A CIN is the 21-character identifier allotted by the Registrar of Companies to a company incorporated in India. It is not PAN, TAN, GSTIN, LLPIN or a substitute for checking current MCA master data.
Current law before inherited content
The supplied draft was used as a topic brief, not as legal authority. Competitor promotions, duplicated wording, obsolete examples and unsupported claims have been removed. Always verify the effective notification and the facts of the transaction before acting.
Review status: Professional review pending. This general guide is not a legal opinion, tax computation, audit conclusion or filing instruction for a specific person.
What CIN identifies
CIN links the company to MCA records and reveals listing status, industry code, state, incorporation year, company category code and registration number. The code is useful, but current status and filings should be checked separately.
How the 21 characters work
A typical CIN has one listing-status character, five industry digits, two state letters, four incorporation-year digits, three company-type letters and six registration digits. Do not infer good standing solely from the format.
Where CIN must appear
Section 12 of the Companies Act requires prescribed corporate particulars on business letters, billheads, letter papers, notices and official publications. Companies should use the exact current name, registered-office address, CIN and contact particulars required by law.
Search and verification
Use MCA’s company or LLP master-data service, search by legal name or CIN, and compare status, registered office, incorporation date, authorised and paid-up capital and filing indicators. Save dated evidence for onboarding or diligence.
When CIN can change
A shift of registered office from one state to another or a change affecting listing or company classification can alter encoded segments and lead to a revised CIN. An ordinary address change within the same state does not automatically create a new CIN.
CIN versus other numbers
PAN identifies an income-tax assessee; TAN relates to tax deduction or collection; GSTIN identifies a GST registration; LLPIN identifies an LLP. Use the right identifier for the right registry and filing.
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Map the applicable law, effective date, documents, filing route and ongoing obligations before relying on a general article.
Request a TargoLegal reviewFrequently asked questions
Is CIN the company registration number?
The final six digits are the registration number, while CIN is the full 21-character identifier.
Do LLPs receive CIN?
No, LLPs use LLPIN.
Can CIN prove a company is active?
No. Check current MCA master data.
Does every address change alter CIN?
No; state-level and classification changes are more relevant.
Where can I find CIN?
Use MCA master-data services and official company documents.
