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Company Law · ROCDIR-3 KYC for directors: new three-year cycle, due dates and penalties
Director KYC moved from an annual filing to once every three financial years from 31 March 2026. But changes in mobile, email or address must still be updated within 30 days. Here is the new cycle, who files what, and how to reactivate a deactivated DIN.
Every individual holding a Director Identification Number (DIN) must keep KYC details current with the MCA under Rule 12A of the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014.
What changed in 2026
| Before | From 31 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| DIR-3 KYC every year by 30 September (later 30 June proposals) | Once every three financial years, by 30 June |
| Changes updated through the next annual KYC | Change in mobile, email or residential address to be updated within 30 days |
Directors compliant under the old annual system next file by 30 June 2028. New DIN holders follow the three-year cycle from allotment, as per the rules.
Which form
| Situation | Form |
|---|---|
| First KYC after DIN allotment, or details changed requiring documents | DIR-3 KYC (e-form) with DSC and OTP |
| Subsequent KYC with no change in details | DIR-3 KYC Web (OTP-based) |
| Update of mobile/email/address | As prescribed (KYC e-form or change process) within 30 days |
Documents and verification
- PAN (mandatory for Indian nationals), Aadhaar, passport (mandatory for foreign nationals; optional otherwise), voter ID/driving licence.
- Personal mobile and email (unique to the director) verified by OTP.
- DSC of the director; certification by a practising professional for the e-form.
Deactivation and reactivation
- Missing the due date deactivates the DIN.
- A deactivated DIN holder cannot sign forms or be appointed.
- Reactivation: file DIR-3 KYC with fee of ₹5,000.
- Companies may be unable to file forms naming that director.
Worked example
Example: Mr Sharma is a director in two private companies and a designated partner in one LLP. He filed annual KYC in September 2025 under the old system.
| Event | Action |
|---|---|
| March 2026 | Rules amended to triennial cycle |
| July 2026 | Changes mobile number |
| 30 June 2028 | Next DIR-3 KYC Web due |
If he misses the August 2026 update, he risks non-compliance and the MCA records showing outdated contact details, which affects OTP-based filings.
Practical tips
- Use your own mobile and email – not the company's or a consultant's.
- Calendar 30 June of the cycle year.
- Keep PAN–Aadhaar linked; name must match in both.
- Check DIN status on the MCA portal ("View DIN status").
Common mistakes
- Assuming the triennial rule removes all obligations until 2028 – changes must be updated within 30 days.
- Using the same mobile/email for multiple directors – the system rejects it.
- Ignoring a deactivated DIN until a company filing gets stuck.
Key takeaway
DIR-3 KYC is now once in three years by 30 June, but contact or address changes must be updated within 30 days. Check your DIN status and next due year. Our company compliance team tracks DIR-3 KYC for all directors of client companies.
Official references
Provisions discussed (summaries in our Law Library):
Official sources to verify the current text, notifications and circulars:
Frequently asked questions
How often must DIR-3 KYC be filed now?
Once every three financial years, by 30 June, under the amended rules effective 31 March 2026. Directors who were KYC-compliant under the earlier annual system next file by 30 June 2028.
What happens if KYC is not filed?
The DIN is marked "Deactivated due to non-filing of DIR-3 KYC". It can be reactivated by filing the KYC with a fee of ₹5,000.
Do I need to update a change of mobile number?
Yes. Under the amended rules, a change in mobile number, email or residential address must be updated within 30 days.
Does a designated partner of an LLP need DIR-3 KYC?
Yes. Every person holding a DIN (including designated partners with DPIN) must comply.
Is DIR-3 KYC needed if my DIN is not attached to any company?
Yes. Every DIN holder must comply, whether or not currently a director.
Can a CA or CS certify the DIR-3 KYC e-form?
Yes. The e-form requires certification by a practising chartered accountant, company secretary or cost accountant.
How do I check if my KYC is due?
Check DIN status on the MCA portal; it shows whether the DIN is active and KYC compliant.
This article is general information on the law as on 10 November 2026, written for educational purposes. It is not professional advice for your case. Section numbers under the Income-tax Act, 2025 should be confirmed with the official section mapping on the Income Tax Department website before use in filings.
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