As per Companies Act, 2013 | Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)
Introduction
Surrender vs Deactivation
Valid Grounds
Documents Required
Process
Forms & Timeline
FAQs
DIN (Director Identification Number) surrender or deactivation is required
when a DIN holder is no longer eligible, has obtained multiple DINs, or
wishes to voluntarily surrender the DIN.
The process is governed by the Companies Act, 2013 and administered by
the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
DIN Surrender vs DIN Deactivation
Basis
DIN Surrender
DIN Deactivation
Nature
Voluntary
System / MCA initiated
Who initiates
DIN holder
MCA
Common reason
Never appointed as director
Non-filing of DIR-3 KYC
Reactivation
Not allowed
Allowed (after compliance)
Valid Grounds for DIN Surrender / Deactivation
Multiple DINs allotted to same individual
DIN obtained but never used / appointed
DIN holder declared of unsound mind
DIN holder deceased
DIN obtained by wrongful means
Non-filing of DIR-3 KYC (auto deactivation)
DIN surrender is permitted only if the person has
never been appointed as a director.
Documents Required
PAN Card of DIN holder
Aadhaar Card
Declaration stating reason for surrender
Affidavit (if required)
Death certificate (in case of death)
Proof of multiple DINs (if applicable)
Step-by-Step DIN Surrender / Deactivation Process
DIN Surrender (Voluntary)
Prepare declaration & supporting documents
File application for DIN surrender
MCA verification
DIN permanently surrendered
DIN Deactivation (Due to Non-Compliance)
DIN gets deactivated by MCA
File DIR-3 KYC with penalty
DIN reactivated after approval
Forms Used & Timeline
Form
Purpose
Timeline
DIR-5
DIN surrender
7–15 working days
DIR-3 KYC
DIN reactivation
1–3 working days
Incorrect surrender may permanently block future directorship eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can DIN be surrendered after appointment? – No.
Is DIN surrender reversible? – No.
Why is my DIN deactivated? – Usually due to DIR-3 KYC non-filing.
As per Companies Act, 2013 | Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)
Introduction
Surrender vs Deactivation
Valid Grounds
Documents Required
Process
Forms & Timeline
FAQs
DIN (Director Identification Number) surrender or deactivation is required
when a DIN holder is no longer eligible, has obtained multiple DINs, or
wishes to voluntarily surrender the DIN.
The process is governed by the Companies Act, 2013 and administered by
the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
DIN Surrender vs DIN Deactivation
Basis
DIN Surrender
DIN Deactivation
Nature
Voluntary
System / MCA initiated
Who initiates
DIN holder
MCA
Common reason
Never appointed as director
Non-filing of DIR-3 KYC
Reactivation
Not allowed
Allowed (after compliance)
Valid Grounds for DIN Surrender / Deactivation
Multiple DINs allotted to same individual
DIN obtained but never used / appointed
DIN holder declared of unsound mind
DIN holder deceased
DIN obtained by wrongful means
Non-filing of DIR-3 KYC (auto deactivation)
DIN surrender is permitted only if the person has
never been appointed as a director.
Documents Required
PAN Card of DIN holder
Aadhaar Card
Declaration stating reason for surrender
Affidavit (if required)
Death certificate (in case of death)
Proof of multiple DINs (if applicable)
Step-by-Step DIN Surrender / Deactivation Process
DIN Surrender (Voluntary)
Prepare declaration & supporting documents
File application for DIN surrender
MCA verification
DIN permanently surrendered
DIN Deactivation (Due to Non-Compliance)
DIN gets deactivated by MCA
File DIR-3 KYC with penalty
DIN reactivated after approval
Forms Used & Timeline
Form
Purpose
Timeline
DIR-5
DIN surrender
7–15 working days
DIR-3 KYC
DIN reactivation
1–3 working days
Incorrect surrender may permanently block future directorship eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can DIN be surrendered after appointment? – No.
Is DIN surrender reversible? – No.
Why is my DIN deactivated? – Usually due to DIR-3 KYC non-filing.
