I received a Re-KYC message—what exactly do I need to do?
In most cases, Re-KYC is much simpler than opening a new bank account. What you need to do depends mainly on whether your existing KYC details have changed.
No KYC details have changed
Usually the simplest caseIf your name, address and other KYC particulars remain unchanged, the bank can obtain a self-declaration confirming that there is no change in your KYC information.
You may be able to complete this through:
- mobile banking;
- internet banking;
- your bank’s permitted digital channel;
- registered email or registered mobile based facility;
- ATM, where the bank provides the facility;
- letter/self-declaration accepted by the bank; or
- an authorised Business Correspondent of the bank, where available.
The exact channel depends on the facilities offered by your bank.
Only my address has changed
Fresh full KYC may not be necessaryWhere the only change is your address, RBI’s KYC directions permit the bank to obtain a self-declaration of your new address through permitted channels.
The bank is ordinarily required to verify the declared address through positive confirmation within two months.
Verification may include measures such as:
- an address verification letter;
- contact-point verification;
- delivery of bank correspondence or another deliverable; or
- another verification method permitted under the bank’s KYC process.
Follow the process shown by your bank and keep proof of submission.
Other KYC details have changed
Additional verification may be requiredIf details other than only your address have changed—for example, your name or other material identification particulars—the bank may need to perform a more complete KYC verification.
Depending on the change and your bank’s available facilities, this may be completed through:
- the bank’s digital Re-KYC facility;
- Video Customer Identification Process (V-CIP), where offered;
- submission of the required updated documents; or
- a visit to a bank branch where necessary.
Ask the bank specifically which information requires fresh verification before making an unnecessary branch visit.
What should I submit?
| Your situation | What is generally required | Branch visit? |
|---|---|---|
| No details changed | Self-declaration confirming that there is no change in your KYC information. | Not necessarily. Use an approved digital or other permitted channel offered by your bank. |
| Only address changed | Self-declaration of the new address. The bank will carry out the required address verification. | Not necessarily. Check whether your bank permits online/mobile/other remote submission. |
| Other KYC information changed | Updated information and the documents or verification required for that particular change. | Possibly. Digital or V-CIP options may also be available depending on the bank. |
Do I have to visit my home branch?
Not in every case. RBI’s framework permits several modes for periodic KYC updation, particularly where there is no change in KYC details or where only the address has changed.
Banks may also make Re-KYC available at branches other than the branch where your account is maintained, subject to their approved internal KYC policy.
Before travelling to your home branch, first check your bank’s mobile app, internet banking portal or official Re-KYC instructions. If these do not work, ask whether Re-KYC can be completed at your nearest branch or through another permitted channel.
Does the bank need Aadhaar, PAN and fresh documents every time?
Not automatically. Re-KYC does not mean that every customer must submit a complete new set of documents on every occasion.
However, the bank must ensure that your KYC records meet the current Customer Due Diligence requirements. Therefore, additional documents or verification can still be required in situations such as:
- a material change in your KYC information;
- an existing KYC document having expired;
- the bank’s existing records not meeting current KYC standards;
- the bank needing information permitted under applicable KYC rules; or
- specific verification being necessary based on the customer’s circumstances.
Always obtain acknowledgement
This is important and is often overlooked.
RBI requires regulated entities to provide the customer an acknowledgement mentioning the date on which the relevant documents or self-declaration were received for KYC updation.
After the bank updates the KYC information in its records, the customer should also receive an intimation mentioning the date of updation.
My Re-KYC is already overdue. What should I do?
Complete it as soon as reasonably possible through an official channel of your bank.
RBI requires banks and other regulated entities to provide advance communication before periodic KYC becomes due and reminders after the due date where the customer has still not complied.
From the implementation of the RBI’s 2025 revised requirements, customers are to receive:
- at least three advance intimations before the due date, including at least one by letter; and
- at least three reminders after the due date where the Re-KYC remains pending, including at least one by letter.
These communications should contain understandable instructions for completing Re-KYC, an escalation mechanism where assistance is required and, where applicable, the consequences of not completing it.
How often is periodic KYC required?
RBI follows a risk-based approach. Under the current Master Direction, periodic updation is required at least:
- once every 2 years for high-risk customers;
- once every 8 years for medium-risk customers; and
- once every 10 years for low-risk customers.
The period is counted from the date the account was opened or from the last KYC updation, as applicable.
Your bank determines your risk classification under its regulatory framework. Customers ordinarily do not need to determine this classification themselves.
Don’t wait for Re-KYC if an important document changes
Periodic Re-KYC is different from your obligation to keep the bank informed when relevant documents or particulars change.
Under RBI’s KYC framework, where there is an update to documents submitted for the account relationship, the customer should provide the updated information to the regulated entity within 30 days of the update so that its records can be corrected.
Beware of fake Re-KYC messages
Never:
- share your OTP, ATM PIN, UPI PIN or internet-banking password;
- share card CVV or full card credentials;
- install a remote-access or screen-sharing application because someone claims it is needed for KYC;
- transfer money to “activate”, “verify” or “unfreeze” your account;
- click an unknown Re-KYC link received through SMS, WhatsApp, email or social media; or
- send sensitive KYC documents to an unverified mobile number or email address.
Open your bank’s official mobile app yourself, type the bank’s official website address yourself, call a number verified from the bank’s official website, or visit a branch. Do not use contact details supplied only inside a suspicious message.
I submitted Re-KYC, but the bank still shows it as pending
Note the submission date, reference number and the channel through which Re-KYC was submitted.
Do not merely submit the same documents repeatedly. Ask whether a document is missing, verification has failed, or the update has not been entered in the bank’s system.
Obtain a complaint/reference number and preserve the response.
Use the bank’s official grievance-redressal mechanism if the first complaint does not resolve the issue.
If the bank has rejected your complaint, given an unsatisfactory response, or has not resolved the complaint within the applicable RBI complaint framework, you may examine escalation through RBI’s Complaint Management System.
BankBodh’s Bank Grievance Directory provides bank-wise complaint and escalation routes so that you can move from the first complaint level to the appropriate higher grievance authority.
Open Bank Complaint Directory
Official RBI reference
For an easy-to-understand explanation of KYC and Re-KYC requirements, you can refer to RBI’s official Frequently Asked Questions on KYC.
Reserve Bank of India – FAQs on Master Direction on KYC
The RBI FAQ explains, among other things:
- how often periodic KYC / Re-KYC is required;
- what to do when there is no change in KYC information;
- what to do when only the address has changed;
- different ways in which Re-KYC can be completed;
- documents required for periodic KYC updation;
- acknowledgement after submitting Re-KYC;
- advance notices and reminders for pending Re-KYC; and
- precautions against fraudulent KYC messages and links.
This link opens the official Reserve Bank of India website. RBI instructions may change from time to time, so customers should check the latest information available on the RBI website and their bank’s official website before acting.
BankBodh note: This page explains the general Re-KYC framework applicable to individual customers. A bank may require additional steps where permitted under applicable RBI instructions or its approved KYC policy, depending on the customer’s records and circumstances.
This information is for general awareness and guidance and should not be treated as legal advice or as a substitute for the latest instructions issued by RBI, your bank or any other competent authority.
Official customer reference: Reserve Bank of India – FAQs on Master Direction on KYC.
Banking rules, contact details and procedures can change. If you notice information on this page that appears outdated or incorrect, please let us know.