Corporate Identification Number (CIN)

CIN, or Corporate Identification Number, is a 21-digit alphanumeric code that uniquely identifies a registered company. The Registrar of Companies, operating under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs across various states, issues a CIN to every type of registered business, private limited companies, government-owned companies, state government companies, and others, once they’re incorporated in India.

Why does the CIN matter?

Under Section 12(3)(c) of the Companies Act 2013, every company is required to print its name, registered office address, and CIN, along with phone, fax (if applicable), email, and website details, on all business letters, billheads, letterheads, notices, and other official publications. Beyond that legal requirement, the CIN also lets the ROC track a company’s activity after registration, and it’s the number people use to look up details about any company registered with the MCA.

What does a CIN actually encode?

• Year of incorporation
• Type of company
• State code
• Listing status
• Registration number