Which Documents are Required for OPC Registration?

Starting a business is an exciting journey, and forming a One Person Company (OPC) offers a straightforward way for a solo entrepreneur to establish a formal business structure. An OPC shields your personal assets from business obligations by providing limited liability and a separate legal identity.

To successfully set up an OPC, you need to prepare certain paperwork. The documents required for a person’s company registration are essential for compliance with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). Having these OPC registration documents ready in advance ensures a smooth and hassle-free approval process.

Since registration is now completely online, you must therefore upload all required documents electronically in the correct format. This guide organizes the necessary documents for the director, nominee, registered office, and company to help you avoid delays and start your business quickly.

Documents: For Directors & Nominees

For a successful application, you must meet the essential requirements for registering a One Person Company (OPC), which include the following:

Document	Purpose / Use	Required From	Key Requirements / Conditions
PAN Card	Identity proof; needed for tax, MCA verification, and DIN application	Director / Member & Nominee	Must be valid; name on PAN card should match other ID documents
Aadhaar Card	Address proof (if Indian resident); ID verification; e-KYC purposes	Director / Member & Nominee	Must be current; correct address; front/back copy if required
Passport / Voter ID / Driver’s License	Alternative identity proof, especially useful for NRIs or if Aadhaar isn’t enough	Director / Member & Nominee	Valid government-issued photograph; consistent name
Recent Passport-size Photograph	For MCA / ROC filings, DSC applications, etc.	Director / Member & Nominee	Recent colour photo; size as per MCA norms; good quality scan
Address Proof (for Director / Nominee)	To verify the residential address required for DIN / DSC, etc.	Director / Member & Nominee	Utility bill/bank statement/mobile/electricity bill; not older than 2 months; name & address consistent
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)	To digitally sign incorporation forms and other required documents	Director / Member & Nominee (at least Director)	Class 3 DSC; use valid identity & address proofs; photograph; email/phone, etc.
Director Identification Number (DIN)	Unique number for any person seeking to be a director; required under MCA law	Director / Member	PAN, address proof, identity proof, etc., are often obtained along with the SPICe+ incorporation application
Director’s Consent (Form DIR-2)	Formal consent of the person to act as Director	Director	Filled & signed; includes details like name, address, DIN (if allotted), declaration of non-disqualification
Nominee’s Consent (Form INC-3)	Nominee must agree to be the successor in case the sole member is incapacitated or dies	Nominee	Self-attested identity & address proof must accompany INC-3; signed form; correct details
Director’s Declaration (Form INC-9)	Declaration by director and subscriber that they’re not disqualified under law; accuracy of information	Director / Member	Signed; must confirm no legal disqualifications; to be submitted with incorporation

Notes / Additional Details

• Consistency is important: Names, addresses, etc. must match across documents (PAN, Aadhaar, address proof). Mismatches can lead to rejection.
• Recentness of address proof: Usually not older than 2 months (some sources mention “60 days”).
• In most cases, self-attestation is sufficient; however, NRIs must provide notarisation or apostille when necessary.
• A foreign national is not eligible to form a One Person Company (OPC) in India.

Documents Required for Registered Office

Every OPC must have a registered office in India. The documents required for the office address include:

Document	Purpose / Use	Conditions / Requirements
Utility Bill (electricity, water, gas, etc.)	To prove the address of the registered office, the ROC / MCA records need proof of the physical address	Must clearly mention the registered office address; often required not older than 60 days (≈ 2 months).
Property Tax Receipt or Property Documents (Sale Deed)	Proof of ownership of the premises is required	Must be in the name of the company or applicant (depending on the situation).
Rent Agreement / Lease Agreement	If the registered office is rented, need legal agreement is needed to show the right to occupy the premises	The agreement should be valid (not expired), often signed, and sometimes needs to be registered. The name of the lessee (company/applicant) should ideally be in agreement.
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Owner / Landlord	To show the owner consents to the premises being used as the registered office	Necessary if the property is not owned by the company/applicant; the owner should expressly permit usage; format sometimes prescribed.
Proof of Address (Registered Office) via Utility / Service Bill in the Company’s Name	To ensure correspondence and ROC notices are sent to the correct address	Sometimes the utility bill or service bill must be in the company’s name if the company is already formed; otherwise applicant’s name may suffice, depending on the stage.

Key Points / Additional Details

• The utility or service bills (electricity, water, property tax, etc.) should typically be recent—not older than 60 days (≈ 2 months).
• You must submit a rent agreement and an NOC from the owner if you are renting the premises.
• You must provide ownership proof (e.g., a sale deed) if the company or applicant owns the premises.

Documents: For Companies

You must also prepare certain legal documents that define the company’s structure, in addition to personal and office documents. These documents are among the most critical for OPC registration.

Document	Purpose / Use	Key Requirements / Conditions
Memorandum of Association (MoA)	It is the company’s constitutional document: it defines the company name, registered office address, objectives, capital clause, liability, etc.	Must follow the prescribed format under Schedule I of the Companies Act, 2013; signed/subscribed by the sole member (for OPC), and incorporate clauses like name clause, object clause, liability clause, capital clause, subscriber clause, and nominee clause. Stamp duty/notary charges vary by state.
Articles of Association (AoA)	Rules/regulations governing internal management of the company — how the company will operate, internal governance, roles of director/nominee, etc.	Must be consistent with MoA; formally executed; signed; may not have a strict prescribed format, but must meet legal formalities.
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)	For signing online incorporation documents, MoA/AoA, SPICe+ forms, etc.	Class 3 DSC is typically required; it must be valid; the director (and sometimes nominee) must obtain one.
Director Identification Number (DIN)	To identify the director legally before registration, as required under MCA rules.	If not already obtained, DIN is allocated during SPICe+ Part B; identity/address proofs will be required.
Director’s Consent (Form DIR-2)	Formal written consent by the proposed director to act as director.	Must contain required information (name, address, date, etc.), signed, and uploaded with incorporation forms.
Nominee’s Consent (Form INC-3)	Since OPC must have a nominee to take over in case the sole member is incapacitated or dies.	Nominee must give written consent, with identity/address proof, signed and submitted along with other forms.
Declaration / Non-disqualification of Director (Form INC-9)	The director (or subscriber) must declare that they are not disqualified under the Companies Act, and that the information provided is true.	Signed / digitally signed; submitted along with other incorporation documents.
Other Declarations / Affidavit (if applicable)	Sometimes additional legal declaration or affidavit confirming certain facts (such as address, identity) depending on state rules or non-resident status.	May need notarization or apostille, especially if a foreign address or documents in a foreign language.

By gathering all the general, address, and entity-specific documents mentioned above, you can ensure a smooth GST or company registration process.

Read the full list of documents required for company registration in India here.

Legal Framework for OPC Registration

Here are the key legal provisions that define and regulate the OPC structure:

• Definition: Section 2(62) of the Companies Act, 2013 defines an OPC as a company with only one person as its member.
• Eligibility: The law specifies that only a natural person who is an Indian citizen and a resident of India can form an OPC. “Resident” is defined as a person who has stayed in India for a period of not less than 120 days during the immediately preceding financial year. A person can be a member of only one OPC at a time.
• Nominee Requirement: A crucial aspect of the OPC legal framework is the mandatory appointment of a nominee. This person must also be an Indian citizen and resident. Their written consent in Form INC-3 is required at the time of incorporation. The nominee takes over the company in case of the sole member’s death or incapacity, ensuring business continuity.
• Compliance & Conversion: While OPCs have a reduced compliance burden compared to other company types, they are still required to file annual returns and financial statements with the Registrar of Companies (ROC). A key rule is mandatory conversion: an OPC must convert into a private or public limited company if its paid-up capital exceeds Rs. 50 lakh or its average annual turnover exceeds Rs. 2 crore. You can read more about OPC conversion rules to understand the process and compliance requirements.

To ensure the company’s growth is managed within a suitable legal structure, it is always wise to contact an expert for guidance.

Eligibility Criteria for OPC Registration in India

The legal framework specifies strict eligibility and compliance requirements for OPCs:

• Eligibility: Only a natural person who is an Indian citizen and a resident of India can incorporate an OPC. A person qualifies as a “resident” if they have stayed in India for at least 120 days during the immediately preceding financial year. An individual can hold membership in only one OPC at a time.
• Nominee: The sole member must appoint a nominee who is also an Indian citizen and resident. The nominee’s written consent in Form INC-3 is a mandatory part of the registration process.
• Mandatory Conversion: An OPC must be converted into a private or public limited company if its paid-up capital exceeds Rs. 50 lakh or its annual turnover exceeds Rs. 2 crore.
• Compliance: OPCs enjoy simplified compliance compared to other company structures, but they must still follow specific legal provisions. These include preparing and filing annual financial statements and an annual return with the Registrar of Companies (ROC). A statutory audit is also mandatory.

What You Need to Prepare Before OPC Registration?

You must complete a few preparatory steps before filing the main One Person Company registration documents.

Step 1: Obtain a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is a secure digital key that acts as a digital equivalent of a physical signature.

• The proposed director of the OPC must acquire a DSC to digitally sign all electronic forms submitted to the MCA.
• A DSC is issued by a Certifying Authority (CA) licensed by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) and is typically stored on a secure USB token.
• The application for a DSC requires identity and address proof, along with a recent photograph.

Step 2: Get a Director Identification Number (DIN)

The authorities assign a Director Identification Number (DIN), a unique 8-digit number, to any person who intends to become a company director.

• New companies can apply for the DIN directly through the integrated SPICe+ form, which simplifies the process.
• The DIN serves as a permanent identifier for the director and remains valid even if they change companies.
• You submit documents like a PAN card, address proof, and a photograph for DIN allotment, and the MCA verifies them.

Step 3: Reserve a Company Name

The proposed name of the OPC must be unique and must comply with the naming guidelines of the Companies Act, 2013.

• The name must end with the suffix “(OPC) Private Limited” to clearly indicate its legal status.
• The name can be reserved through the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) web service or as part of the SPICe+ form on the MCA portal.
• Once the authorities approve a name, you have 20 days to submit the full incorporation application.

After completing the pre-registration steps, you will proceed with the registration process. This typically involves verifying your details, submitting the required documents, and confirming your registration to secure your spot.

What are the Attestation Guidelines?

The primary form of attestation required for OPC registration is self-attestation. This means the director and nominee must sign a copy of their identity and address proofs themselves, declaring the copies to be true replicas of the originals.

• Self-Attestation: You must sign all personal documents, including the PAN card, Aadhaar card, and address proofs. Authorities widely accept this simple and quick verification method for the process.
• No Notarization: You do not need notarization for most domestic OPC registration documents. You generally need a notary public’s stamp only for documents used internationally or for specific legal procedures, which usually does not apply here.

What are the Guidelines for Formatting?

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has specific formatting and validity requirements to prevent application rejection.

• File Format: You must scan all documents as clear, high-quality PDFs. Authorities usually do not accept documents in other formats, such as JPEG or Word.
• Recency of Proofs: Address proofs, like utility bills or bank statements, must be recent, typically not older than two months. Outdated documents will lead to the rejection of the application.
• Clarity and Legibility: The scanned documents must be clear and legible. Blurry or cropped images that are difficult to read will result in application failure.
• File Size Limits: The uploaded files must comply with the specified size limits on the MCA portal.

Final Thoughts

Starting a One Person Company (OPC) is a significant milestone for any solo entrepreneur, and the preparation of the required documents plays a crucial role in the registration process. By carefully gathering and organizing identity proofs, address details, and other essential legal paperwork, you can ensure that the process is smooth and hassle-free.

Properly preparing the documents for OPC registration not only speeds up incorporation but also builds a strong foundation for future legal compliance. With everything in order, you can confidently transform your business idea into a legally recognized entity and shift your focus toward growth, stability, and long-term success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which documents you must provide for OPC registration?

The essential documents include identity and address proofs for the director and nominee, proof for the registered office, and company-specific documents like the Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA). You’ll also need a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) and Director Identification Number (DIN).

2. Can I use my mobile bill as proof of address?

Yes, a recent mobile or telephone bill can be used as proof of address. It should be in the name of the director or nominee and not be older than two months.

3. What is the role of the No Objection Certificate (NOC)?

The property owner of the registered office submits the NOC as a crucial document. It officially confirms that they have no objection to using the premises as the company’s official business address.

4. Is the PAN card mandatory for both the director and the nominee?

Yes, the PAN card is a mandatory identity proof for both the director and the nominee. All Indian citizens must provide it during the registration process.

5. Is it mandatory to notarize the documents?

For OPC registration within India, you generally do not need notarization for personal documents. The respective individual only needs to self-attest them.

6. What is the purpose of the Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA)?

The MoA acts as the company’s charter, defining its core business objectives and scope. The AoA contains the internal rules and regulations for the company’s day-to-day operations and management.

7. What if my address proof documents are older than two months?

The Registrar of Companies (ROC) will not accept your utility bills or bank statements if they are older than two months. You must obtain a recent document to avoid rejection of your application.

8. Can a minor be a nominee in an OPC?

No, a minor cannot be a member or a nominee in a One Person Company. Both the member and the nominee must be natural persons of legal age to register an Oner Person Company in India.

9. How do you use a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)?

You use a DSC to digitally sign all electronic forms and documents submitted during the online OPC registration process. It acts as a secure digital identity for the director.

10. Can an NRI register an OPC?

Yes, an Indian citizen who is a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) can now register an OPC. A person must stay in India for at least 120 days in the immediately preceding financial year to qualify as a resident.

11. Is it mandatory to have a registered office?

Yes, every OPC must have a registered office in India. The official address proof of this office is a mandatory document required for OPC registration.

12. How long does OPC registration take?

The registration process for a One Person Company (OPC) typically takes between 7 to 15 working days. This timeline is subject to various factors, including the availability of a unique company name, the accuracy of the documents submitted, and the processing speed of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). Incomplete documents or a rejected company name can cause delays.

13. What is the role of a nominee in an OPC?

The nominee’s role in an OPC is crucial for ensuring business continuity. Since a One Person Company has only one member, the sole member appoints a nominee to take over the company’s affairs in case of death or incapacitation. The nominee provides consent in a legal form at the time of company registration. While the sole member is active, the nominee has no active role in the company’s daily operations.