What is DIR-3 KYC and who must file?
DIR-3 KYC is the annual KYC return prescribed under Rule 12A of the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014. Every individual who has been allotted a DIN on or before 31 March of the financial year, and whose DIN is in "Approved" status, must file DIR-3 KYC for that year — including disqualified directors and persons not currently appointed to any board. Designated partners of an LLP holding a DIN are equally covered.
DIR-3 KYC eForm vs DIR-3 KYC-WEB — which one do I file?
You file the DIR-3 KYC eForm (i) the first time you are completing KYC for the DIN, or (ii) any year in which a KYC detail (mobile, email, address, name, nationality, etc.) has changed. In subsequent years, where nothing has changed from the last filing, you simply use the DIR-3 KYC-WEB service on the MCA portal — log in, verify the prefilled details with OTPs on your registered mobile and email, and submit. There is no government fee for either route if filed by the due date.
What documents are needed?
- PAN (mandatory for Indian directors) and self-attested PAN copy
- Aadhaar with linked mobile and self-attested copy
- Personal mobile number and personal email — both unique to the director and OTP-verified
- Proof of present address (utility bill / bank statement, not older than 2 months)
- Passport (mandatory for foreign directors; for Indian directors if available)
- Director's DSC (Class 3) for signing the eForm
- Certification by a practising CA / CS / CMA (for the eForm)
What happens if I miss the DIR-3 KYC deadline?
If DIR-3 KYC is not filed by 30 September, the MCA marks the DIN as "Deactivated due to non-filing of DIR-3 KYC". A deactivated DIN cannot be used to sign any MCA filing — annual returns, board changes, charge filings or new incorporations are blocked. The DIN can be reactivated only by filing DIR-3 KYC with a late fee of Rs 5,000.
How do I file DIR-3 KYC? (step by step)
- Collect PAN, Aadhaar, personal mobile and email, and a passport (for foreign directors).
- Decide between the eForm (first time / details changed) or DIR-3 KYC-WEB (no changes).
- Verify mobile and email via separate OTPs sent by the MCA system.
- For the eForm: attach self-attested documents, get it certified by a practising CA / CS / CMA, and sign with the director's DSC.
- Upload and submit on the MCA V3 portal by 30 September.