A Corporate Identification Number (CIN) is a unique 21-character alphanumeric code assigned to every company incorporated in India by the Registrar of Companies (RoC) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). This number is essential for identifying companies and is required on all major official documents, including letterheads, invoices, and regulatory filings. If you need to find a company’s CIN or verify its details, the process is straightforward and entirely online.
What Is a CIN Number?
The CIN serves as a company’s unique identity, encoding details such as the type of company, state of registration, year of incorporation, and a unique registration number. Only companies registered under the Companies Act receive a CIN; Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) get a separate identifier called LLPIN.
How to Search for a CIN Number
You can search for a company’s CIN using the official MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs) portal. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Visit the MCA Portal
Go to the official MCA website (www.mca.gov.in)[4].
2. Access the CIN Search Tool
Navigate to the “MCA Services” section.
Choose the “Find CIN” or “View Company/LLP Master Data” option.
3. Select Search Criteria
You can search by:
- Company name
- Registration number
- Old company name (if changed)
- Inactive CIN
Enter the relevant details and complete the captcha.
4. View Results
The portal will display the company’s CIN along with key information such as registration status, directors, registered office address, and compliance filings.
Information Available with CIN Search
When you search for a CIN on the MCA portal, you gain access to:
- Company’s full legal name
- Date of incorporation
- Registration status (active, struck off, etc.)
- Directors and signatories
- Registered office address
- Financial filings and compliance records
- Any charges or loans against the company’s assets
Why Is CIN Important?
- Regulatory Compliance: Companies must mention their CIN on all official documents; failure to do so can attract penalties.
- Transparency: CIN enables anyone to verify a company’s legitimacy and basic details online, supporting due diligence and trust in business transactions.
- Tracking: The MCA uses CIN to monitor company activities and ensure compliance with statutory requirements.
Conclusion
Searching for a CIN number is a quick, transparent process that helps verify the legitimacy and details of any registered company in India. By using the MCA portal’s search tools, businesses, investors, and the public can access essential company information, ensuring informed decision-making and regulatory compliance.
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