KYC Documents List 2026: Know Your Customer, or KYC, is how banks and finance companies confirm your identity before opening an account or giving you a service. It helps stop money laundering, identity theft and fraud. The rules come from the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 and the RBI directions on KYC.
RBI has replaced its old 2016 KYC Master Direction with the Reserve Bank of India (Commercial Banks - Know Your Customer) Directions, 2025. For most people the paper list stays short. One proof of identity, one proof of address, a PAN card and two passport size photos. NRIs, foreign students and companies need a few extra papers.
KYC Documents List 2026
RBI calls the accepted identity papers Officially Valid Documents, or OVDs. The list is fixed. Aadhaar, passport, voter ID, driving licence, NREGA job card attested by a state government officer, and the letter from the National Population Register with name and address. A college ID or a company ID is not an OVD, even though both are issued by an office.
PAN is a separate requirement. Section 139A of the Income Tax Act makes PAN mandatory for opening a bank account. If you do not have PAN, Form 60 or Form 61 works for a limited KYC account with a balance ceiling. Full KYC needs PAN.
Address proof has its own rules. A utility bill must not be older than two months. A bank or post office statement, a municipal tax receipt, a pension payment order or an employer allotment letter also work. If your main OVD shows an old address, RBI allows a deemed OVD to fill the address gap.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| List Name | KYC Documents List 2026 |
| Issued By | Reserve Bank of India |
| Governing Rules | PMLA 2002 and RBI KYC Directions, 2025 |
| Main Documents | Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence |
| Official Website | rbi.org.in |
KYC Documents List for Individuals
For a normal savings or current account, banks ask for one proof of identity, one proof of address, PAN and two photos. Any of the papers below can be used as identity proof, and most of them also work as address proof.
- Aadhaar card, including e-Aadhaar and mAadhaar, with the masked number as per UIDAI guidance.
- PAN card, which is required separately even if you submit another identity paper.
- Passport, which covers both identity and address in most cases.
- Voter ID or EPIC card issued by the Election Commission of India.
- Driving licence, checked for current validity.
- NREGA job card attested by a gazetted officer of the state government.
- Letter from the National Population Register with name and address.
KYC Documents List for NRIs
NRIs need a valid passport and residence visa, both attested by a foreign office, a notary public or the Indian embassy. A document that proves non-resident status, such as the visa, is also needed. Seafarers can submit a Continuous Discharge Certificate or a valid contract copy. For communication, a valid overseas address proof works, and a bank statement from a scheduled or overseas bank not older than three months, or a lease agreement, supports the current address. An employment letter or any other supporting paper from a foreign government department can be added if the bank asks for it.
KYC Documents List for Foreign Nationals and Students
Foreign nationals living in India submit a copy of their passport and visa, plus a local address proof such as a rent agreement or a utility bill. FRRO registration is needed where the visa requires it. Students add an identity card issued by their college or institution, an admission letter showing the course duration and institution details, and a hostel allotment letter or a valid local address proof.
KYC Documents List for OTP based e-KYC
OTP based e-KYC does not need fingerprints or iris scans. Your details are checked through an OTP sent to the mobile number linked with Aadhaar, or through face authentication. The details you need ready are listed below.
- Resident name as per Aadhaar records.
- PAN or Form 60 for tax identification.
- Address details and date of birth.
- Photo for face matching.
- Mobile number linked with Aadhaar for the OTP.
- Email ID for communication.
KYC Documents List for Companies, Trusts and Societies
Business and entity accounts need entity proof, address proof and PAN in the name of the entity, along with the papers listed in the table below.
| Trust | 1. Entity proof and Address proof documents of the entity 2. Trust Deed and Registration Certificate, signed by at least 2 managing authorized trustees 3. PAN card in the name of the Trust. |
| Society | 1. Entity proof and Address proof documents of the entity 2. Society registration certificate signed by the Secretary or Chairperson of the society 3. PAN card in the name of the Society. |
| Private Limited Company | 1. Entity proof and Address proof of the company 2. Incorporation Certificate and Board Resolution 3. PAN Card in the name of the company. |
| Public Limited Company | 1. Entity proof and Address proof of the entity 2. Incorporation Certificate and Board Resolution 3. PAN Card in the name of the company. |
| Political Party | 1. PAN of the Political Party 2. Duly signed resolution from the working committee as per bye-laws indicating details of the party president or authorized signatory 3. Power of Attorney to transact on its behalf 4. Duly authenticated copy of the Constitution or Bye-laws of the Party 5. Copy of Registration of Party with Election Commission 6. Authority letter from the Party president on party letterhead for opening of the account 7. PAN or Form 60 of the Office bearers or signatories, with their photographs. |
How to Complete KYC Online
STEP 1 - Open the official website or mobile app of your bank, wallet or finance company and log in with your registered mobile number or customer ID.
STEP 2 - Go to the KYC or update profile section and pick the e-KYC option. For Aadhaar OTP based e-KYC, enter your Aadhaar number and give consent to share your details.
STEP 3 - Enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar linked mobile number. If the bank uses video KYC, keep your PAN in hand, show your Aadhaar on screen, give a live signature and allow a geo tagged photo.
STEP 4 - Upload clear photos of any other required documents, such as address proof, and submit the form. You will get a confirmation once the checking is done.
Re-KYC Frequency
KYC is not a one time job. RBI sets a risk based schedule for updating your details. Low risk customers update once every 10 years, medium risk every 8 years and high risk every 2 years. If nothing has changed, most banks allow a simple attestation instead of a full re-submission.
| Risk Type | Re-KYC Frequency |
|---|---|
| Low risk | Every 10 years |
| Medium risk | Every 8 years |
| High risk | Every 2 years |
If you are also applying for a loan, see the home loan documents list. Farmers can check the PM Kisan eKYC list, and women in Maharashtra can read the Ladki Bahin Yojana e-KYC documents list.