Company · People
We're adding a director — what has to be filed?
The short answer
Three things happen in order: the incoming director needs a DIN (form DIR-3, unless they already hold one), the board or general meeting appoints them, and the company files DIR-12 within 30 days of the appointment. Before any of that, the director must hand the company a consent in form DIR-2 and a non-disqualification declaration in DIR-8 — paper formats most portals never mention.
What gets filed with MCA
Filed before becoming a director. No recurring deadline — one-time application.
Section 153, Companies Act 2013; Rule 9, Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules 2014
Within 30 days of the board/shareholder resolution approving the change.
Section 168, 170, Companies Act 2013; Rule 17, Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules 2014
The paperwork nobody tells you about
Statutory formats that never touch the MCA portal — but an ROC inspection or due diligence will ask for every one of them.
Consent to act as director — obtained before appointment, filed as attachment to DIR-12
Rule 8, Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014
Declaration that the person is not disqualified u/s 164
Rule 14, Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014
Incoming director's disclosure of interest at their first board meeting
Section 184(1), Companies Act 2013
The sequence
- 1Collect DIR-2 consent, DIR-8 declaration and DIN (file DIR-3 if none)
- 2Pass the board/general-meeting resolution appointing the director
- 3File DIR-12 within 30 days with DIR-2 attached
- 4Record MBP-1 disclosure at the director's first board meeting and update the register of directors
Do it with us — or check it yourself first
Questions founders actually ask
Can we appoint a director who doesn't have a DIN yet?
A DIN must exist before the appointment is filed. DIR-3 can be filed by the company for the proposed appointee, and once the DIN is allotted the appointment proceeds through DIR-12.
Is a board resolution enough, or do shareholders need to approve?
An additional director can be appointed by the board alone (if the articles permit) but holds office only till the next AGM, where shareholders regularise the appointment. A direct appointment as director is made by the members in a general meeting.
What if DIR-12 is filed late?
Additional fees escalate with delay, and prolonged default exposes the company and officers to penalties. The form's own page linked below carries the current fee logic.
Last verified 2026-08-24 against MCA V3 records and ICSI reference material. Form-level deadlines and penalties live on the linked form pages and update there.