FASTag Rules Overhauled: KYV Verification to End for Cars, Jeeps and Vans

In a major relief for private vehicle owners, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has decided to remove the mandatory Know Your Vehicle (KYV) process for newly issued FASTags starting February 1, 2026. The change applies to cars, jeeps, and vans and is aimed at reducing post-activation hassles faced by users.

KYV was earlier introduced as a verification step after FASTag activation to ensure that the tag was correctly mapped to the vehicle. However, many vehicle owners complained of repeated follow-ups and verification delays—even after submitting valid documents—prompting NHAI to review the system.

What’s changing for new FASTags?

Under the new framework, FASTags for private vehicles will no longer require KYV as a routine step after activation. Once issued, users can start using their FASTags immediately without worrying about additional verification—unless a problem is reported.

When will KYV still apply?

NHAI clarified that KYV has not been completely eliminated. It will now be triggered only in specific cases, such as:

Complaints about loose or damaged FASTags

Incorrect tag issuance

Suspected misuse or fraud

Mismatch between vehicle details and FASTag data

If no such issue arises, users will not be asked to complete KYV.

What about existing FASTag users?

Vehicles that already have FASTags will not be required to undergo KYV by default. Similar to new tags, KYV will be carried out only if a complaint or discrepancy is reported. In the absence of any issue, existing FASTags will continue to function without interruption.

How will safety and accuracy be ensured?

To prevent misuse while easing the process for users, NHAI has tightened pre-activation checks for issuer banks. FASTags can now be activated only after vehicle details are verified on the VAHAN database.

The earlier system—where tags could be activated first and verified later—has been discontinued.

In rare cases where vehicle data is unavailable on VAHAN, banks must verify details using the Registration Certificate (RC) before activating the FASTag and will be fully accountable for the verification.

These stricter checks also apply to FASTags purchased online, ensuring all validations are completed upfront and customers are not contacted again after activation.

— By Aaradhay Sharma