Step-by-step guides for company search, SPICe+ registration, DIN allotment, DIR-3 KYC, AOC-4 & MGT-7 annual filing, and LLP registrations & filings.
How-To Guides
MCA21 Portal Step-by-Step
Company / LLP Search — Step-by-Step
01
Visit mca.gov.in (No Login Required)
Go to mca.gov.in → MCA Services → Company / LLP → View Company/LLP Master Data. Or use: mca.gov.in/content/mca/global/en/foportal/fologin.html for advanced search.
02
Search by CIN / LLPIN
Enter the 21-character CIN (Corporate Identity Number) like U74999DL2020PTC123456. OR enter company name for a name-based search. Results show: registration date, status, registered office, authorised capital.
03
View Company Master Data
Master data shows: Company type, date of registration, company status (Active/Strike Off/Dissolved), RoC code, PAN, email, directors list with DIN, charges summary.
04
Director Details (DIN Search)
MCA Services → DIN Services → Know DIN Status → Enter DIN number. Shows: DIN holder name, status (Approved/Deactivated/Surrendered), disqualification status under Sec 164(2).
05
Charge Search
Company Master → Charges tab: shows all registered charges (mortgages, hypothecation) against the company — charge holder (bank/lender), amount, creation date, satisfaction status. Important for due diligence.
06
Check Filings / Documents
Company Master → Documents tab: view all filed e-forms with date of filing. Some documents are free (like annual returns summary); detailed documents require payment of ₹50–100 per document.
Key Note: The MCA company search is a critical tool for due diligence before entering into contracts, partnerships, or investments. Always verify active status and check for pending charges or disqualified directors.
Company Registration (SPICe+) — Step-by-Step
01
Part A — Name Reservation (RUN)
Login to MCA → MCA Services → Company → Reserve Unique Name (RUN) or use SPICe+ Part A. Propose 2 names in preference order. Names checked for similarity, prohibited words, and trademark conflicts.
02
Get DSC for Directors
Each proposed director must have a Class 3 DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) from a licensed CA (Certifying Authority) like eMudhra, Sify, NSDL. DSC is a physical USB token with cryptographic keys.
03
SPICe+ Part B — Fill All Details
Fill: company type (Pvt Ltd, OPC, Public, Section 8), authorised capital, paid-up capital, registered office address, objects of the company, director details (PAN, DIN or new DIN application).
04
Integrated Forms: INC-9, AGILE-Pro-S, DIR-3, PAN/TAN
SPICe+ integrates: INC-9 (declaration by subscribers), AGILE-Pro-S (GST/ESIC/EPFO/Professional Tax/bank account), DIR-3 (new DIN for directors), PAN/TAN application — all in one form.
05
Prepare and Attach MOA & AOA
MOA (Memorandum of Association) sets objects and capital. AOA (Articles of Association) sets internal rules. Use SPICe MOA (INC-33) and SPICe AOA (INC-34) in linked HTML format. Get subscriber signatures.
06
Affix DSC and Submit
All proposed directors affix DSC to SPICe+ form. Professional CA/CS affixes their DSC as certifying professional. Submit on MCA portal. SRN (Service Request Number) generated for tracking.
07
Certificate of Incorporation (COI)
MCA processes within 1–3 working days. COI issued with CIN, PAN, and TAN. Company is legally incorporated from the date on COI. Download digitally signed COI, MOA, AOA from MCA portal.
Key Note: AGILE-Pro-S (part of SPICe+) applies for GST, ESIC, EPFO, professional tax, and bank account simultaneously with incorporation. Get bank account within days of COI at zero additional cost.
DIR-3 KYC — Step-by-Step
01
Who Must File DIR-3 KYC
All individuals with a DIN (Director Identification Number) must file DIR-3 KYC once every three consecutive financial years, by 30 June. Failure deactivates the DIN — you cannot be a director or sign e-forms with a deactivated DIN.
02
Login to MCA → e-File → Company Forms
Login → e-File → Company Forms → DIR-3-KYC (e-form) for first-time KYC (mandatory for new DINs or those needing email/mobile update). Since 31 March 2026 a single unified Form DIR-3 KYC Web replaces the earlier e-form and web service.
03
Fill KYC Details
Enter: DIN, name as per PAN, DOB, nationality, citizen (resident/NRI), PAN, Aadhaar number, present residential address, permanent address (if different), personal mobile, personal email.
04
Unique Mobile & Email
The mobile number and email must be unique across MCA — not used for any other DIN. Enter OTP received on both mobile and email to verify. This is the most common rejection reason — use your own personal contact details.
05
Upload Documents
Self-attested PAN copy, Aadhaar copy (or passport for foreign nationals). Address proof if address differs from Aadhaar (utility bill, bank statement, passport). Photo should be recent and clear.
06
Certify & Submit (e-Form) / Submit (Web)
e-Form DIR-3-KYC: certify by a practicing CA/CS/CMA (DSC required). DIR-3-KYC-WEB: director submits directly using Aadhaar OTP — no CA certification needed. Government fee: ₹0 (if filed on time); ₹5,000 late fee after 30 September.
Key Note: Use DIR-3-KYC-WEB (not the full e-form) for annual renewals if your mobile, email, and address are unchanged. It takes 5 minutes and requires only Aadhaar OTP — no CA signature, no fee.
Annual Return (AOC-4 & MGT-7) — Step-by-Step
01
Hold AGM (Annual General Meeting)
Companies must hold AGM within 6 months of year-end (by 30 September for March-end companies). AGM approves: financial statements, appointment/reappointment of directors, appointment of auditor, dividend.
02
File AOC-4 (Financial Statements)
AOC-4 is filed within 30 days of AGM (60 days for OPC). Attach: audited Balance Sheet, P&L Account, Directors' Report, Auditor's Report, Cash Flow Statement (if applicable). CA certifies and affixes DSC.
03
File MGT-7 / MGT-7A (Annual Return)
MGT-7 (Pvt Ltd, Public) is filed within 60 days of AGM. MGT-7A (OPC, small companies) has simplified format. Contains: shareholding pattern, director details, KMP, charges, principal business activities.
04
Login → e-File → Company Forms → Select Form
MCA login → e-File → Company Forms → Enter CIN → Select AOC-4 or MGT-7 → Pre-fills company master data. Check accuracy of pre-filled data before proceeding.
05
Attach Documents & Certify
AOC-4: attach financial statements PDFs. MGT-7: no separate attachment (all data in form). Director affixes DSC. CS (if applicable) certifies MGT-7. Practicing CA/CS certifies AOC-4.
06
Pay Fees & Submit
MCA fees vary by authorised capital (AOC-4: ₹200–600; MGT-7: ₹200–600). Pay via online payment gateway. SRN generated. Documents processed within 2–5 working days. Acknowledgement email sent.
Key Note: Late filing penalty: ₹100/day per form (AOC-4 and MGT-7 separately). For a company that delays by 60 days, penalty = ₹6,000 per form + ₹12,000 total. Directors can also face disqualification under Sec 164(2) for 3+ years of non-filing.
DIN Allotment — Step-by-Step
01
What is DIN
DIN (Director Identification Number) is an 8-digit unique ID required for every director of an Indian company or LLP designated partner. One DIN per person (for all companies). Lifetime validity.
02
Method 1: Through SPICe+ (New Incorporations)
If proposed director does not have DIN: in SPICe+ form, enter "0" in DIN field → fill DIR-3 details inline → DIN is auto-allotted along with company incorporation. No separate DIN application needed.
03
Method 2: DIR-3 Form (Existing Companies)
For adding a new director to an existing company: File DIR-3 separately. Attach: PAN (self-attested), Aadhaar/passport/voter ID (proof of identity), address proof, photo.
04
Verification by Existing Director/CS
DIR-3 must be verified by an existing director of the company (affixing their DSC) or certified by a practicing CA/CS/CMA. Government fee: ₹500.
05
DIN Allotment
DIN is allotted within 1–2 working days. Confirmation email sent to the registered email of the applicant. Check DIN status: MCA Services → DIN Services → Know DIN Status.
06
DIN Surrender / Deactivation
A DIN holder can surrender their DIN (DIR-5 form) if they have never been appointed as director. Deactivated DIN (due to KYC non-filing) can be reactivated by filing DIR-3 KYC with ₹5,000 penalty.
Key Note: A person can hold only ONE DIN. Having two DINs is illegal. If you inadvertently have two DINs, surrender the duplicate immediately via DIR-5. The DIN associated with any active company cannot be surrendered.
LLP Registration & Filings — Step-by-Step
01
LLP Registration via FiLLiP Form
Go to MCA → e-File → LLP Forms → FiLLiP (Form for Incorporation of LLP). Enter: LLP name (checked via RUN-LLP first), registered office, designated partners (DIN or new DIN via DIR-3 in FiLLiP).
02
LLP Agreement (Form 3)
Within 30 days of incorporation, file Form 3 (Information about LLP Agreement) with the executed LLP agreement attached. LLP agreement defines contribution, profit sharing, management rights.
03
Annual Filing — Form 11 (Annual Return)
Form 11 is filed by 30 May each year. Contains: partner details, contribution summary, major changes during the year. Late fee: ₹100/day. LLPs with turnover > ₹40L or contribution > ₹25L need chartered accountant certification.
04
Annual Filing — Form 8 (Statement of Accounts)
Form 8 is filed by 30 October. Contains: Statement of Solvency (balance sheet equivalent), Summary of Income & Expenditure. Solvency declaration by designated partners. CA audit required if turnover > ₹40L.
05
LLP Partner Changes (Form 4)
Any change in partners or designated partners: File Form 4 within 30 days of change. Attach: consent of incoming partner, cessation notice, updated LLP agreement (if structure changes).
06
Registered Office Change (Form 15)
Change of registered office within the same RoC jurisdiction: Form 15. Change to different state: requires Form 15 + approval. New address proof (ownership/rent agreement + utility bill) must be attached.
Key Note: LLP has fewer compliances than a company — only Form 8 and Form 11 annually (no AGM, no ROC filing for board changes). But non-filing attracts heavy penalties. Keep DSCs of both designated partners active and renewed.
Quick Reference
MCA Key Forms & Due Dates
| Form | Purpose | Who Files | Due Date | Late Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPICe+ | Company Incorporation | Promoters via CA/CS | At time of incorporation | N/A |
| DIR-3-KYC | Director KYC (annual) | All DIN holders | 30 Sep each year | ₹5,000 (deactivates DIN) |
| AOC-4 | Financial statements filing | All companies | 30 days of AGM | ₹100/day |
| MGT-7 / 7A | Annual Return | All companies | 60 days of AGM | ₹100/day |
| INC-20A | Commencement of Business | Companies incorporated after Nov 2019 | 180 days of incorporation | ₹50,000 + ₹1,000/day |
| MGT-14 | Board/AGM resolutions | Applicable companies | 30 days of passing resolution | ₹100/day |
| CHG-1 | Charge creation/modification | Company (on loan secured by asset) | 30 days of charge creation | ₹300–₹600/day |
| Form 8 (LLP) | Statement of Accounts & Solvency | All LLPs | 30 Oct each year | ₹100/day |
| Form 11 (LLP) | Annual Return | All LLPs | 30 May each year | ₹100/day |
Common Questions
MCA Portal FAQs
What is the difference between SPICe+ and RUN?+
RUN (Reserve Unique Name) is a standalone form for reserving a company name before filing SPICe+. SPICe+ itself includes a name reservation option (Part A). Most professionals file SPICe+ directly including Part A, avoiding the separate RUN step.
Can I check if a company name is available before applying?+
Yes — use MCA Services → Company → Check Company Name. Enter the desired name to see if an identical or similar name exists. However, the definitive check happens at the time of filing, so a preliminary check is advisory only.
My DSC is expired. Can I still file MCA forms?+
No. DSC must be valid to sign and submit MCA e-forms. Renew your DSC from the same or any other licensed Certifying Authority before attempting to file. DSC renewal typically takes 1 business day.
What is INC-20A and what happens if not filed?+
INC-20A (Commencement of Business declaration) must be filed within 180 days of incorporation. Without it, the company cannot commence operations or accept subscriptions. Failure can lead to company being struck off and directors fined ₹50,000+.
Can an LLP be converted to a Private Limited Company?+
Yes. Under Companies Act 2013, an LLP can be converted to a Pvt Ltd company using Form URC-1. The process involves preparing a conversion application, NOC from creditors, audited financials, and filing with the concerned RoC.
What happens if a company does not file annual returns for 3 years?+
Directors of a company that has failed to file annual returns for 3 consecutive financial years become disqualified under Section 164(2) of the Companies Act. They cannot be re-appointed or appointed as director in any company for 5 years. MCA publishes the list of disqualified directors.