Every director of an Indian company must complete DIR-3 KYC (Director Know Your Customer) filing with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. This mandatory compliance ensures that director information in MCA records is current and accurate. Failure to file DIR-3 KYC results in DIN deactivation, which prevents the director from acting in any directorial capacity.
What is DIR-3 KYC?
DIR-3 KYC is a mandatory annual/periodic filing where directors verify and update their personal details with MCA. It was introduced through the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Amendment Rules, 2018.
Who Must File DIR-3 KYC?
Every person who holds a Director Identification Number (DIN) as on March 31 of the relevant financial year must file DIR-3 KYC, regardless of whether they:
- Currently hold any directorship
- Have resigned from all directorships
- Are a designated partner in an LLP
- Have an approved but unused DIN
Filing Frequency
| Scenario | Form | Frequency | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-time KYC or details changed | DIR-3 KYC (full form with OTP verification) | When details change | Within 30 days of change |
| Annual KYC (no changes) | DIR-3 KYC-WEB (simplified web-based) | Per MCA notification cycle | As notified (typically September 30) |
Step-by-Step Filing Process
- Login to MCA Portal: Access mca.gov.in with individual credentials
- Select Form DIR-3 KYC: Navigate to MCA Services → DIN Services → DIR-3 KYC
- Enter DIN: Auto-populates existing details on record
- Verify/Update Details: Check name, address, nationality, email, mobile number
- Aadhaar & PAN Verification: Link Aadhaar number and PAN for verification
- OTP Verification: Receive and enter OTP on registered email and mobile
- Professional Certification: Get the form certified by a practicing CA, CS, or CMA
- Digital Signature: Sign with individual DSC
- Submit & Pay Fee: Submit on MCA portal (fee only if filing late)
Penalties for Non-Filing
- DIN Deactivation: If DIR-3 KYC is not filed by the deadline, MCA automatically deactivates the DIN
- Reactivation Fee: ₹5,000 penalty to reactivate a deactivated DIN
- Operational Impact: Deactivated DIN prevents signing any statutory form, attending board meetings as director, or being appointed to new boards
- Company Impact: If all directors’ DINs are deactivated, the company cannot file any ROC forms
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don’t file DIR-3 KYC?
Your DIN will be deactivated by MCA. You will be unable to act as a director, sign forms, or participate in board meetings until the DIN is reactivated by filing DIR-3 KYC and paying a ₹5,000 penalty fee.
Do I need to file DIR-3 KYC every year?
The filing frequency is determined by MCA notifications. Currently, directors file DIR-3 KYC-WEB annually if no details have changed. If personal details change, the full DIR-3 KYC form with OTP verification must be filed within 30 days of the change.
Can a CA or CS help with DIR-3 KYC filing?
Yes, DIR-3 KYC requires certification by a practicing professional, CA, CS, or CMA. They verify the director’s identity documents and certify the form before submission to MCA.