Unique Document Identification Number

UDIN Verification

UDIN (Unique Document Identification Number) is a UDIN full form which is a unique number for the identification of every document attested by practising chartered accountants. The attestation of a CA (Chartered Accountant) on a document or any certificate is of enormous value since it generally shows that the CA has ensured that there is no falsification in the issued or submitted document by the company or entity.

An audit report issued by the auditor in respect of the financial statements of an entity reflecting a true and fair view of the financial statements is the prime example of UDI number India. It is because of such attestation the investors and other stakeholders can rely on the performance of an entity through UDIN verification.

We will discuss about the following topics under UDIN in details which also include UDIN format, UDIN check UDIN login, UDIN verification, UDIN generate, UDIN search, verify UDIN etc.

Background

The ICAI (Institute of Chartered Accountants of India) has developed a method of securing the documents issued by a CA by issuing a Unique Document Identification Number (UDIN). UDIN Number format was introduced as ICAI observed that certain unscrupulous individuals are posing as CAs and forging signatures to issue certificates and other such documents with the intent of misleading not only the authorities.

What is UDIN?

UDIN, Unique Document Identification Number, is the unique or exclusive number generated on the UDIN Portal for every document and certificate that have been attested by a registered CA. However, with effect from February 1, 2019, UDIN is mandatory for all certificates and documents issued by Chartered Accountants in Practice. Now let's know further how to know UDIN no.

What is the Format of UDIN?

The UDIN is an 18 digit system generated number and it has the following format:

• The first 2 Digits are YY - The last two digits of the Current Year (in this case 18)
• The next 6 Digits are ICAI’s Membership No. i.e, AAAAAA (in this case 304676)
• The next 10 Digits are the randomly generated Alpha-numeric numbers i.e., AANNNAANNN (AKTSBN1659).

How to Register and Generate UDIN?

A) Registration of UDIN:

CAs with Certificate of Practice (Full time Practicing CAs) need to first register themselves on the UDIN portal in order to generate the UDIN for every document that is to be attested in UDIN certificate format. Now let's find out how to find the UDIN number

• Step 1: Go to UDIN Portal
• Step 2: Select Member Registration and click on first-time sign-up.

• Step 3: Enter the six-digit membership number, date of enrolment & date of birth and click on the Send OTP button.

• Step 4: Enter the OTP received on the registered mobile number and e-mail id with ICAI and click on Continue.

B) Generation of UDIN:

• Step 1: Log in to the UIDN portal using your valid credentials.

• Step 2: Click on Generate UDIN

• Step 3: Select a Document type from the pull-down menu. drop-down menu.
• Step 4: Enter the Date of Signing or certifying of Document.
• Step 5: After that enter two Financial Figures such as Turnover/Net worth etc.
• Step 6: After that enter two Financial Figures such as Turnover/Net worth etc.
• Step 7: Out of 3 (three) given fields 2 Financial Figures are mandatory. Zero (0) is to be mentioned in Financial Figure in case, there is no Financial Figure in the Certificate and in its Particulars mention, There is no Financial Figure in Certificate.
• Step 8: Select Document Description and enter the details in 15 to 50 characters about the Certificate.
• Step 9: Then Click the button Send OTP.
• Step 10: After this, a One Time Password will be received on the Registered Member's Mobile number and Email-id.
• Step 11: Then enter the received One Time Password and click Preview. In Preview, details entered for UDIN generation will be displayed. In a case, if there is any change or error in the furnished details, click the Back button, or else, click Submit.

• Step 12: The UDIN will now be generated. Such, UDIN can be used on the document by mentioning it as a watermark or using a pen on the document.

Revocation/Cancellation of UDIN

ICAI Members should note that by mentioning the reason, UDIN can be cancelled or revoked. Further, for allowing revocation there is no prescribed time limit. An alert message will be sent about the revocation of the UDIN if any user had searched that UDIN before revocation. In case anybody searches for the revoked UDIN, the appropriate statement indicated by Member with the revocation date will be displayed.

Consequences of Not Generating A UDIN

As per the Council Decision of ICAI, UDIN generation is compulsory. Hence, not generating UDIN for mandatory certificates or documents may amount to non-adherence to the ICAI Council Decision. Further, the non-adherence of the council decision may attract disciplinary actions as per the Second Schedule Part II of The Chartered Accountants Act, 1949.