Director KYC compliance has undergone a significant change from 31 March 2026. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has introduced a new framework that reduces the frequency of periodic KYC compliance for individuals holding a Director Identification Number (DIN).
Under the earlier system, directors were required to complete their KYC compliance every year through the prescribed DIR-3 KYC process.
The new rules have changed this.
From 31 March 2026, Form DIR-3 KYC and DIR-3 KYC Web have been substituted with the revised Form DIR-3 KYC Web. Under the new framework, a person holding a DIN is generally required to complete KYC compliance once every three consecutive financial years, while changes in certain KYC particulars must still be reported within 30 days.
This means that Director KYC is no longer simply an annual compliance exercise. Directors now need to understand two separate requirements:
- Periodic KYC compliance, which follows a three-year cycle.
- Updating changes in KYC particulars, which must be done within 30 days of the change.
The revised DIR-3 KYC Web form also provides a mechanism for DIN reactivation in cases where the DIN has been deactivated due to non-filing of KYC.
This article explains the new Director KYC rules, the revised form, the three-year compliance cycle, the applicable due dates, fees, updating requirements and DIN reactivation process.
What Has Changed in Director KYC?
The MCA has introduced several important changes to the Director KYC framework.
The key changes are:
- The annual KYC compliance cycle has been replaced by a three-year compliance cycle.
- Form DIR-3 KYC and DIR-3 KYC Web have been substituted with the revised DIR-3 KYC Web.
- KYC compliance is now required once every third consecutive financial year, with the filing to be completed by 30 June of the applicable year.
- Changes in mobile number, email ID or residential address must be reported within 30 days of the change.
- The revised webform can be used for KYC compliance, updating certain personal details and reactivation of a DIN deactivated due to non-filing of KYC.
- Pending older DIR-3 KYC filings in certain incomplete statuses are being cancelled under the transition arrangements.
The objective of these changes is to reduce repetitive compliance for directors while continuing to ensure that the MCA maintains updated KYC information.
The most important point for directors is that the move to a three-year cycle does not mean that changes to KYC particulars can be ignored until the next three-year filing.
If a director’s mobile number, email ID or residential address changes, the change must still be reported within the prescribed 30-day period.
What Is the New Director KYC Three-Year Cycle?
Under the new rules, an individual holding a DIN as on 31 March of a financial year is required to file Form DIR-3 KYC Web once every third consecutive financial year, on or before 30 June.
This is a significant change from the earlier annual compliance requirement.
The three-year cycle is linked to the relevant financial year in which the DIN was allotted, subject to the transition provisions applicable to directors who had already completed their KYC.
Therefore, directors should not assume that every person with a DIN will have the same next KYC due date.
The applicable filing cycle depends on the circumstances of the DIN holder.
The MCA has provided specific illustrations to explain how the new cycle operates.
Example 1: DIN Allotted During FY 2025-26
Suppose a DIN is allotted during FY 2025-26.
Under the new three-year cycle, the first KYC compliance filing would be due during April 2029 to June 2029.
The next KYC compliance would then fall due after the next applicable three-year cycle.
Therefore, a person receiving a DIN during FY 2025-26 does not have to complete a KYC compliance filing every year from FY 2026-27 onwards.
The first periodic KYC compliance filing under the new cycle would be due in the April-June 2029 window.
Example 2: Director Has Already Filed KYC for FY 2025-26
The transition works differently for a director who had already completed the required KYC filing for FY 2025-26.
For example, where the DIN was allotted on or before 31 March 2025 and the director has already filed the applicable DIR-3 KYC eForm or DIR-3 KYC Web for FY 2025-26, no fresh KYC compliance filing is required for FY 2026-27 or FY 2027-28, provided there is no change in the relevant KYC particulars.
The first filing under the new three-year cycle in such a case would be due during:
April 2028 to June 2028
This is an important transition provision for directors who were already following the earlier KYC compliance requirements.
Example 3: KYC Details Are Updated During the Three-Year Cycle
Consider a director whose DIN was allotted during FY 2025-26.
The director later changes their mobile number, email ID or residential address during FY 2027-28 and files the revised DIR-3 KYC Web to report the change.
Does this restart the three-year KYC cycle?
No.
The MCA’s illustration clarifies that the three-year KYC compliance cycle continues to be reckoned from the financial year in which the DIN was allotted.
Therefore, the update made during FY 2027-28 does not reset the periodic KYC compliance cycle.
The next KYC compliance filing would still be due during April 2029 to June 2029.
This distinction is important because the revised form has two different purposes:
- Periodic KYC compliance.
- Updating changes in KYC particulars.
Updating information during the three-year period does not automatically mean that the three-year KYC compliance cycle starts again.
Is Director KYC Now Required Only Once Every Three Years?
For periodic KYC compliance, yes, the annual requirement has been replaced by a three-year cycle.
However, directors should not interpret this as meaning that they can ignore their KYC information for three years.
There are two separate obligations.
Periodic KYC compliance
This is required once every three consecutive financial years, with the applicable filing due by 30 June.
Updating changes in KYC particulars
If the director’s mobile number, email ID or residential address changes, the change must be reported through DIR-3 KYC Web within 30 days.
Therefore, a director may not have to file a periodic KYC compliance form every year, but the director may still need to use the DIR-3 KYC Web form during the intervening period if relevant personal details change.
What Is the New DIR-3 KYC Web Form?
The MCA has substituted the earlier Form DIR-3 KYC and DIR-3 KYC Web with the revised Form DIR-3 KYC Web.
The revised webform is designed to handle multiple types of Director KYC-related compliance.
The available purposes include:
- Reactivation of DIN.
- KYC compliance.
- Updating mobile number.
- Updating email ID.
- Updating permanent residential address.
- Updating present residential address.
This means that the distinction between the earlier DIR-3 KYC eForm and DIR-3 KYC Web process has been removed under the revised framework.
The new DIR-3 KYC Web therefore acts as a consolidated mechanism for the relevant KYC compliance and information updates. However, the purpose selected in the form is important. For example, Reactivation of DIN and KYC Compliance cannot be selected together. A director whose DIN has been deactivated due to non-filing of KYC must follow the applicable reactivation process rather than treating the filing as a routine periodic KYC compliance.
What Information Can Be Updated Through DIR-3 KYC Web?
The revised DIR-3 KYC Web can be used to update certain personal information of the DIN holder.
This includes:
- Personal mobile number.
- Personal email ID.
- Permanent residential address.
- Present residential address.
The availability of these options means that directors do not necessarily have to wait until their next periodic KYC compliance cycle to update their details. If a relevant change occurs, the director is expected to report it within the prescribed time.
When Must Changes in Director KYC Details Be Reported?
The new rules require certain changes to be reported within 30 days of the change.
This applies to changes in:
- Mobile number.
- Email ID.
- Residential address.
The change is reported through the DIR-3 KYC Web.
The applicable prescribed fee is payable for such updates.
This 30-day requirement is important because the three-year KYC cycle does not provide a three-year window for updating personal information. For example, if a director changes their personal mobile number in January, the director should not wait until the next periodic KYC compliance filing to update the information. The change should be reported within the prescribed 30-day period.
What Is the Fee for DIR-3 KYC Web?
The fee depends on the purpose for which the revised DIR-3 KYC Web is being filed.
The current fee structure specified in the latest help kit is broadly as follows:
| Purpose | Applicable Fee |
|---|---|
| Periodic KYC Compliance | Nil |
| Updating mobile number, email ID or residential address | ₹500 |
| Reactivation of DIN due to non-filing of KYC | ₹5,000 |
The periodic KYC compliance filing itself is therefore a zero-fee filing.
However, where a director is filing the webform to update mobile number, email ID or residential address, the applicable fee is ₹500.
Where a DIN has been deactivated because of non-filing of KYC and needs to be reactivated, the applicable fee is ₹5,000. Fees are subject to change based on amendments to the applicable rules or notifications. Directors should therefore verify the applicable fee at the time of filing.
What Happens If a DIN Is Deactivated Due to Non-Filing of KYC?
Under the earlier system, failure to complete the required KYC compliance could result in the DIN being deactivated.
The revised DIR-3 KYC Web provides a mechanism for reactivation of such a DIN.
However, the reactivation option is specifically intended for a DIN that has been deactivated due to non-filing of DIR-3 KYC. It should not be assumed that the revised webform can reactivate a DIN that has been deactivated for every possible reason.
The applicable purpose is therefore important when filing the webform. The fee for reactivation of a DIN due to non-filing of KYC is currently ₹5,000. A director whose DIN has been deactivated should therefore first check the reason for deactivation before proceeding with the filing.
Can Reactivation and KYC Compliance Be Filed Together?
No.
The revised DIR-3 KYC Web distinguishes between Reactivation of DIN and KYC Compliance. These purposes cannot be selected together. This means that a director whose DIN is deactivated due to non-filing of KYC should follow the reactivation process rather than simply filing the routine periodic KYC compliance option. Directors should carefully check their DIN status before filing.
What Happens to Pending Old DIR-3 KYC Filings?
The MCA has also provided specific transitional instructions for older filings.
Pending DIR-3 KYC Web or DIR-3 KYC eForm applications that are currently in certain incomplete statuses, including:
- Draft or pending status.
- Pending for DSC upload and payment.
will be marked as Cancelled under the transition arrangements.
Stakeholders with such pending filings have been advised to file a new DIR-3 KYC Web form effective from 31 March 2026.
Therefore, directors or professionals who had initiated the earlier process but had not completed the required steps should check the status of the old filing rather than assuming that the earlier application will continue to be processed. Where the old application has been cancelled, a fresh filing under the revised process may be required.
Does Updating KYC Details Reset the Three-Year Cycle?
No.
This is one of the most important practical clarifications under the new system.
Suppose a director’s DIN was allotted during FY 2025-26 and the next periodic KYC compliance is therefore due during April-June 2029.
If the director updates their mobile number or residential address during FY 2027-28, that update does not reset the three-year cycle.
The next periodic KYC compliance remains due according to the original cycle.
Therefore:
Change in KYC particulars = Update within 30 days
Periodic KYC compliance = Once every three consecutive financial years
These are separate requirements.
What Is the Difference Between Director KYC and KYC Detail Updates?
The revised framework can be understood more easily by separating the two requirements.
Director KYC Compliance
This is the periodic KYC requirement applicable once every three consecutive financial years.
KYC Detail Update
This applies when there is a change in relevant personal details such as the mobile number, email ID or residential address. The update must be made within 30 days of the change. Therefore, the new rules reduce the frequency of periodic compliance but do not remove the responsibility of directors to keep their information updated.
What Should Directors Do Now?
Directors should first determine which of the following situations applies to them:
If you have already completed KYC for FY 2025-26
Check your next applicable KYC compliance cycle. Under the MCA’s transition example, the next filing for such directors would be due during April-June 2028, provided there is no change in relevant KYC particulars requiring an earlier update.
If your DIN was allotted during FY 2025-26
The MCA’s illustration provides that the first KYC compliance filing under the new three-year cycle would be due during April-June 2029.
If your mobile number, email ID or residential address has changed
Do not wait for the next three-year KYC filing. The change should be reported through DIR-3 KYC Web within 30 days.
If your DIN has been deactivated because of non-filing of KYC
Check the DIN status and use the reactivation purpose available in the revised DIR-3 KYC Web, subject to the applicable conditions and fee.
If you have an old pending DIR-3 KYC filing
Check its status. If it falls within the pending categories covered by the MCA’s transition announcement and has been cancelled, a fresh filing may be required under the revised DIR-3 KYC Web process.
Director KYC: A Simple Compliance Checklist
Directors can use the following checklist to understand their current position:
- Check whether you hold a valid DIN.
- Check the date on which your DIN was allotted.
- Check whether you completed the applicable KYC filing for FY 2025-26.
- Determine your next three-year KYC compliance cycle.
- Check whether your personal mobile number is current.
- Check whether your email ID is current.
- Check whether your permanent residential address is correct.
- Check whether your present residential address is correct.
- Report any applicable change within 30 days.
- Check whether your DIN has been deactivated.
- If deactivated, verify the reason for deactivation.
- Check the status of any pending old DIR-3 KYC filing.
- Use the revised DIR-3 KYC Web for the appropriate purpose.
Keeping these details updated can help directors avoid unnecessary compliance issues and the need for DIN reactivation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Director KYC
Is Director KYC now required every three years?
The periodic KYC compliance requirement has moved from an annual cycle to once every three consecutive financial years. The applicable filing is to be completed by 30 June of the relevant year.
However, changes in mobile number, email ID or residential address must still be reported within 30 days.
What is the new DIR-3 KYC due date?
The periodic KYC compliance filing is due by 30 June of the applicable year under the three-year cycle.
The exact year in which a director must file depends on the applicable cycle and the transition provisions.
What is the first KYC due date for a DIN allotted during FY 2025-26?
According to the MCA’s illustration, where a DIN is allotted during FY 2025-26, the first KYC compliance filing under the new cycle is due during April 2029 to June 2029.
I already filed DIR-3 KYC for FY 2025-26. Do I need to file again in FY 2026-27?
No, not for periodic KYC compliance, provided there is no change in the relevant KYC particulars.
Under the MCA’s transition illustration, the next KYC compliance filing in such a case would be due during April-June 2028.
What if I change my mobile number after completing KYC?
The change should be reported through DIR-3 KYC Web within 30 days of the change.
You should not wait until the next three-year KYC compliance filing.
Does changing my mobile number restart the three-year KYC cycle?
No.
The MCA has clarified through its illustration that updating KYC particulars during the cycle does not reset the three-year KYC compliance cycle.
Are DIR-3 KYC and DIR-3 KYC Web still separate forms?
No.
The MCA has substituted Form DIR-3 KYC and DIR-3 KYC Web with the revised Form DIR-3 KYC Web.
What is the fee for periodic Director KYC compliance?
The fee for periodic KYC compliance is currently nil.
What is the fee for updating mobile number, email ID or address?
The current fee specified in the help kit is ₹500 for updating the relevant KYC particulars.
What is the fee for DIN reactivation?
Where a DIN has been deactivated due to non-filing of KYC, the fee for reactivation is currently ₹5,000.
Can I use DIR-3 KYC Web to reactivate any deactivated DIN?
No.
The reactivation purpose is intended for DINs that have been deactivated due to non-filing of DIR-3 KYC. A DIN deactivated for another reason may require a different process.
Can I select KYC Compliance and Reactivation of DIN together?
No.
The revised DIR-3 KYC Web does not permit the purposes of Reactivation of DIN and KYC Compliance to be selected together.
What happens to an old DIR-3 KYC filing that is still pending?
The MCA has stated that pending DIR-3 KYC Web or DIR-3 KYC eForm applications in certain incomplete statuses, such as Draft/Pending or Pending for DSC upload and payment, will be marked as Cancelled.
Stakeholders should check the status and file a fresh DIR-3 KYC Web where required.
Does the three-year KYC cycle mean that directors do not have to update their information every year?
There is no annual periodic KYC filing under the new three-year cycle.
However, if the director’s mobile number, email ID or residential address changes, the change must still be reported within 30 days.
Is the three-year KYC cycle based on the date of the last KYC filing?
The MCA’s illustrative scenarios indicate that the cycle is reckoned with reference to the financial year in which the DIN was allotted, subject to the transition provisions for directors who had already completed KYC for FY 2025-26.
Need Help With Director KYC Compliance?
The revised Director KYC framework is intended to reduce repetitive annual compliance, but the transition to the new three-year cycle and the separate 30-day update requirement can still create confusion.
If you are unsure about your next KYC due date, need to update your KYC particulars, or have a DIN that has been deactivated due to non-filing of KYC, our team can help you understand the applicable compliance requirements and complete the necessary MCA filing.
Get in touch with us for assistance with Director KYC, DIR-3 KYC Web and DIN-related compliance.
Conclusion
The Director KYC framework has changed significantly from 31 March 2026.
The earlier annual KYC compliance requirement has been replaced by a three-year cycle, reducing the frequency of periodic KYC filings for directors.
At the same time, the MCA has consolidated the earlier DIR-3 KYC and DIR-3 KYC Web processes into the revised DIR-3 KYC Web.
The new system can be broadly understood through two separate requirements:
Periodic KYC compliance: Once every three consecutive financial years.
Updating KYC particulars: Within 30 days when there is a change in the mobile number, email ID or residential address.
The revised webform also provides a mechanism for reactivation of DINs that have been deactivated due to non-filing of KYC, subject to the applicable conditions and fee.
Directors should therefore not assume that the introduction of the three-year cycle eliminates the need to monitor their KYC information. Instead, the new system reduces repetitive periodic filings while continuing to require directors to keep important personal information updated.
The transition provisions are particularly important for determining the next KYC compliance due date. Directors who had already completed their KYC for FY 2025-26 and those who received their DIN during FY 2025-26 can have different filing cycles.
Understanding the applicable cycle and keeping KYC particulars current can help directors avoid unnecessary compliance issues and the need for DIN reactivation.