File DIR explained: this guide covers what it means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
Updated: DIR-3 KYC is no longer an annual filing
The Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Amendment Rules, 2025 (G.S.R. 943(E) dated 31 December 2025), in force from 31 March 2026, rewrote Rule 12A. DIR-3 KYC is now filed once every three consecutive financial years, on or before 30 June of the year following the third year — not every 30 June. A single unified Form DIR-3 KYC Web replaces the old e-form and web service. For anyone compliant at the changeover, the next filing is due 30 June 2028. A change in mobile number, email or address must still be updated within 30 days, and does not reset the three-year cycle. The ₹5,000 late fee and DIN deactivation are unchanged. Full explainer →
To file DIR-3 KYC, log in to the MCA portal, choose the single unified Form DIR-3 KYC Web, verify your unique mobile and email by OTP, attach proofs where required, and submit by 30 June. On-time filing is free; late filing costs ₹5,000.
Overview
DIR-3 KYC is a periodic verification every DIN holder must complete so the MCA keeps directors' contact details current. It applies to every individual holding a DIN, whether or not they are presently a director in any company. Missing it deactivates the DIN and blocks all e-filings that require it.
When It Is Required & Legal Basis
Rule 12A of the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014 requires every person who holds a DIN as on 31 March of a financial year to submit KYC by 30 June, once every three consecutive financial years. A director who has already filed the full e-form once, with no change in particulars, may in subsequent years simply confirm details through DIR-3 KYC Web.
Step-by-Step Process
- Choose the mode. First-time filers, or anyone whose email/mobile has changed, use e-Form DIR-3 KYC; others use DIR-3 KYC Web.
- e-Form route. Enter DIN, PAN, name, date of birth, nationality, permanent and present address, and unique personal mobile and email.
- Attach proofs. Attach self-attested PAN, Aadhaar/passport and address proof; foreign directors attach a passport.
- OTP verification. Generate and enter the separate OTPs received on your mobile and email.
- Professional certification. A practising CA, CS or CMA digitally certifies the e-form. (Web KYC needs no professional certification.)
- Submit. Submit the form; an SRN and acknowledgement are generated and the DIN status stays "Approved".
Forms, Attachments & Fees
| Mode | When to use | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| DIR-3 KYC (e-form) | First filing or any change in email/mobile | Nil on time; ₹5,000 if DIN deactivated |
| DIR-3 KYC Web | Repeat filing with no change in details | Nil on time; ₹5,000 after deactivation |
| Attachments (e-form) | PAN, Aadhaar/passport, address proof, DSC | Self-attested |
Timeline & Due Dates
The annual due date is 30 June. It covers every DIN allotted on or before 31 March of that year in "Approved" status. File early to avoid last-week portal congestion, which is common every September.
Penalty for Delay / Non-compliance
If KYC is not filed by 30 June, the DIN is marked "Deactivated due to non-filing of DIR-3 KYC". To reactivate it you must file the KYC with a late fee of ₹5,000. While deactivated, the DIN cannot be used to sign or file any MCA form, effectively freezing the director's company filings.
Practical Tips
- Use a personal, unique mobile and email — a number/email already linked to another DIN will fail OTP validation.
- Keep the DSC valid and PAN-linked before you start; an expired DSC stalls the e-form.
- Don't wait for reminders — mark 30 June in the compliance calendar for every DIN holder.
- If you changed address during the year, use the full e-form, not Web KYC.