In a move aimed at simplifying the FASTag issuance process and improving ease of compliance for vehicle owners, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has decided to eliminate the mandatory Know Your Vehicle (KYV) verification requirement for new FASTag issuance in specific vehicle categories. The revised system will come into effect from February 1, 2026.
The relaxation will apply to non-commercial private vehicles, including cars, jeeps, and vans, which account for a significant share of FASTag users across the country. Under the new framework, KYV verification will no longer be required as a post-issuance or routine compliance step after FASTag activation.
Instead, the responsibility for verifying vehicle details will rest entirely with the FASTag-issuing banks at the time of issuance. Banks will be required to ensure that vehicle credentials are verified before activating the FASTag, primarily through the VAHAN national vehicle database. In cases where vehicle details are not available on the VAHAN platform, issuing banks must verify information using the Registration Certificate (RC) prior to activation.
The decision has been taken to address persistent operational challenges related to KYV compliance, including delays, duplicate checks, and inconvenience faced by vehicle owners despite having valid documentation. According to NHAI, shifting verification responsibility to issuing entities will help streamline the process while maintaining system integrity.
Importantly, the authority has clarified that KYV will not be made mandatory for FASTags that are already active. Existing FASTag users will not be required to undergo KYV unless specific issues arise. These include cases involving incorrect tag issuance, suspected misuse, loose or damaged FASTags, or formal complaints raised by toll operators or enforcement agencies. In such situations, KYV checks may still be initiated on a case-to-case basis.
NHAI has also instructed banks to ensure strict adherence to verification protocols at the issuance stage to prevent errors related to vehicle classification, duplicate FASTags, or incorrect linkage of vehicle details. The revised approach is expected to reduce post-activation interventions and enhance user confidence in the FASTag ecosystem.
The move forms part of broader efforts to improve digital tolling efficiency, reduce friction for highway users, and strengthen accountability among issuing institutions. With FASTag now firmly embedded as a core component of India’s electronic toll collection system, the authority believes procedural simplification is critical to supporting seamless highway mobility.