Every director in India must confirm their personal identity and contact details with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) every year. This is done through DIR-3 eKYC — a mandatory compliance requirement under the Companies Act, 2013.
If you’re a director, failing to file your eKYC can deactivate your DIN (Director Identification Number) and attract a ₹5,000 penalty.
This blog explains what DIR-3 eKYC is, who needs to file it, the step-by-step process, and how to avoid penalties.
1. What is DIR-3 eKYC?
DIR-3 eKYC is an annual electronic Know Your Customer (KYC) filing that verifies the identity, address, and contact details of every director holding a valid DIN.
It ensures that only genuine individuals hold directorship positions and that the government database remains accurate.
2. Legal Reference
Section 153 of the Companies Act, 2013 – DIN requirement
Rule 12A of the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014 – Annual KYC of directors
Applicable to every individual with an approved DIN on or before 31 March of the previous financial year
3. Who Should File DIR-3 eKYC?
| Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Director in an active company | Mandatory every year |
| Disqualified director | Mandatory (if DIN is active) |
| Individual with approved DIN (not yet appointed) | Mandatory |
| Person with inactive DIN due to non-filing | Must file DIR-3 eKYC to reactivate DIN |
Even if you’re not holding any directorship currently, you must file DIR-3 eKYC as long as your DIN is active.
4. Types of DIR-3 eKYC Filing
| Type | Applicable For | How It’s Filed |
|---|---|---|
| DIR-3 eKYC (Form Based) | First-time filing or when there’s a change in details | Filed using DSC and professional certification (CA/CS/CMA) |
| DIR-3 eKYC-WEB | For directors who have already filed eKYC in previous years | Filed online through OTP verification (no DSC needed) |
5. Information Required for Filing
Before filing, keep these details ready:
✅ Director’s full name (as per PAN)
✅ Permanent Account Number (PAN)
✅ Date of Birth
✅ Mobile number & email ID (to be verified by OTP)
✅ Present residential address
✅ Aadhar number (for OTP)
✅ Passport (if applicable)
✅ Digital Signature (for form-based filing)
6. Step-by-Step Process to File DIR-3 eKYC
A. For first-time or change in details (Form-based eKYC):
1️⃣ Download DIR-3 eKYC form from the MCA portal.
2️⃣ Fill details – name, PAN, address, email, mobile number.
3️⃣ Validate PAN – it auto-fetches details from the Income Tax database.
4️⃣ Attach self-attested documents – PAN, Aadhar, proof of residence.
5️⃣ Authenticate with DSC (Digital Signature Certificate).
6️⃣ Get it verified and digitally signed by a practising CA, CS, or CMA.
7️⃣ Upload the form on the MCA portal using your login credentials.
8️⃣ SRN (Service Request Number) will be generated on successful submission.
B. For repeat filing (Web-based eKYC):
1️⃣ Visit www.mca.gov.in.
2️⃣ Click DIR-3 eKYC-WEB.
3️⃣ Enter your DIN and submit.
4️⃣ Verify your registered mobile number and email ID via OTP.
5️⃣ Confirm submission — your KYC will be marked as “Verified”.
7. DIR-3 eKYC Due Date
| Particulars | Due Date |
|---|---|
| Annual filing deadline | 30 September every year |
| KYC available for filing from | 1 April |
Directors should complete their eKYC on or before 30 September each financial year.
8. Consequences of Non-Filing
| Default | Impact / Penalty |
|---|---|
| Not filing within due date | DIN becomes deactivated with reason “Non-Filing of DIR-3 KYC” |
| Filing after due date | Must pay ₹5,000 penalty via MCA portal |
| Continued non-filing | Director cannot sign forms or act on behalf of company |
9. How to Reactivate a Deactivated DIN
1️⃣ File Form DIR-3 eKYC with DSC and professional attestation.
2️⃣ Pay a penalty of ₹5,000 through MCA system.
3️⃣ Once processed, your DIN becomes active again.
10. Documents Required
PAN card copy (self-attested)
Aadhar card copy
Latest address proof (utility bill, bank statement)
Passport (if applicable)
Digital signature (DSC)
11. Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using old or inactive mobile/email for OTP.
✅ Use the same details as last year unless officially updated.
❌ Uploading incorrect or blurred documents.
✅ Ensure all IDs are clear and readable.
❌ Missing deadline and paying ₹5,000 penalty.
✅ File before 30 September to save cost.
12. Why DIR-3 eKYC Is Important
Keeps DIN active and company status compliant.
Avoids penalties and DIN deactivation.
Ensures accurate director data in MCA records.
Required for signing ROC and Income-Tax filings.
13. How eAuditor Office Helps
At eAuditor Office, we manage your Director eKYC from start to finish:
Verification of documents & details
Preparation and submission of DIR-3 eKYC
OTP and DSC support
DIN reactivation (if deactivated)
Annual compliance reminders
You focus on growth — we’ll handle your filings.
