NHAI decision eases FASTag use for private vehicle owners while keeping strict vehicle checks before tag activation
The National Highways Authority of India has announced a major update in FASTag rules that will benefit millions of car owners across the country. The authority has decided to remove the mandatory Know Your Vehicle process for cars, jeeps and vans, starting February 1, 2026. The move aims to reduce inconvenience and make toll payments smoother for users.
KYV Process No Longer Mandatory for Cars
FASTag users driving private vehicles will no longer need to complete KYV after their FASTag is activated. Earlier, many users faced repeated requests to upload vehicle photos and documents even after activation, which often caused delays and service interruptions. The new rule removes this post-activation requirement.
Reason Behind the Rule Change
The Know Your Vehicle (KYV) process was introduced to ensure that FASTags were correctly linked to vehicles. However, in reality, the system created several problems for vehicle owners. Many users faced repeated verification requests, delayed approvals and even temporary FASTag suspension despite submitting correct details. As complaints increased from across the country, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) decided to simplify the process.
Vehicle Verification to Take Place Before FASTag Activation
Under the revised system, vehicle verification will continue, but authorities will conduct it in a more organised manner. Going forward, banks issuing FASTags will verify vehicle details before activating the FASTag. To ensure accuracy, banks will use the VAHAN database to confirm vehicle information. Meanwhile, vehicles not listed on the VAHAN portal will be verified using the Registration Certificate (RC). Importantly, banks will remain fully responsible for completing accurate verification before activation.
KYV to Be Required Only in Special Situations
At the same time, NHAI clarified that the KYV process will apply only in specific cases. These include situations such as incorrect FASTag issuance, suspected misuse, damaged or loosely fixed FASTags, or ownership-related complaints. As a result, routine KYV checks will no longer apply to private cars, bringing significant relief to users.
Impact on New FASTag Applicants
Consequently, car owners applying for a new FASTag after February 1, 2026 will benefit directly from the new rule. Since banks will complete verification before activation, users will be able to start using FASTag immediately. This change will eliminate repeated follow-ups, unnecessary delays and verification-related confusion.
Relief for Existing FASTag Users
Similarly, existing FASTag holders will also receive relief under the revised policy. Authorities will not ask them to complete KYV unless they report a specific complaint or detect a mismatch. Therefore, most users will no longer need to submit documents or upload vehicle photographs again.
Why the Change Is Important
Overall, the updated rule aims to reduce unnecessary inconvenience, speed up FASTag-related services and improve the highway travel experience. While authorities will continue strong checks before activation to prevent misuse, the system will now offer greater convenience and transparency to vehicle owners.
Rule to Take Effect From February 1, 2026
Finally, NHAI confirmed that the revised FASTag rule will come into effect on February 1, 2026. Until then, the existing procedures will remain in force. Once implemented, the change is expected to make FASTag usage simpler, faster and more reliable for private vehicle owners across India.
FAQs: FASTag KYV Rule Change
Q1. What is KYV in FASTag?
KYV stands for Know Your Vehicle. It was a verification process used to confirm that a FASTag was correctly linked to a specific vehicle.
Q2. From when is the KYV requirement removed for cars?
NHAI will remove the mandatory KYV requirement for cars, jeeps and vans from February 1, 2026.
Q3. Does this rule apply to existing FASTag users as well?
Yes. Existing FASTag users will not need to complete KYV unless there is a specific complaint, mismatch or suspected misuse.
Q4. Will vehicle verification still happen after KYV is removed?
Yes. Banks will verify vehicle details before FASTag activation using the VAHAN database or the vehicle’s Registration Certificate.
Q5. In which situations can KYV still be asked for?
Authorities may ask for KYV in special cases such as incorrect FASTag issuance, suspected misuse, damaged or loosely fixed FASTags, or ownership-related complaints.
