Director KYC Filing (DIR-3)
Complete Online at ₹500 OnlyFiling of DIR-3 KYC through the MCA V3 portal is a mandatory annual compliance for Company Directors or Designated Partners of LLP who were allotted the Director Identification Number (DIN) on or before March 31st of the relevant financial year. Save ₹5,000 late fee and avoid additional penalties under Section 450. Complete DIR-3 KYC before the September 30th annual deadline
What is Understanding Director KYC?
Director KYC filing is a mandatory annual compliance required by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs for all DIN holders by September 30th each year. Missing this deadline results in automatic DIN deactivation and a ₹5,000 penalty, preventing directors from signing documents or performing official duties until reactivated through late filing with the prescribed fee.
Setindiabiz simplifies this critical compliance with expert DIR-3 KYC filing services starting at ₹500 for OTP-based verification, ₹1,000 for form-based filing with professional certification, and specialised foreign director support at ₹4,250. Our streamlined process ensures timely submission, protecting your directorship status while you focus on business responsibilities.

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₹599/-
Quick OTP-based DIR-3 KYC Web service for directors with no changes in KYC details - just confirm existing info using OTP verification.
₹1,000/-
Complete filing with CA/CS/CMA certification needed for initial DIN registration or when updating personal particulars/credentials.
₹4250 ($50)
Specialised service for international directors needing cross-border documentation support and additional verification requirements.
What is Director KYC Filing?
Every year, directors in India with a DIN need to update their information with the government by September 30th through Director KYC. It's like renewing your directorship credentials. Miss the deadline, and you're in trouble: your DIN gets deactivated, and you'll need to pay ₹5,000 to reactivate it. But the real problem is that you can't function as a director anymore - no signing documents, no attending board meetings. This can seriously disrupt your company's operations and delay essential business decisions.
| No | Feature | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Governing Law/Body | Rule 12A, Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014; Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) |
| 2 | Annual Due Date | 30th September |
| 3 | Govt. Fee | NIL, when filed within the due date. ₹5000 if filed after the due date. |
| 4 | Professional Fee | Starts from ₹500 + GST (per DIN) |
| 5 | Typical Process Time | 1-3 Working Days (Subject to MCA processing & client document submission) |
| 6 | Compliance Penalty | DIN Deactivation; Potential Penalty under Section 450, Companies Act, 2013 |
| 7 | Online Portal | MCA V3 Porta (www.mca.gov.in) |
Adding to the complexity, directors must navigate between the e-Form DIR-3 KYC and web-based DIR-3 KYC options, a decision particularly challenging after recent amendments, which is why Setindiabiz provides expert assistance to ensure timely and accurate filing, offering streamlined online processes for both submission types to protect directors from penalties while maintaining DIN compliance and operational continuity.
Understanding Director KYC Filing Process
To help you better understand the Director KYC filing process, we've created a comprehensive video guide that walks through all essential aspects of compliance. Watch this tutorial to learn about the legal framework and filing procedures and avoid common mistakes:
Eligibility of Requirement to file Director KYC
The requirement to file Director KYC extends to a broad category of individuals associated with the corporate sector in India. Compliance is determined by holding a DIN/DPIN by a specific date rather than the current directorial status. The following individuals are required to file Form DIR-3 KYC annually:
DIN Holders
Every individual who has been allotted a Director Identification Number (DIN) on or before the 31st of March of any given financial year is required to file the director KYC under rule 12A within its due date of 30th September in the next financial year.
Irrespective of Directorship
The director KYC filing obligation exists even if the individual does not currently hold a directorship in any company or a designated partner in an LLP. Compliance is tied to the DIN itself, not the active role.
DIN Status
The requirement applies regardless of whether the DIN status is 'Approved' or 'Disqualified'. Individuals whose DINs are 'Deactivated due to non-filing of DIR-3 KYC' must file the form (along with the late fee) to reactivate their DIN.
DPIN Holders
The definition of DIN under Rule 2(1)(d) of the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014 includes the Designated Partner Identification Number (DPIN) issued under the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008. Therefore, Designated Partners in LLPs who hold a DPIN (which is functionally a DIN) must also file DIR-3 KYC annually.
Nationality
The KYC requirement applies equally to Indian nationals and Foreign nationals holding a DIN. This ensures a comprehensive approach to director identification and verification, regardless of their country of origin.
Exemption based on Allotment Date
Individuals who are allotted a DIN after March 31st of a financial year are not required to file DIR-3 KYC by September 30th of that same calendar year. Their first KYC filing will be due by September 30th of the following year. For example, if DIN is allotted on April 10, 2024 (FY 2024-25), the first KYC filing is due by September 30, 2025.
Purpose of Director KYC Filing: Why MCA mandates annual DIR-3 KYC verification for every DIN holder is to maintain correct and accurate contact details, such as Mobile, Email and Address of the director. Every person who has been allotted a Director Identification Number (DIN) must file an annual KYC with the MCA before 30 September. Non-filing would result in the deactivation of DIN.
What is the due date for filing DIR-3 KYC?
The deadline for filing Director KYC for the financial year 2024-25 is 30th September 2025. This mandatory filing must be completed between 1st April 2025 and 30th September 2025. Failure to meet this deadline results in DIN deactivation, restricting your ability to act as a director. Reactivation requires filing the DIR-3 KYC along with a late fee of ₹5,000, after which the system automatically restores the DIN status upon approval. Refer Rule 12A of the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014
Due Date
30 September 2025
September 30th is the annual Director KYC deadline. Filing must be completed by this date to maintain an active DIN status. The government imposes strict timelines to ensure that directors' information remains current for regulatory compliance purposes.
Government Fee
Govt Fee: ZERO (NIL)
Filing before the deadline incurs zero government fees. Late filing after September 30th attracts a flat ₹5,000 penalty fee. Changes to a director's particulars, including contact details, must be intimated through Form DIR-6, which is subject to its own prescribed government fee.
Late Filing
Late Filing: Allowed
Missing the September 30th deadline results in automatic DIN deactivation. Late filing requires a ₹5,000 reactivation fee and prevents directors from functioning until reactivated.
What are the forms filed for the Director's KYC?
To file Directors' KYC on the MCA portal www.mca.gov.in, you can choose between web-based and form-based (DIR-3 KYC) methods. First-time filing of the director KYC is done via the prescribed PDF form "DIR-3 KYC". At the same time, the subsequent DIN KYC filings can be done via web-based filing. The web-based filing is applicable only in the following year of filing and when there is no change in the director's particulars. If there are changes to a director’s contact details, such as mobile number, email address, or address, these are updated via the e-Form DIR-3 KYC itself. However, for changes to core particulars, including name, father's name, or PAN, Form DIR-6 must be filed first. Please note that in both methods, the director’s email and mobile number are verified by OTP.
| Form-Based Director KYC Filing | Web-Based Director KYC Filing |
|---|---|
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Web-Based KYC Filing - No Documents Needed
The web-based Director KYC service offers a streamlined approach when your information remains unchanged. Unlike the e-Form DIR-3 KYC, this simplified method requires zero document submission. Web-based DIR-3 KYC acts as a yearly compliance verification for directors whose information remains consistent, while the e-form serves as the comprehensive update option when changes occur.
However, this convenience comes with an essential condition: web-based filing is only applicable when all your director particulars remain unchanged from your previous filing. If you need to update any personal information - such as your address, contact details, or other particulars - you must use the e-Form DIR-3 KYC instead, which requires complete documentation.
| OTP Based Filing | Applicable only in the following situation |
|---|---|
During web-based filing, the system verifies your identity through OTP (One-Time Password) verification sent to your registered mobile number and email address. This quick authentication process confirms you're the authorised DIN holder without requiring physical document uploads. Ensure your registered mobile and email are functional for OTP verification. |
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List of Documents for Director KYC Filing
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs requires comprehensive documentation to verify your identity, address, and contact details. This multi-layered verification process ensures the authenticity of director information in the MCA database. Having the correct documents ready beforehand significantly speeds up the filing process and reduces the chances of rejection.
Documents for Indian Nationals
PAN Card (Mandatory)
Permanent Account Number card issued by the Income Tax Department for tax identification and financial transactions
Aadhaar Card
Government-issued biometric ID with first eight digits masked for privacy; serves as proof of identity and address.
Passport (Optional)
International travel document; required only if you hold one or have foreign business dealings or directorships.
Passport-sized Photograph
Colour photograph taken within the last 6 months; white background preferred for clear identification purposes.
Digital Signature (DSC)
Class 2 or 3 DSC for e-filing; validates your electronic signature and ensures secure document submission
For Foreign Directors
Valid Passport
Primary identity document showing nationality, photo, and personal details; must be within its validity period
Apostilled Address Proof
Utility bill or bank statement not older than 1 year, duly notarised and apostilled as per the home country
Digital Signature (DSC)
Class 2 or 3 DSC obtained from authorised Indian certifying authorities for the secure e-filing process
Note on Attestation for Foreign Nationals: Foreign directors must have their documents notarised and apostilled (for countries under the Hague Convention) or consularised by the Indian Embassy/Consulate (for non-member countries). Address proof documents must not be older than 1 year. All non-English documents require a certified English translation by professional translators. If the foreign director is physically present in India with a valid visa, attestation by an Indian Notary Public or gazetted officer may be acceptable. The attestation process can be complex and time-consuming, making professional guidance particularly valuable for foreign directors to avoid delays or rejections.
Process of Filing Director's KYC Filing
The process of filing the KYC for a Company Director or designated partner of an LLP is precisely the same. It can be completed entirely online through the official portal of the MCA. Professional certification is required for the first KYC filing or filing after any amendment in KYC data. However, for subsequent filings, KYC can be done with OTP verification. Follow the four steps below to file the KYC for the director.
1
Step 1: Information & Document Submission
- Client Role: The process initiates when you provide your essential personal and contact details (Name, Father's Name, DOB, Nationality, Address, PAN, Aadhaar, unique mobile/email) and upload clear, self-attested scanned copies of required documents (PAN, Aadhaar, Passport, Address Proofs) through Setindiabiz's designated secure channel. You must also confirm the availability and validity of your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) if the e-Form is required.
- Setindiabiz Role: We provide a comprehensive checklist and clear instructions, including specific requirements for foreign nationals regarding attestation/apostille. Our team verifies your DIN status and determines whether the e-Form DIR-3 KYC or the DIR-3 KYC Web service is applicable based on your filing history and whether any details need updating.
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Step 2: Verification & Form Preparation
Our experts meticulously review your submitted documents for compliance with MCA norms, checking validity periods, attestation correctness, and consistency across documents (e.g., name-matching PAN and DSC). We then prepare the necessary filing on the MCA V3 portal – either filling the e-Form DIR-3 KYC with all details and attachments or verifying the pre-filled data for the DIR-3 KYC Web service. This includes performing the mandatory PAN verification step within the form.
3
OTP & DSC Application (Client & Setindiabiz Coordination)
- Setindiabiz Role: We trigger the One-Time Password (OTP) generation from the MCA portal, which sends unique codes to your registered personal mobile number and email ID. We coordinate with you to receive these OTPs promptly, mindful of their limited validity and attempt restrictions.
- Client Role: You receive the OTPs and must share them with your Setindiabiz representative immediately. If filing the e-Form DIR-3 KYC, you will need to digitally sign the prepared form using your valid, MCA-registered DSC. Clear communication and prompt client action at this stage are vital to avoid delays.
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Step 4: Professional Certification & Filing
For the e-Form DIR-3 KYC, we facilitate the mandatory certification by a practising professional (CA/CS/CMA) - this is required only for e-Form submissions and not for web-based DIR-3 KYC filings, which use OTP verification only. This involves the professional verifying the details and documents and affixing their own DSC along with their membership/COP number. Once all verifications, signatures, and certifications are complete, our team performs the final submission on the MCA portal. If applicable (late filing or mid-year update), we handle the online payment of government fees.
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Step 5: Acknowledgement & Post-Filing Support
Upon successful submission, the MCA portal generates a Service Request Number (SRN), which serves as the official filing acknowledgement. We secure this SRN and monitor the application status. Since approvals are typically immediate via STP, we promptly share the final approval confirmation email from MCA with you. We maintain records and can offer optional reminders for the following compliance cycle. Our team remains available to address any post-filing questions.
Director KYC Filing Timeline
Understanding the timeline is crucial for ensuring timely compliance. While the actual submission and approval on the MCA portal can be speedy due to Straight Through Processing (STP), the end-to-end process involves several preparatory steps.
Documentation
Gather PAN, Aadhaar, address proof & verify DSC validity. Quick document submission accelerates the entire filing process.
Form Preparation
Experts verify documents, check data consistency & prepare the correct form type. Accurate preparation prevents rejection delays.
OTP Verification
Complete OTP verification, DSC signing & get CA/CS/CMA certification for e-Form. Quick response ensures a smooth processing flow.
MCA Filing & Approval
Submit on the MCA portal, receive SRN & await STP approval. Late filers pay a ₹5000 fee. DIN reactivates after successful approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
- All
- Basics Overview
- Filing Process
- Due Date & Fee/Penalty
- Status Check & Technical Issues
Form DIR-3 KYC is a compulsory annual filing under Rule 12A of the Companies Act 2013, where individuals holding a Director Identification Number (DIN) must verify and update their personal details with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) using Form DIR-3 KYC or its web-based version. This process ensures the accuracy of the MCA's director registry.
Every individual who holds an approved or disqualified DIN as of March 31st of a financial year must file DIR-3 KYC by September 30th of the following financial year. This includes Designated Partners of LLPs holding a DIN/DPIN and applies even if the individual is not currently serving as a director.
A Director Identification Number (DIN) is an 8-digit unique code issued by MCA India to an individual intending to become a director or who is already a director of a company or a designated partner in an LLP. It is mandatory to hold such positions.
The primary objective is to ensure that the MCA maintains an accurate, verified, and up-to-date database of all individuals holding DINs. This enhances corporate governance transparency and aids regulatory oversight.
Yes, foreign nationals who hold a DIN for their directorship in an Indian company are required to complete the annual DIR-3 KYC filing. They must adhere to specific document attestation/apostille requirements.
Yes, all categories of directors, including independent directors, nominee directors, additional directors, and alternate directors, must file DIR-3 KYC if they hold a DIN as of March 31st.
MCA compliance refers to adhering to all regulatory requirements set by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs under the Companies Act 2013. DIR-3 KYC is a critical component of annual MCA compliance, ensuring director information remains current and verified for corporate governance transparency.
The e-Form DIR-3 KYC is used for the first KYC filing after DIN allotment or when any personal details (including mobile/email) need to be updated. The DIR-3 KYC Web service is used for subsequent annual filings if no information has changed since the last submission; it primarily verifies existing data.
Essential documents include self-attested copies of PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, Passport (if applicable), proof of permanent address, proof of present address (if different, such as a recent utility bill), and details of a unique personal mobile number and email ID. Foreign nationals require specific attestations (notarised and apostilled/consularized).
Yes, the director's own valid DSC is mandatory to file the e-Form DIR-3 KYC. However, it is generally not required to submit the DIR-3 KYC Web form.
Yes, the e-Form DIR-3 KYC must be digitally certified by a practising professional (CA, CS, or CMA). The DIR-3 KYC Web form does not require professional certification.
Filing the DIR-3 KYC Web form might be feasible for self-filing if you are comfortable with the MCA portal and OTP process. However, the e-Form DIR-3 KYC requires mandatory certification by a practising CA, CS, or CMA, making professional assistance practically necessary.
Yes, a CA/CS/CMA can certify and file DIR-3 KYC for multiple directors. However, each director must provide their unique mobile number and email for OTP verification and digitally sign their individual forms.
The entire process, including document verification, form preparation, and filing by a professional service provider like Setindiabiz, usually takes 1-3 working days, assuming prompt client cooperation and normal MCA portal functioning. The actual approval on the portal is often instantaneous.
Straight Through Processing (STP) is MCA's automated approval system that instantly verifies and approves DIR-3 KYC forms without manual intervention. Most forms filed with correct details get approved within minutes through STP.
To file DIR-3 KYC online, log into the MCA V3 portal, navigate to MCA Services > DIN Services > DIR-3 KYC Form, enter your DIN and personal details, upload required documents, complete OTP verification, and submit. You'll receive a Service Request Number (SRN) for tracking.
First-time filers must use e-Form DIR-3 KYC with mandatory professional certification. Steps include: document collection, form preparation by CA/CS/CMA, digital signature application, OTP verification, professional certification, MCA portal submission, and STP approval processing.
The annual deadline for filing DIR-3 KYC (both e-form and web-form) is September 30th. For the financial year 2024-2025, the Director KYC filing period starts on April 1st, 2025, and the last day to file the DIN KYC is September 30th, 2025.
There is no government fee (NIL fee) for filing DIR-3 KYC, either through the e-form or the web service, if it is submitted on or before the September 30th due date.
Failure to file DIR-3 KYC by September 30th results in the MCA marking the DIN as 'Deactivated due to non-filing of DIR-3 KYC'. A deactivated DIN prevents the individual from acting as a director or signing MCA forms.
A government late fee of ₹5,000 is payable to reactivate a DIN after the due date has passed. Additionally, under Section 450 of the Companies Act 2013, penalties up to ₹50,000 may be imposed for continued non-compliance, as evidenced by recent MCA enforcement actions.
A DIN deactivated for non-filing of KYC can be reactivated by submitting the pending DIR-3 KYC form (e-form or web form, as applicable) along with the ₹5,000 late filing fee on the MCA portal. Approval and reactivation are typically processed quickly via STP.
Yes, following the amendment effective from August 2024, if you need to update your mobile number or email address mid-year after your annual KYC is complete, you can file e-Form DIR-3 KYC specifically for this purpose by paying a prescribed fee of ₹500.
Once submitted and approved, a DIR-3 KYC form cannot be withdrawn. If any information needs to be updated post-submission, the correct and mandatory procedure is to file e-Form DIR-6 to notify the Registrar of the changes in your particulars.
Repeated non-compliance can result in DIN deactivation, ₹5,000 reactivation fees each time, potential Section 450 penalties up to ₹50,000, and restrictions on directorial functions. The MCA has imposed substantial penalties in cases like Xinpoming Technology, demonstrating serious enforcement.
DIN reactivation requires payment of ₹5,000 as a mandatory late filing fee, plus professional service charges for filing the overdue DIR-3 KYC form. Additional Section 450 penalties may apply for extended non-compliance periods.
You can check the DIR-3 KYC status via the MCA V3 portal under the DIN services section online. Entering your DIN will usually indicate if KYC for the current cycle is already completed. Alternatively, the DIN status ('Active' or 'Deactivated due to non-filing...') can be checked using MCA's 'Enquire DIN Status' service.
No. The personal mobile number and email ID provided in Form DIR-3 KYC must be unique to that specific DIN holder. They cannot be associated with any other DIN in the MCA database.
Check if your mobile number has the +91 prefix correctly entered. Ensure the email isn't in your spam folder. You can request an OTP resend after 30 seconds. A maximum of 3 attempts is allowed per session. If issues persist, update contact details through the DIR-6 form first.
Visit the MCA website's 'Enquire DIN Status' service, enter your DIN number, and check the status. Active DINs show current details, while deactivated DINs display the reason for deactivation, typically 'Deactivated due to non-filing of DIR-3 KYC'.
Common mistakes include incorrect OTP entry, invalid DSC, or mismatched personal details. Verify all information matches your official documents, ensure DSC is valid and linked to your credentials, and retry the submission. Contact the MCA helpdesk or professional services if errors persist.
Professional DIR-3 KYC filing services are available across major business hubs, including Delhi NCR (Noida, Gurugram), Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai. These services offer local expertise in MCA compliance, document attestation, and digital signature facilitation, with online filing capabilities serving clients nationwide while maintaining regional support offices.
Yes, the requirement to file DIR-3 KYC applies even if your DIN status is 'Disqualified'. Non-filing will lead to deactivation on top of the disqualification.
Yes, the DIR-3 KYC filing is mandatory for all DIN holders, regardless of the company's status. Even if your company is undergoing strike-off, is dormant, or is under liquidation, you must file DIR-3 KYC annually to maintain your DIN active status.
Even after resignation, you must file DIR-3 KYC if you held a DIN as of March 31st. The requirement is tied to DIN ownership on the cut-off date, not current directorship status. Only surrendering the DIN (if never used) can eliminate this obligation.
Yes, all directors holding DINs must file DIR-3 KYC regardless of whether they serve in subsidiary companies, holding companies, or independent entities. The requirement applies to the individual DIN holder, not the company type.
NRI directors follow the same process as Indian residents, but may require apostilled address proofs. Foreign nationals need documents notarised and apostilled (Hague Convention countries) or consularized (non-Hague countries), with address proofs valid up to 1 year and certified English translations for non-English documents.
Startup company directors follow identical DIR-3 KYC requirements as other company directors. However, given the dynamic nature of startups, they should pay special attention to address changes and ensure timely annual filing to avoid disruptions during funding rounds or compliance audits.
DIR-3 KYC is filed per DIN, not per company. If you hold one DIN and serve as a director in multiple companies, you file only one DIR-3 KYC annually. However, if you somehow hold multiple DINs (which violates regulations), each DIN requires a separate KYC filing, though having multiple DINs attracts penalties under Section 155.
Designated Partners holding DPIN (which is equivalent to DIN under the rules) must file DIR-3 KYC using the same process and deadlines as company directors. The form, documents, professional certification, and penalty structure remain identical for LLP designated partners.