCA forms until you get a new one. The new DSC must be re-registered on the MCA portal against your DIN.

Yes. DIR-3 KYC is linked to the person's DIN, not to any company, so it stays due every three years while you hold a DIN.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Government fees and procedures change; confirm current figures before you file.