Overview
DIR-3 KYC is a mandatory compliance introduced by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) for all individuals holding a Director Identification Number (DIN). Every director or designated partner with an approved DIN must file their KYC annually to validate personal details such as name, address, mobile number and email address with the MCA database. This initiative was launched to ensure transparency, prevent fraudulent activities and maintain accurate information about directors in the corporate records.
Why
There are several advantages and reasons why filing DIR-3 KYC is important, as listed below:
- Ensures updated and authentic details of directors are maintained with MCA.
- Helps in preventing identity theft and misuse of DIN.
- Non-filing may lead to DIN deactivation and penalties.
- Mandatory compliance for smooth continuation as a director in any company/LLP.
- Builds credibility and strengthens corporate governance.
Process
The process of filing DIR-3 KYC is systematic and involves the following steps:
- Preparation of Documents – Collect necessary proofs such as PAN, Aadhaar and contact details.
- Filing Form – Fill in DIR-3 KYC or DIR-3 KYC-WEB (for directors who have already filed once and only need to verify with OTP).
- OTP Verification – Validate email and mobile number via OTP sent by MCA.
- Certification – A practicing professional (CA/CS/CMA) certifies the form.
- Submission – Submit the form on the MCA portal.
- Acknowledgment – MCA issues approval, confirming successful filing.
Documents required for DIR-3 KYC Form
To complete the DIR-3 KYC process smoothly, the following documents are required: -
- PAN Card (mandatory for Indian directors).
- Aadhaar Card.
- Passport (mandatory for foreign nationals).
- Voter ID/Driving License (for additional proof).
- Recent Passport-size Photograph.
- Email ID and Mobile Number (unique and linked with the director).
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) of the director.
- Attestation by a practicing professional (CA/CS/CMA).
Fees
The government has set clear fee rules for filing DIR-3 KYC:
- On-time filing – NIL fees.
- Late filing – ₹5,000 penalty imposed by MCA for each DIN.
- Professional/consultancy fees may apply if using a service provider.
Timeline
MCA has fixed a timeline for annual filing of DIR-3 KYC:
- Due Date – 30th September of every financial year.
- Filing is annual and must be done by every DIN holder, irrespective of whether they are currently a director in an active company or not.
FAQs
DIR-3 KYC (form) must be filed the first time or whenever there is a change in details such as name, address, mobile number or email. DIR-3 KYC-WEB is a simplified version for subsequent years if no details have changed, where you only verify via OTP.
No, you only need to file from the next financial year onwards. For example, if you obtained your DIN in January 2025, your first DIR-3 KYC will be due by 30th September 2026.
Yes, filing is linked to the DIN, not the company. Even if the company is inactive, struck-off, or under liquidation, the director must still complete KYC.
If your DIN is deactivated, you cannot sign or file any document as a director. To reactivate, you must file DIR-3 KYC along with the late filing fee of ₹5,000.
No, you can update them if needed. However, the new mobile number and email will require fresh OTP verification during the filing process.
Yes, foreign directors can use Indian contact details, but it is advisable to use personal and active ones to avoid OTP delivery issues.
The details are cross-verified using PAN (for Indian directors) and Passport (for foreign directors). OTP verification and professional attestation further ensure authenticity.
Yes, designated partners of LLPs who have been allotted a DIN are also required to file DIR-3 KYC annually.
In such cases, you must update the change first using the prescribed DIR-6 form and then file DIR-3 KYC with updated details.
Generally, the due date is 30th September every year. However, MCA may grant extensions in exceptional circumstances (such as COVID-19), which are notified through circulars.
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