Form DIR-3 KYC: Essential Compliance for Company Directors
The Companies Act 2013 governs companies in India. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has mandated certain compliance for companies, which plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency and accountability. Among the various regulatory requirements, DIR-3 KYC is a critical compliance measure mandated by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) to verify the identity of directors holding a Director Identification Number (DIN). Any failure to submit KYC details on the due date results in the deactivation of KYC and a massive penalty. The regulation ensures that only genuine individuals serve as directors in Indian Companies.
What is Form DIR-3 KYC?
Form DIR-3 KYC is a filing requirement mandated by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) for all individuals who have been assigned a Director Identification Number (DIN). The form is used to authenticate the details of the individuals holding a DIN. Every individual who has been allotted a DIN on or before 31st March of a financial year must submit their KYC details before the due date, which is 30th September of the same year—any failure to comply results in the deactivation of the DIN and a penalty of ₹5,000.
Purpose of Form DIR-3 KYC
The primary purpose of Form DIR-3 KYC is to make sure that the details of directors remain accurate and up to date. The main objectives of the DIR-KYC are:
- Verifies Identity: DIR-3 KYC confirms the authenticity of a director's name and personal details to prevent misrepresentation.
- Prevent Fraud: DIR-3 KYC reduces the risk of pseudo-directorship and enhances transparency in corporate governance.
- Compliance with the Regulation: DIR-3 KYC ensures businesses adhere to the regulations of the MCA.
- Keep Tracking and Accountability: DIR-3 KYC helps the government track individuals responsible for managing companies and take action in cases of misconduct or non-compliance.
Who Needs to File Form DIR-3 KYC?
As per MCA regulations, all individuals with an active DIN as of March 31 of any financial year have to file Form DIR-3 KYC:
- Active Directors: All directors with an approved DIN by March 31 of the previous financial year.
- Disqualified Directors: Even if a director is disqualified, they are still required to complete the KYC process.
- New Directors: Any individual assigned a DIN on or before March 31 of a financial year must file this form.
Secondly, if:
- You have been assigned a DIN, but you have never used it; you still need to complete the KYC verification.
- Your DIN is active and linked to one or more companies, and you are mandatorily required to complete the KYC process annually.
If directors are allotted a DIN on or before March 31, 2025, they must file DIR-3 KYC by September 30, 2025.
Types of DIR-3 KYC Forms
The MCA has categorised the DIR-3 KYC filing process into two types on the basis of the previous year's filing status:
- DIR-3 KYC e-Form: If you are filing KYC for the first time or if your previously submitted KYC details have changed, such as address, contact number, or email ID, you must use this method to refile the form.
- DIR-3 KYC Web-Based Verification: If you have already filed DIR-3 KYC in the past and your details have not changed, you can complete the KYC process through a web-based OTP verification using your registered mobile number and email ID.
Due Date for Filing DIR-3 KYC
The deadline for filing Form DIR-3 KYC is September 30 of the financial year immediately following the one in which the DIN was assigned.
For instance:
- If a director’s DIN was issued on or before March 31, 2025, the last date to submit Form DIR-3 KYC is September 30, 2025.
Failure to comply with this deadline may result in penalties and the deactivation of DIN, which will restrict the director's ability to conduct business activities.
Documents Required for DIR-3 KYC Filing
To complete the DIR-3 KYC filing process, directors must provide the following documents:
- Identity Proof: PAN card (mandatory for Indian nationals), Passport (required for foreign nationals), Aadhaar card, or Driving License.
- Address Proof: Utility bills, Voter IDs, or any other government-issued document showing the director’s residential address that is not older than two months.
- Personal Information: The director's name, gender, date of birth, nationality, mobile number, and email ID.
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): It is required for online submission.
- Professional Certification: The form must be digitally certified by a Chartered Accountant (CA), Company Secretary (CS), or Cost Accountant.
- Attested Document: It is required for foreign nationals.
Checklist for Filing Form DIR-3 KYC
- Verify Your DIN: Ensure you have an active Director Identification Number (DIN). You need to have one assigned by March 31st of the financial year.
- Determine Your Filing Method:
- First-time KYC or Changes to Details: If you are filing for the first time or updating details (like address or contact information), use the DIR-3 KYC e-Form.
- Simple Verification (If No Changes): If you have filed KYC before and your details haven’t changed, you can complete the process with a simple OTP-based web verification.
- Prepare the Required Documents:
- Make sure you submit your form by September 30th of the financial year. For example, if your DIN was assigned on or before March 31, 2025, your deadline is September 30, 2025.
- Make sure the form is signed off by a certified professional (CA/CS/CMA).
- Do not forget that you need to file your KYC every year to keep your DIN active and avoid penalties.
How to File Form DIR-3 KYC Online?
The procedure for submitting the DIR-3 KYC form is easy, and you need to follow the following steps: The MCA portal facilitates the online submission of Form DIR-3 KYC. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Log in to MCA Portal
Visit the MCA21 website and log in with valid credentials.
Step 2: Access the KYC Form
Go to "MCA Services" > "DIN Services" > "DIR-3 KYC Form".
Step 3: Enter the Details
In the DIR-3 KYC form, add the DIN, email ID, mobile number, and other necessary information. For verification, an OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number and email.
Step 4: Attach Documents
Enter the OTP and upload identity proof, address proof, and digital signature certificate (DSC).
Step 5: Submit the Form
Check everything thoroughly and submit the form online. A Service Request Number (SRN) will be generated for tracking.
Step 6: Receive Confirmation
Upon successful submission of the firm, a confirmation email will be sent to the registered email ID.
Penalty for Non-Filing of DIR-3 KYC
Failure to submit Form DIR-3 KYC before the due date results in severe consequences, such as :
- The DIN status will be marked as 'Deactivated due to non-filing of DIR-3 KYC'.
- To reactivate the DIN, the director must file the KYC form along with a late fee of ₹5,000.
- Non-compliance can lead to further regulatory restrictions, affecting the director’s ability to function within a company.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Filing DIR-3 KYC
- Mismatch of details with PAN records: Ensure that your PAN details match precisely with the MCA database and records.
- Incorrect email or mobile number: Use the exact contact details as registered with the MCA.
- Expired Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): Ensure that your DSC is valid before initiating the filing process.
- Non-attestation of documents for foreign nationals: Foreign directors must ensure that their documents are properly notarized and apostilled as per regulatory requirements.
- Waiting until the last minute: Filing at the last moment can lead to errors and system delays, increasing the risk of missing deadlines.
Why Choose Kanakkupillai for DIR-3 KYC Filing?
Filing DIR-3 KYC can be a complex process, but Kanakkupillai simplifies it with expert guidance and end-to-end support. We offer:
- Expert Consultation: Our professionals are well-versed in MCA regulations and provide personalised assistance to all clients.
- Error-Free Filing: We ensure that all the documents are filed correctly in compliance with the law and minimise the risk of rejection.
- Timely Reminders: We keep track of deadlines and send timely notifications to clients to avoid penalties.
- Hassle-Free Process: From document preparation to submission, we handle every step, allowing you to focus on your business.
With Kanakkupillai, you can be confident that your DIR-3 KYC filing is managed efficiently and professionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Form DIR-3 KYC?
Form DIR-3 KYC is a mandatory form that directors in Indian companies must file to confirm their identity and keep their Director Identification Number (DIN) active. It must be filed every year to ensure transparency and prevent fraud.Who needs to file DIR-3 KYC?
Any individual with an active Director Identification Number (DIN) assigned on or before March 31 of a financial year needs to file this form. This includes: • Active directors • Disqualified directors • New directors who have been assigned a DIN before March 31.What happens if I miss the DIR-3 KYC filing deadline?
If you miss the filing deadline (September 30), your DIN will be deactivated, and you will face a penalty of ₹5,000 to reactivate it. You may also face further restrictions.What documents are needed to file Form DIR-3 KYC?
You need the following documents for your Form DIR-3 KYC: Identity proof: PAN card for Indian nationals, passport for foreign nationals, Aadhaar card, or driving license. Address proof: Utility bills, voter ID, or any government-issued document that shows your address is not older than two months. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): For online submission. Professional certification: Signed by a CA (Chartered Accountant), CS (Company Secretary), or CMA (Cost Accountant).How do I file DIR-3 KYC online?
• Log in to the MCA Portal. • Go to MCA Services > DIN Services > DIR-3 KYC Form. • Fill in your details (DIN, email, mobile, etc.), upload documents, and submit the form. • You will get a Service Request Number (SRN) for tracking and a confirmation email after submission.Is there any way to simplify the filing process?
Yes! You can easily file your DIR-3 KYC with professional help. Services like Kanakkupillai offer expert guidance, ensuring the filing is error-free and saving you time and effort.Can I update my details after filing the DIR-3 KYC?
Yes, if your details, such as address or phone number, change, you can file a new DIR-3 KYC form. For significant changes, you’ll need to use the e-form. If there are no changes, you can complete a simple OTP verification.How often do I need to file DIR-3 KYC?
To keep your DIN active, you need to file a DIR-3 KYC annually. The deadline is always September 30th of the financial year.What happens if my DIN is deactivated?
If your DIN gets deactivated due to non-filing of DIR-3 KYC, you will not be able to use it for company-related activities. To reactivate it, you need to submit the KYC form along with a ₹5,000 penalty.Can I file DIR-3 KYC for the first time?
Yes, if you have never filed a DIR-3 KYC before, you can submit the form for the first time. You’ll need to provide all required documents and have a professional certify your details. For seamless DIR-3 KYC filing, contact Kanakkupillai today!What makes Us Different

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