Know Your Vehicle (KYV): The New Rule Every FASTag User Must Understand

If you own a car or any kind of vehicle in India, you’ve probably heard of FASTag — that little sticker on your windshield that lets you breeze through toll plazas without stopping.

But there’s a new rule you might not know about yet: Know Your Vehicle (KYV).

It’s not just another fancy acronym — it’s a mandatory verification process introduced for all FASTag users across India.

Think of KYV as the vehicle version of KYC (Know Your Customer). Just like banks verify your identity before offering financial services, the government now wants to verify your vehicle’s identity to ensure the FASTag system remains transparent, secure, and accurate.

Let’s break down what KYV is, why it’s important, how to do it, and what happens if you don’t.

Know Your Vehicle (KYV): The New Rule Every FASTag User Must Understand

What Exactly Is KYV?

KYV (Know Your Vehicle) is a regulatory requirement introduced by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) for all FASTag users.

The purpose of KYV is simple:
To verify that the FASTag issued is correctly linked to the right vehicle — not used on another car, truck, or bus.

In other words, KYC verifies you; KYV verifies your vehicle.

In October 2024, NPCI issued a circular instructing all FASTag issuers — including banks and payment providers — to implement KYV verification for every customer.

According to the new rules:

KYV is mandatory for all FASTag holders, and
It must be renewed every three years (a process called Re-KYV).

Why KYV Has Been Introduced

When FASTag was launched nationwide, it simplified toll payments and saved drivers countless hours at toll plazas.

However, as the system grew, several issues surfaced — misuse of tags, incorrect vehicle linkage, and even fraudulent activities.

Here’s why KYV became necessary:

To stop FASTag misuse
Some people were using a single FASTag across multiple vehicles, which is against regulations. KYV ensures that each tag is assigned to a specific, verified vehicle.
To maintain accurate records
Vehicle verification helps build a reliable national database where every FASTag can be traced back to its genuine vehicle and owner.
To ensure smoother toll operations
When every FASTag matches the correct vehicle details, toll deduction becomes faster, more accurate, and error-free.
To strengthen digital security
Linking verified images and registration documents with each FASTag prevents cloning, duplication, and unauthorized use.
To promote compliance and transparency
KYV helps authorities maintain trust and uniformity in India’s expanding digital mobility ecosystem.

How KYV Works: Step-by-Step Process

Completing KYV is an online process and can be done easily through your FASTag provider’s website or mobile app.
Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Log in to Your FASTag Account

Visit your FASTag issuer’s official portal — for example, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, SBI, IDFC FIRST Bank, or digital platforms like Paytm FASTag.
Look for the ‘Know Your Vehicle (KYV)’ or ‘Re-KYV’ section.

Step 2: Upload Required Images

You’ll need to upload a few clear, high-quality photos of your vehicle:

Front View Photo – Show the full front of your vehicle, including the number plate and FASTag sticker on the windshield.
Side View Photo – Capture the side profile showing both front and rear edges of the vehicle.
FASTag Sticker Close-Up – A clear image showing the FASTag serial number or QR code.
Digital RC Copy – Downloaded directly from authorized apps like mParivahan or DigiLocker (screenshots or edited copies are not accepted).

Step 3: Submit and Wait for Verification

After uploading, cross-check all details and submit your KYV application.
The verification process usually takes 1–3 business days, depending on the provider.

If approved, your KYV status will change to “Verified” or “Approved” on the portal.

How Long Is KYV Valid?

Your KYV verification is valid for three years from the approval date.

After three years, you’ll need to perform Re-KYV, which means re-uploading your updated vehicle photos and documents to reconfirm your FASTag details.

Re-KYV is required when:

Three years have passed since your last verification,
You sell or transfer your vehicle,
You replace your windshield, or
You get a new FASTag due to damage or malfunction.

What If You Skip KYV?

If you fail to complete KYV within the given time, your FASTag may be temporarily suspended or deactivated.

This means:

Your FASTag won’t work at toll plazas.
You’ll have to pay cash manually.
You might be charged double the toll amount (as per NHAI rules).
It could also cause delays or disputes in your toll transactions.

So, to avoid unnecessary hassles, it’s best to complete KYV as soon as possible.

Benefits of Completing KYV

While it might seem like just another formality, KYV actually benefits everyone — vehicle owners, banks, and toll operators.

Here’s how:

Ensures correct toll deduction
Prevents mix-ups or wrong deductions from the wrong FASTag account.
Prevents fraud and misuse
Stops unauthorized or duplicate tags from being used across different vehicles.
Simplifies ownership transfers
When you sell your car, the verified FASTag and KYV records make it easy to transfer ownership smoothly.
Improves road efficiency
Verified vehicles mean fewer toll disputes, shorter queues, and faster processing.
Keeps you compliant
Avoids regulatory penalties or service interruptions due to non-compliance.

Common KYV Mistakes to Avoid

Many users face rejection because of small errors during submission. Avoid these common mistakes:

Uploading blurry or dark photos (ensure good lighting and clarity).
FASTag not visible or serial number not clear.
Uploading screenshots of RC instead of a genuine digital copy.
Cropping out vehicle edges or number plates.
Submitting mismatched details between RC and FASTag data.

Tip: Always check the photo clarity and ensure all details are readable before hitting submit.

KYV vs KYC: The Key Difference

Though they sound similar, KYV and KYC serve very different purposes.

Feature	KYC (Know Your Customer)	KYV (Know Your Vehicle)
Objective	Verify customer identity	Verify vehicle and FASTag details
Used for	Banks, wallets, financial services	FASTag users and vehicle owners
Documents	ID proof, address proof	Vehicle photos, RC, FASTag photo
Validity	Varies by service	3 years
Regulator	RBI / SEBI	NPCI
Process	Online / Offline	Online only

In short:
👉 KYC identifies you, while KYV identifies your vehicle.

How to Check Your KYV Status

Once you’ve submitted the details, you can check the KYV status anytime:

Log in to your FASTag provider’s website or app.
Go to the ‘KYV’ or ‘Compliance’ section.
Check your status:
- Pending – Under review
- Approved – Successfully verified
- Rejected – Needs correction (usually due to unclear photos or mismatched details)

If rejected, correct the issue and re-upload the required images.

Who Needs to Do KYV?

Every FASTag user in India must complete KYV — no exceptions.

That includes:

Individual car owners (private cars, SUVs, bikes)
Fleet operators (commercial vehicles, taxis, trucks, buses)
Transport companies and logistics firms
New vehicle buyers applying for FASTag

Even if your FASTag seems to be working fine, it’s mandatory to complete KYV before the next compliance deadline.

How KYV Affects New and Used Car Buyers

If you’re planning to buy a new or pre-owned vehicle, here’s how KYV affects you:

For new car buyers:

Most car dealerships now help you register your FASTag and complete KYV during delivery. Always confirm that the dealer has uploaded valid images and a digital RC.

For used car buyers:

If the previous owner’s FASTag is still active, it must be deactivated or transferred before you apply for your own KYV.
Otherwise, toll deductions may still happen from the old owner’s account — or your KYV could get rejected.

What Is a Digital RC and Why Is It Important?

Many people confuse a digital RC with a scanned or photographed copy — but they’re not the same.

✅ Valid Digital RC – Downloaded directly from mParivahan or DigiLocker, showing official government verification.
❌ Invalid RC – Screenshot, photo, or manually edited file.

Ensure your digital RC includes:

Vehicle registration number
Owner’s name
Chassis and engine numbers
Valid digital signature

Only official digital RCs are accepted for KYV verification.

Multiple FASTags for One Vehicle? Here’s What to Do

Each vehicle is allowed only one active FASTag.
If you’ve mistakenly ordered multiple tags, deactivate the old one first.

KYV helps ensure that the correct FASTag is linked with the right vehicle registration number, avoiding confusion and duplicate charges.

How KYV Supports India’s Digital Mobility Vision

KYV isn’t just about compliance — it’s a cornerstone of India’s digital mobility transformation.

By integrating verified vehicle data into the FASTag ecosystem, KYV contributes to:

Faster toll transactions and smoother highway travel
Better data accuracy for transport authorities
Reduced fraud and human error
Linkage with future digital services like e-challan, smart parking, and automatic insurance updates

In essence, KYV is helping India move toward a smarter, more secure, and cashless road network.

Top KYV FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Is KYV mandatory for all FASTag users?

Yes. As per NPCI’s October 2024 circular, KYV is mandatory for every FASTag customer — existing and new.

2. How often do I need to complete KYV?

Every three years, or when there’s a change in vehicle ownership, windshield, or FASTag replacement.

3. What happens if I don’t complete KYV on time?

Your FASTag will be deactivated or blocked, and you’ll need to pay tolls manually.

4. Can I complete KYV offline?

No. KYV is an online-only process, available through your bank or FASTag provider’s website or app.

5. Can I use the same FASTag for two vehicles?

No. Each FASTag is uniquely linked to one vehicle.

6. What if my FASTag sticker is damaged or faded?

Request a replacement FASTag and complete KYV again with new photos.

7. Are there any charges for KYV?

Most banks and FASTag providers offer KYV free of charge, but replacement tags may involve a nominal fee.

8. How long does KYV approval take?

Usually 1–3 working days, provided all images and documents are clear and valid.

Conclusion: KYV — A Smarter Way to Drive Ahead

The Know Your Vehicle (KYV) initiative marks a major step forward in India’s journey toward digital, transparent, and secure transportation.

Just like KYC revolutionized the banking system, KYV is bringing discipline and authenticity to the FASTag ecosystem.

By verifying your vehicle once every three years, you’re not only following the rules — you’re also helping build a cleaner, safer, and more efficient toll collection network.

So don’t delay.
Log in to your FASTag provider’s app today, upload your vehicle details, and get your KYV done.
Because when your vehicle is verified, your journey stays smooth.