A Director Identification Number (DIN) is a unique identification number issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) to any person who wants to work as a director in any company. It is the permanent identification number and plays a very important role in corporate compliances.
However, a DIN may become deactivated due to non-compliance with prescribed requirements. This can create difficulties for directors in carrying out their responsibilities and completing MCA-related filings.
In this blog, we will discuss the reasons for DIN deactivation, its consequences, and the procedure for reactivation.
What Is DIN Deactivation?
The process of DIN deactivation is defined as the suspension of a Director Identification Number due to failure to comply with provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014, by the MCA.
A deactivated DIN restricts an individual from performing certain director-related activities through the MCA portal until the issue is resolved.
Why Does a DIN Get Deactivated?
Some common reasons for DIN deactivation are:
1. Non-Filing of DIR-3 KYC: Not complying with the required KYC norms on time could mean deactivation of the DIN.
2. Incorrect/Incomplete Details: Personal details or any other information which may include identification documents or contact information can create problems in respect of compliance.
3. Multiple DIN: Possession of multiple DINs is not allowed. Duplicate DINs need to be sorted out through prescribed process.
4. Wrongful/Fraudulent Obtaining of DIN: DIN which has been obtained through wrongful or fraudulent means could get cancelled/deactivated by the concerned authorities.
5. Other Legal/Regulatory Reasons: Other legal or regulatory issues may also arise which may affect DIN such as disqualification issues. These cases have to be separately analyzed legally and cannot be sorted out just by filing KYC.
Consequences of DIN Deactivation
DIN deactivation can have significant consequences for directors and companies, including:
- Inability to sign certain MCA forms and filings.
- Difficulty in completing statutory compliance requirements.
- Restrictions on appointment as a director in another company.
- Delays in corporate filings and regulatory approvals.
- Potential compliance issues for companies dependent on the concerned director’s signature.
Therefore, directors should ensure timely compliance and immediately address any deactivation.
How to Reactivate a Deactivated DIN?
In case where the DIN is deactivated because of the failure to submit KYC, it can be activated again by complying with the relevant regulations.
Step 1: Check the Status of DIN
Use the MCA portal to find out the status of your DIN, and identify the exact reason for deactivation.
Step 2: Access Form DIR-3 KYC Web
Login to the MCA portal and use the relevant Form DIR-3 KYC Web that is used to complete the KYC compliance, update particulars and reactivate the DIN.
Step 3: Give Your Details
Enter your DIN, personal information, PAN, mobile phone number, e-mail, and other required particulars.
Step 4: Do OTP Verification
Proceed to do OTP verification of the registered mobile phone number and e-mail address.
Step 5: Submit and Pay
Proceed to submit the form, validate it and pay the relevant fee for reactivation of DIN from MCA.
Step 6: Check the Status of DIN
After the completion of the above steps, use the MCA portal to check the status of your DIN.
Note: If the DIN is deactivated due to disqualification, duplicate DIN, or wrongful allotment, a different procedure may apply.
Documents Required for DIN Reactivation
The following information and documents may be required, depending on the particulars being updated:
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card or other prescribed identity proof
- Residential address proof
- Personal mobile number
- Personal email address
- Valid Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), wherever applicable
Ensure that the details provided are consistent with the existing MCA records and supporting documents.
DIN Reactivation Fees
In case DIN is de-activated because of non-filing of DIR-3 KYC, the standard fee for MCA to reactivate it will be ₹5,000.
The additional fee that may arise from filing this document through professionals will be added to the above-stated figure.
It is important to check the current MCA fee structure before filing.
FAQs
Q1. Can a deactivated DIN be reactivated?
Yes. A DIN deactivated due to non-filing of KYC can generally be reactivated by filing the applicable DIR-3 KYC Web and paying the prescribed fee.
Q2. What is the government fee for DIN reactivation?
The prescribed MCA fee for reactivation due to KYC non-compliance is generally ₹5,000.
Q3. Can a director file MCA forms with a deactivated DIN?
A deactivated DIN may restrict the director from signing and completing applicable MCA filings. Reactivation should be completed at the earliest.
Q4. Is DIR-3 KYC mandatory for every director?
Yes, DIN holders are required to comply with the applicable KYC requirements, subject to the prescribed rules and timelines.
Q5. Is there any change in the DIR-3 KYC filing schedule?
Yes. From 31 March 2026 onwards, the annual KYC filing has been scrapped in lieu of which KYC intimation is required once in every three financial years. This is typically due within 30 June of that particular financial year. Change of mobile number, e-mail ID and residential address should be intimated within 30 days.
Q6. What is the time taken to reinstate a DIN?
This process time depends on successful submission, payment and processing of the application in MCA system.
Conclusion
Deactivation of DIN may pose some difficulties in fulfilling your statutory duties as a director. KYC compliance, correct personal information, and DIN status monitoring are essential in ensuring no such problems arise.
In case your DIN is deactivated, find out the cause of it first, and then follow the proper procedure for activation.
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