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What is DIR-3 KYC?
DIR-3 KYC is the annual KYC (Know Your Customer) update for every individual who has been allotted a DIN (Director Identification Number) by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. The MCA uses it to verify that director details — address, mobile, email — are current.
It applies whether or not you are currently a director. Once you have a DIN, the obligation continues until you formally surrender the DIN via Form DIR-5.
Due date — Mark your calendar
Due date: 30 September every year
This applies to anyone who held a DIN on or before 31 March of the same year. So if you got your DIN in January 2026, your first KYC is due by 30 September 2026.
The MCA usually publishes a reminder cycle starting July-August every year.
Two forms — DIR-3 KYC vs DIR-3 KYC-WEB
The MCA provides two methods:
1. DIR-3 KYC (e-form)
Used for first-time KYC OR when any detail (mobile, email, address) has changed. Requires:
- Photograph
- Identity proof (PAN, Aadhaar, passport)
- Address proof (utility bill, bank statement)
- DSC of the individual
- CA/CS/CMA professional certification
2. DIR-3 KYC-WEB
Used for subsequent years when details are unchanged. Simpler — just OTP verification on registered mobile and email. No documents, no DSC, no professional fee in most cases.
Penalty for non-filing — ₹5,000 and DIN deactivation
If you miss the 30 September deadline:
- DIN is marked 'Deactivated due to non-filing of DIR-3 KYC' on the MCA portal
- You cannot be appointed as director in any company until reactivated
- You cannot sign any MCA filings (AOC-4, MGT-7, etc.) — affecting all your companies
- Other directors in your companies may face compliance issues
To reactivate, file the pending DIR-3 KYC with ₹5,000 fixed late fee. DIN becomes Active again within 1-2 working days of approval.
Step-by-step process
For DIR-3 KYC-WEB (subsequent years, unchanged details):
- Visit mca.gov.in → Login with your credentials
- Go to 'DIR-3 KYC' under 'MCA Services'
- Enter your DIN — system fetches existing data
- Verify mobile and email with OTP
- Submit — instant acknowledgment
For DIR-3 KYC e-form (first-time or changed details):
- Download Form DIR-3 KYC from mca.gov.in
- Fill personal details, address, mobile, email
- Attach documents (photograph, ID proof, address proof)
- Sign with DSC
- CA/CS/CMA certifies the form
- Upload on MCA portal — acknowledgment generated
Common mistakes to avoid
Based on our experience filing thousands of DIR-3 KYCs:
- Wrong mobile number — OTP fails. Use the same mobile linked to your DIN.
- PAN-Aadhaar mismatch — Name on PAN must match name on Aadhaar exactly.
- Expired DSC — Renew DSC before filing if it's expired.
- Old address — Update address via DIR-3 KYC if you've moved.
- Inactive email — Use a working email; you'll need it for OTP.
- Last-minute filing — Portal slows down on 29-30 September. File in August.