What Is LLPIN? Meaning, Format & How to Find It

Have you ever wondered what the alphabet soup of business identifiers like LLPIN, CIN, and DIN really means? When you start a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), you are creating a unique business that has the best features of both a company and a traditional partnership. To make it a formal, legal entity, the government assigns a special number. It might seem like just another official code, but it is actually super important for your business. Think of it as your LLP's official Aadhar card, and it is called the LLPIN. You will quickly find that this number is crucial for your day-to-day business. Banks, tax authorities, and even vendors will ask for it because it is a quick way for them to verify that your business is a real, legitimate entity. And it is important to understand what it is, how it works, and how it is different from other identification numbers you may come across. Just so you know, the entire process for LLPs is governed by the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008. The LLPIN is issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and is publicly searchable on their portal, which builds trust and ensures transparency. The Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008, set the rules for LLPs. The LLPIN is given out by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), and you can actually look it up on their official website. This makes everything transparent and trustworthy. This guide clarifies the purpose and function of the Limited Liability Partnership Identification Number (LLPIN) and explains how it stands apart from other common identifiers in the corporate world.

What Is An LLPIN?

LLPIN stands for Limited Liability Partnership Identification Number. It is a unique 7-digit alphanumeric code given to every LLP when it is officially registered—see the LLP registration process (FiLLiP to approval). This number is your LLP’s permanent identity and is used in all official communications and filings.

The LLPIN is issued by the Registrar of Companies (ROC) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) after your LLP's registration application is approved; make sure you have all documents required for LLP registration ready. It is proof that your business is a legitimate legal entity. You are legally required to display your LLPIN on all official business documents, including invoices, letters, and forms, to show your company's official identity (LLP Rules, 2009)—this usually falls under the designated partner’s compliance responsibilities.

How does an LLPIN differ from a CIN and a DIN?

The below given chart provides a clear and concise comparison of three key identification numbers essential for business operations in India: the LLPIN, CIN, and DIN. Each of these numbers serves a unique purpose and is assigned to a different entity, whether it is an LLP, a company, or an individual director/partner. Understanding their differences is crucial for anyone involved in business or corporate governance, as they are required for various legal and financial transactions. This table simplifies the distinctions by outlining what each number is for, who it is issued to, its format, and its primary uses. If you are comparing with companies, start with Certificate of Incorporation & CIN basics; for a step-by-step company path (where CIN gets issued), see Pvt Ltd incorporation steps.

Note On DIN/DPIN Merger: Note On DIN/DPIN Merger

The MCA, through a circular in 2011, clarified that the Director Partner Identification Number (DPIN) issued to designated partners of an LLP is to be used as a DIN when filing e-forms. Essentially, the DPIN and DIN were merged, making the DIN a universal identifier for directors and designated partners. This was done to simplify the compliance process and avoid the need for multiple identification numbers for the same person. This change was formalized by General Circular No. 44/2011 issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs on July 8, 2011.

After allotment, remember to file DIR-3 KYC each year to keep the DIN active (you can also check DIN status on the official portal).

What LLPIN Is Not?

Sometimes, knowing what something is not can be just as helpful as knowing what it is. To clear up any confusion, let's look at what the LLPIN is not.

• It is not your personal ID

The LLPIN is for your business, not for you. While it helps show you are a partner in the business, it is not the same as your personal Director Identification Number (DIN). The DIN is for a person, while the LLPIN is for the business itself.

• It is not your tax number

You will use your LLPIN on tax forms, but it is not the same thing as your business's PAN or GST number. The PAN is for your income tax, and the GST number is for sales tax. The LLPIN is just for identifying your business with the government's company registrar. After incorporation, many LLPs also choose to apply for MSME/Udyam (optional benefits).

• It does not give you a business name

The LLPIN is a number given to your business after its name has been approved and registered. It does not give you the right to use the name; it is just an ID for the name you already have.

• It does not tell anyone about your money

An LLPIN only proves that your business is legally registered. It does not say anything about how much money your business makes or what its financial health looks like.

How To Find Or Verify An LLPIN? (Step-by-Step on MCA)

If you need to find a company's LLPIN or check if a number is real, you can do it easily on the government's official website. It is a quick and simple process.

Step-by-Step on the MCA Website:

1. Go to the MCA Portal: Open your web browser and go to the official Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) website.
2. Find the "MCA Services" Tab: On the homepage, look for a tab that says "MCA Services" and click on it.
3. Go to "View LLP Master Data": In the dropdown menu, find and click on "View LLP Master Data."
4. 
5. Master Data Services
6. Search for the LLP: You have two ways to search:
7. • By Name: You can type in the name of the LLP. The system might show you a list of similar names.
   • By LLPIN: If you already have the number, you can type it in the LLPIN directly.
7. Enter the Code: The website will show you a security code (a "captcha"). Type this code into the box to prove you are not a robot.
8. View the Details: Click the "Submit" button. If the LLPIN is valid, the page will show you all the official details, including the LLPIN, its official name, date of registration, and the names of its partners.

This is a great way to verify an LLP before you do business with them, ensuring they are a genuine, registered entity. If you’ve recently incorporated and still getting oriented, here’s a quick recap of LLP registration steps.

What Does The Code Look Like?

The LLPIN, or Limited Liability Partnership Identification Number, is a unique 7-digit alphanumeric code assigned to every LLP in India. The structure is simple and easy to understand.

LLPIN Structure

The LLPIN consists of:

• First Three Characters: These are letters that represent the chronological series of incorporation. They are assigned in alphabetical order. For example, LLPs that were registered earlier would have LLPINs starting with "AAA", "AAB", "AAC", and so on.
• Next Four Characters: These are numbers that are assigned in a numerical series. They are the unique registration number for the LLP.

For example, a typical LLPIN might look something like AAB-1234 or CDE-5678. This unique combination is what helps the government and others quickly identify your specific business.

Where Will You See Or Use Your LLPIN?

Your LLPIN is a crucial number for your business. You will need to use it in many official situations. According to the LLP Rules, 2009, every LLP is required to display its name, LLPIN, and address of the registered office on all its business letters, billheads, and other official publications. This ensures transparency and easy identification. Here are some of the most common places where you'll see and use your LLPIN:

Opening a Bank Account

When you open a bank account for your LLP, the bank will ask for your LLPIN to confirm that your business is officially registered.

Filing Taxes

The LLPIN is required to file your LLP's income tax returns and other tax-related documents.

MCA Filings

All forms and documents you submit to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) to report changes or file annual returns must include your LLPIN. You can verify and file these on the official MCA portal; for planning and typical costs, see LLP annual filings & typical compliance costs.

Business Contracts

When you sign a contract with another company or a vendor, you should include your LLPIN to clearly identify your business.

Invoices and Bills

It is a requirement under the LLP Rules, 2009, to include your LLPIN on all official business documents.

Legal Documents

The LLPIN is a key identifier in any legal proceedings or official paperwork involving your LLP. To understand who ensures these day-to-day obligations, review partners’ roles, rights & duties in LLP.

Does LLPIN Ever Change?

No, your LLPIN will never change; it serves as a permanent, unique identifier for your LLP from the moment it is registered, regardless of any changes to its name, address, or partners. It is crucial to understand how it differs from other identification numbers: an LLPIN is the official ID for a Limited Liability Partnership business, a CIN (Corporate Identification Number) is the official ID for a different type of business, a company, and a DIN or DPIN (Director/Designated Partner Identification Number) is a personal ID number assigned to an individual who manages an LLP or company. In short, while LLPIN and CIN identify different kinds of businesses, a DIN/DPIN identifies a person.

LLPIN vs. CIN vs. DIN/DPIN

Navigating the different identification numbers can be a little confusing, but it is crucial to understand their distinct roles. Let us break down each one to make it clear.

• LLPIN (Limited Liability Partnership Identification Number): This is the official and unique ID for a business that is specifically a Limited Liability Partnership. It is a 7-digit alphanumeric code that the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) issues to confirm that your LLP is a legally registered entity. It is the primary number used to identify your business in all government and financial records.
• CIN (Corporate Identification Number): This is also an official ID for a business, but it is for a different type of business structure, a company, such as a Private Limited Company or a Public Limited Company. The CIN is a much longer, 21-digit alphanumeric code. The key takeaway here is that an LLP will always have an LLPIN, while a company will always have a CIN. They are different numbers for different types of businesses.
• DIN/DPIN (Director Identification Number/Designated Partner Identification Number): This is different from the other two because it is a number for a person, not a business. A DIN/DPIN is a unique ID that the government issues to any individual who wishes to become a director in a company or a designated partner in an LLP. A single person has one DIN/DPIN for their entire life, no matter how many companies or LLPs they are a part of. This number helps the government track the individual's role in various business entities.

In short, think of the LLPIN and CIN as IDs for two different kinds of business entities, while the DIN/DPIN is a personal ID for the individuals who manage them.

Need help getting your LLPIN?

From name approval and FiLLiP to bank-ready documents—we’ll register your LLP and get your LLPIN fast.

Explore LLP Registration package →