The Director KYC (Know Your Customer) filing is a mandatory annual compliance requirement for all directors in India, according to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). Every individual holding a Director Identification Number (DIN) must file their KYC details electronically through Form DIR-3 KYC. Failure to do so leads to DIN deactivation and penalties.
This blog explains who needs to file director KYC, the online filing process, documents required, and due dates to ensure timely compliance.
Introduction
In an effort to enhance corporate governance and check the legitimacy of directors, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs has made yearly online filing of KYC details by directors mandatory. This guarantees there is a record of all DIN holders and their contact information is maintained in the MCA’s records, allowing them to track each director.
The KYC requirement applies not just to directors of active companies but to anyone who has been allotted a DIN, even if they are not currently serving on a company’s board. The filing must be done using Form DIR-3 KYC or DIR-3 KYC Web, depending on whether the director is filing for the first time or has already filed in a previous year without changes.
Who Needs to File Director KYC?
Every person who holds a valid Director Identification Number (DIN) as on 31st March of the financial year is required to file their KYC by the prescribed due date.
Applicable cases –
- Directors of private or public companies
- Individuals with DINs, even if not currently appointed in any company
- Directors who have previously filed KYC and need to update their personal details
If KYC is not filed by the deadline, the DIN will be marked as “Deactivated due to non-filing of KYC” and cannot be used for company-related filings until reactivated with a penalty.
Types of KYC Forms
There are two methods to complete KYC for directors –
- Form DIR-3 KYC (PDF Form) – Used when filing for the first time or when there are changes in email, mobile, or personal details.
- DIR-3 KYC Web (Online Mode) – Used in subsequent years if no changes have been made to previously filed information.
The choice of form depends on your filing history and whether any updates are required.
Documents Required for DIR-3 KYC Form Filing
To complete the KYC process, the following documents must be submitted (in the form of a PDF or scanned format) –
- PAN Card (mandatory for Indian nationals)
- Aadhaar Card or Passport (for foreign nationals)
- Email ID and Mobile Number (OTP verification required)
- Self-attested Address Proof (Electricity bill, bank statement, etc.)
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) of the director
- Attestation by a practicing professional (CA/CS/CMA) for Form DIR-3 KYC
Make sure all documents are legible, self-attested, and updated.
Process to File Director KYC Online
1. Prepare the Documents
Ensure all required documents are scanned, self-attested, and ready for upload. Confirm that your mobile number and email ID are active for OTP validation.
2. Download Form DIR-3 KYC (if filing for the first time)
Go to https://www.mca.gov.in → “MCA Services” → “DIN Services” → Download DIR-3 KYC form.
3. Fill in the Details
Enter the following –
- DIN, full name (as per PAN), nationality
- PAN/Aadhaar details
- Email ID and mobile number (OTP verification will follow)
- Residential address and permanent address
- Digital Signature of the director and CA/CS/CMA attestation
4. OTP Verification
Once the form is validated, MCA sends OTPs to your registered email and mobile number. Enter both OTPs to proceed.
5. Affix Digital Signature
Sign the form using the DSC of the director, and get it digitally certified by a practicing professional (Chartered Accountant, Company Secretary, or Cost Accountant).
6. Upload Form on MCA Portal
Login to MCA, upload the form under “MCA Services” → “Upload e-Forms”. No government fee is charged if filed before the due date.
7. Acknowledgment
Once the form is accepted, an SRN (Service Request Number) is generated. You can track the status of the filing using this number.
DIR-3 KYC Web Filing (For Repeat Filings Without Changes)
For directors who filed DIR-3 KYC last year and have no updates to personal details, the DIR-3 KYC Web process is even simpler –
- Login to MCA
- Click “DIR-3 KYC Web”
- Enter DIN and complete OTP verification on your registered mobile and email.
- Then simply click ‘submit,’ and you are done! No professional certification or DSC is required at this stage.
Conclusion
Filing director KYC online is a straightforward but essential compliance under MCA regulations. It helps maintain transparency in the corporate ecosystem and ensures that the government has accurate records of all DIN holders. Whether you’re an active director or simply hold a DIN, make sure to complete your KYC filing every year on time and with accurate details.
By following the right form, collecting the necessary documents, and using the MCA portal correctly, you can avoid penalties and ensure smooth legal functioning of your directorship.
References
https://www.icsi.edu/home/
