Chapter XI - Appointment and Qualifications of Directors
Section 153
Section 153: application for Director Identification Number
Every individual who intends to be appointed as a director must apply to the Central Government for a Director Identification Number, in the prescribed form and manner and with the prescribed fees.
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This article is for general information. Refer to the Companies Act, 2013 official text for the official provisions. If you need professional advice for your situation, contact Bizeneed.
Statutory text
Bare law
Every individual intending to be appointed as director of a company shall make an application for allotment of Director Identification Number to the Central Government in such form and manner and along with such fees as may be prescribed: Provided that the Central Government may prescribe any identification number which shall be treated as Director Identification Number for the purposes of this Act and in case any individual holds or acquires such identification number, the requirement of this section shall not apply or apply in such manner as may be prescribed.
Introduction
Section 153 is the starting point of the DIN regime in sections 153 to 159. Every individual intending to be appointed as a director of a company applies to the Central Government for a Director Identification Number (DIN).
Section 48 of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2017, in force from 9 February 2018, added a proviso. The Central Government may prescribe another identification number to be treated as a DIN. For an individual who holds or acquires that number, section 153 then does not apply, or applies in the prescribed manner.
Key takeaways
Before appointment
The duty falls on an individual intending to be appointed as a director.
Prescribed form and fee
The form, manner and fees are prescribed by rules.
Alternative identification number
Since 9 February 2018, the Central Government may prescribe another number to be treated as a DIN.
Who must apply
Any individual intending to be appointed as a director of a company must apply for a DIN. The application is made to the Central Government in the prescribed form and manner, with the prescribed fees.
- India Code — consolidated Companies Act, 2013, section 153
- eGazette — MCA notification S.O. 902(E), 26 March 2014 (commencement from 1 April 2014)
- eGazette — Companies (Amendment) Act, 2017 (No. 1 of 2018)
- eGazette — MCA notification S.O. 630(E), 9 February 2018 (commencement of Act 1 of 2018 provisions)
The 2018 proviso
The proviso inserted by section 48 of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2017 (in force from 9 February 2018 under S.O. 630(E)) lets the Central Government prescribe any identification number to be treated as a DIN for the purposes of the Act. If an individual holds or acquires such a number, the requirement of section 153 does not apply, or applies in the prescribed manner. Check the current rules to see whether such a number has been prescribed and how it is used.
Related sections
Section 154 requires the Central Government to allot the DIN within one month of the application. Section 155 bars holding more than one DIN. Sections 156 to 158 deal with intimating the DIN to companies and the Registrar and quoting it in filings.
Practical preparation
Confirm the proposed director is an individual without an existing DIN; check whether any prescribed alternative identification number applies; apply in the prescribed form with the prescribed fee; keep the allotment record for the company. The Act leaves the detail to rules (“as may be prescribed”). Read the current rules made under this Chapter, as published by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, for forms, fees and procedure before acting.
Practical checklist
Do
- Apply for the DIN before the appointment is made.
- Check whether the person already holds a DIN; section 155 prohibits a second one.
Avoid
- Do not apply for a fresh DIN for an individual who already has one.
- Do not rely on an alternative identification number unless the current rules prescribe it.
Illustrative example
Hypothetical: first-time director
A start-up wants to appoint an investor’s nominee who has never been a director.
Check
Confirm the nominee has no existing DIN.
Apply
The nominee applies to the Central Government in the prescribed form and manner with the fee.
Appoint
Proceed with the appointment once the DIN is allotted under section 154.
Outcome
- The nominee holds a DIN before taking office.
Glossary
- Director Identification Number (DIN)
- The identification number allotted by the Central Government to an individual under section 154.
- Prescribed
- Prescribed by rules made under the Act.
Frequently asked questions
Who applies for the DIN, the company or the individual?
Section 153 places the duty on the individual intending to be appointed as a director.
Can another identification number be used instead of a DIN?
Since 9 February 2018, the proviso allows the Central Government to prescribe such a number. Whether and how it applies depends on the current rules.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 11 October 2026