Director Partner Changes

Step-by-Step Process to File a Director Change with MCA

6 min readIndia LawBy G R HariVerified Advocate

Quick Answer

> One line summary: This article explains the exact steps, forms, and documents required to legally record a director change with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), including appointment, resignation, and removal.

What is the process to file a director change with MCA?

The process to file a director change with MCA involves passing a board resolution, obtaining the director's consent, and filing specific e-forms on the MCA portal within prescribed timelines. The exact steps depend on whether you are appointing a new director, recording a resignation, or removing an existing director.

For an appointment, you must first ensure the proposed director has a valid Director Identification Number (DIN) and Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). The company must then hold a board meeting to pass a resolution for the appointment. Within 30 days of the appointment, you must file Form DIR-12 (Particulars of Appointment of Directors) along with the board resolution and the director's consent in Form DIR-2. The new director must also file Form DIR-8 (Intimation of disqualification, if any) and disclose their interest in Form MBP-1.

For a resignation, the director must submit a written resignation to the company. The company must then file Form DIR-12 within 30 days of the resignation, along with the resignation letter and a board resolution noting the resignation. The resigning director may also file Form DIR-11 to inform the Registrar of Companies (ROC) directly.

For a removal, a special resolution is generally required unless the Articles of Association (AOA) provide otherwise. The process involves a board meeting, a general meeting, and then filing Form DIR-12 and Form MGT-14 (for the special resolution) within 30 days.

What documents are required for a director change filing?

The documents required for filing a director change with MCA are standardised and must be submitted as attachments to the relevant e-forms. Incomplete or incorrect attachments are a common reason for rejection.

For appointment, you need:

  • Board Resolution (in Form MGT-14 if the appointment is not as per AOA, otherwise a certified copy).
  • Consent of the director in Form DIR-2.
  • Declaration of disqualification in Form DIR-8 (if applicable).
  • Interest disclosure in Form MBP-1.
  • Proof of DIN and DSC of the new director.
  • Copy of the board meeting notice and minutes.

For resignation, you need:

  • Resignation letter from the director.
  • Board Resolution noting the resignation.
  • Form DIR-11 (if filed by the director).
  • Copy of the board meeting notice and minutes.

For removal, you need:

  • Special Resolution (filed in Form MGT-14).
  • Board Resolution recommending removal.
  • Notice of the general meeting and minutes.
  • Copy of the AOA (if relevant).

All documents must be in PDF format, not exceeding the size limits specified on the MCA portal. Digital signatures of the director and the company secretary (or a director, if no CS) are mandatory.

What are the fees and timelines for filing director changes with MCA?

The fees for filing director changes with MCA depend on the company's authorised share capital and the type of form. The standard fee for Form DIR-12 is based on a sliding scale, starting from ₹200 for companies with authorised capital up to ₹1,00,000, and increasing for higher capital brackets. Additional fees apply for filing after the due date.

The timeline is critical:

  • Appointment: Form DIR-12 must be filed within 30 days of the appointment. Late filing attracts additional fees of ₹100 per day.
  • Resignation: Form DIR-12 must be filed within 30 days of the resignation. The resigning director can file Form DIR-11 at any time.
  • Removal: Form DIR-12 must be filed within 30 days of the removal. Form MGT-14 for the special resolution must be filed within 30 days of the general meeting.

If the company fails to file within 30 days, it must pay a late fee. For example, a delay of 60 days would incur a late fee of ₹100 per day for each form, in addition to the standard fee. The MCA portal calculates the exact fee based on the date of filing.

How do I file the director change forms on the MCA portal?

Filing director change forms on the MCA portal is a step-by-step process that requires careful attention to detail. Here is the exact procedure:

  1. Login: Go to the MCA portal (www.mca.gov.in) and log in using the company's registered login credentials (CIN and password) or the director's login.
  2. Select Form: Under the 'MCA Services' tab, select 'E-Filing' and then 'Form DIR-12' (or the relevant form).
  3. Fill Details: Enter the company's CIN, the director's DIN, and the date of appointment/resignation/removal. Provide the reason for the change.
  4. Upload Attachments: Upload all required documents in PDF format. Ensure they are clear and legible.
  5. Digital Signature: Sign the form using the DSC of the director (or company secretary) and the authorised signatory.
  6. Payment: Pay the applicable fee online via credit card, debit card, or net banking.
  7. Submit: After payment, submit the form. You will receive a Service Request Number (SRN) for tracking.
  8. Verification: The ROC will verify the form. If approved, you will receive a certificate of filing. If rejected, you must rectify the errors and resubmit.

For Form MGT-14 (for special resolutions), the process is similar but requires the resolution text and board meeting details.

What are the common mistakes to avoid when filing a director change?

Common mistakes when filing a director change with MCA can lead to rejection, delays, and additional fees. Avoiding these errors saves time and money.

  • Incorrect DIN: Ensure the director's DIN is active and not deactivated. A deactivated DIN will cause the form to be rejected.
  • Missing or Incorrect Attachments: Attach all required documents in the correct format (PDF). A missing consent letter or board resolution is a frequent reason for rejection.
  • Wrong Date: The date of appointment/resignation in the form must match the board resolution and the consent letter. Discrepancies lead to rejection.
  • Late Filing: Filing after 30 days attracts late fees. If the delay is significant, the ROC may refuse the filing.
  • Digital Signature Issues: Ensure the DSC is valid and registered with the MCA. Expired or unregistered DSCs will not work.
  • Incomplete Board Resolution: The board resolution must clearly state the name, DIN, and date of appointment/resignation. Vague resolutions are rejected.
  • Not Filing Form DIR-11: If a director resigns, they should file Form DIR-11 to protect themselves from future liabilities. The company should not rely solely on its own filing.

What You Should Do Next

If you need to file a director change, gather all required documents and follow the steps above. For complex situations—such as removal of a director, changes involving foreign directors, or disputes—consult a qualified company secretary or legal professional to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.


This page provides preliminary information. It is not legal advice. For your matter, consult a qualified professional.