What is Form FiLLiP?
Form FiLLiP stands for Form of Incorporation of Limited Liability Partnership. It is a mandatory document required to register an LLP with MCA, under LLP Act 2008. This form is filed online via MCA portal. It includes details such as- company name, DPIN application, designated partner addition. Filling this form with accuracy is first step in LLP registration. Once the form is submitted and approved, your LLP comes into existence.
Who are Designated Partners?
With great power comes great responsibility and that’s what exactly being a ‘Designated Partner’ in terms of LLP refers to. Designated Partner can be thought of as a manager of a team, but in legal set-up. In context of LLPs not all the partners are responsible for compliance duties, it is these designed partners who are assigned responsibility to fulfill compliance duties.
According to LLP Act, 2008, every LLP must have at least two designated partners with a valid DPIN, and at least one of them must be a resident of India. Being designated partners they officially take in-charge of all the legal responsibilities of LLP – maintaining books of accounts, filing annual returns. They are held responsible in case LLP fails to meet legal obligations. They are the legal face of an LLP.
Role of Designated Partners
Designated Partners make sure that LLP stays legal and compliant. Designated Partners are the ones who work behind the scenes as well to keep LLP active through timely legal compliances.
Designated Partners fulfill the following duties-
- Maintaining statutory registers and proper records
- Signing all e- forms with the registrar
- Filing annual returns and financial statements
- Ensuring timely filing of income tax and MCA compliance
- They are legally accountable for any non-compliance- being legal face of the LLP
- They are official representatives of LLP in all MCA matters
This reflects that stepping in as designated partners is followed by great accountability, being designated partners their role is not just honorary but they are legally liable for all kinds of penalties in the name of LLP.
What is DPIN?
DPIN stands for Designated Partner Identification Number. DPIN can be understood as the identity card to manage LLP’s activities. DPIN is applied through Form FiLLiP on MCA portal. DPIN is issued by MCA and is mandatory for anyone who wishes to become a designated partner.
Absence of DPIN, MCA won’t recognize designated partner’s role officially, leading to further compliance delays and hurdles for an LLP. without DPIN designated partners cannot be officially appointed. DPIN ensures that government can track who is responsible for handling LLPs filing and compliance.
Role of DPIN
When moving ahead with LLP registration, DPIN turns to be non-negotiable. It can be considered an official license to be a designated partner. DPIN plays key role in Form FiLLiP as-
- DPIN is mandatory for the appointment of designated partners
- It serves as unique and official identification number with MCA
- It is one time requirement and can be used for multiple LLPs
- Through DPIN, government can track who is accountable for managing LLP legally
- It ensures that LLP is legally formed and LLP application ids not delayed or rejected for non- compliance
Therefore, getting a DPIN is a smart step and legal gateway towards LLP registration because without DPIN you cant move forward for LLP registration.
How to Apply for DPIN in Form FiLLiP?
Planning to register an LLP in India, and you wish to become a designated partner, then acquiring DPIN is necessary. Earlier DPIN were applied through a separate form- DIR-3, however now this is not the case, DPIN is now applied through Form FiLLiP on MCA Portal. Now let’s dive deeper and walk through the application process:
- Step-1: Visit the official MCA Portal (https://www.mca.gov.in)
- Step-2: MCA Services > LLP Services > Incorporation of LLP (Form FiLLiP) – This is all in one form for registering a new LLP, appointing designated partners, applying for DPIN
- Step-3: Start filling the LLP information correctly (name of LLp, business activity code, state and office address, total partners and designated partners)
- Step-4: Add partner and designated partner details, if the person already has DPIN, then enter it, in case if there is no DPIN then, tick checkbox- “Whether DPIN is to be allotted.”
- Step-5: Attach Supporting DocumentsEach partner applying for DPIN must upload these documents:
Document Details Identity Proof PAN Card (for Indian nationals), Passport (for foreigners) Address Proof Aadhaar Card / Voter ID / Utility Bill (not older than 2 months) Photograph Passport-size, color, JPG format Signature Scan of partner’s signature (used in declaration) Declaration by Partner Consent to act as Designated Partner in the prescribed format - Step-6: Every Designated Partner including those applying for DPIN, are supposed to sign Form FiLLiP digitally using a Class 3 DSC. In case of its absence, MCA will not accept the form.
- Step-7: Once the form is complete, validate all details and submit the form and pay the government fees.Note- System generates an SRN (Service Request Number). Track your application status using this number.
- Step-8: Upon submission, Registrar of Companies (RoC) verifies all details, and if everything seems to be correct, LLP gets incorporated, DPINs are allotted to new designated partners.
Important Documents Required
Below is a checklist, you must keep ready when applying for a Designated Partner Identification Number (DPIN) via Form FiLLiP:
- PAN Card- Primary Id proof mandatory for all Indian applicants
- Address Proof – Aadhaar, voter id, passport or recent utility bill (not older than 2 months)
- Passport Size Photograph- clear, and recent, and in JPEG format
- Scanned Signature- To be attached with consent declarations.
- Consent to Act as Designated Partner- A signed form confirming your appointment.
- Passport (For Foreign Nationals)- Must be notarized and apostille.
How EbizFiling can help?
Setting up an LLP, but confused about DPIN and Form FiLLiP, EbizFiling is always there at your rescue to reduce your compliance related stress. From applying for designated partner ID to filling all other forms flawlessly, EbizFiling is your one stop solution. We make it simple for you-
- Form FiLLiP Filing- We fill and submit Form FiLLiP for smooth LLP Registration
- DPIN Filing- Rapid, error free filing of DPIN application
- DSC Setup- Quick and appropriate assistance in getting your Digital signature
- Document Check- We carefully scrutinize all documents in accordance with MCA guidelines
- Expert Guidance- We explain every single step and help you throughout the process
Conclusion
Behind every successful LLP is a well defined structure of legal compliance which lies in the hands of Designated Partners with a valid DPIN. Although the procedure seems to be confusing, complex and technical, with expert support it becomes smooth and convenient, you focus on building, let us take care of all your compliance needs.
Suggested Read :
Process to Change LLP Agreement
LLP agreement vs Partnership Deed
LLP Annual Compliance Calendar 2025-26
Leave a Comment