—Guide
UDIN and CA Certificates: How to Verify a Certificate Is Genuine
What UDIN is, why every CA certificate must carry one, how recipients verify certificates on ICAI's portal, and what a genuine CA certificate should contain.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) introduced the Unique Document Identification Number (UDIN) to stop fake certificates and let anyone verify a CA's signed document. It's now mandatory for certificates, audit reports and other attest documents.
What UDIN Is
A UDIN is an 18-character number generated by the CA on ICAI's portal for each document signed. It records the CA's membership number, the date, and key figures from the document.
When It's Required
- All certificates issued by practising CAs.
- Audit reports, including statutory and tax audit reports.
- Other attest and assurance documents.
UDIN must be generated within the time allowed by ICAI after signing.
How to Verify
- Go to ICAI's UDIN verification portal.
- Enter the UDIN, the CA's membership number and the document date.
- Check that the details match the certificate.
Many authorities, banks and regulators verify UDINs routinely.
What a Genuine Certificate Contains
- The CA or firm's name, registration and membership numbers.
- The purpose and addressee.
- The figures certified, with the basis and period.
- The documents relied on, and any limitations.
- Signature, date, place and UDIN.
Red Flags
- No UDIN, or a UDIN that doesn't verify.
- Wording certifying something as 'true and correct' without basis.
- Figures that don't match other records.
Getting Help
Think Filing issues certificates with UDINs and helps recipients with verification queries.