Big relief for car owners: No more KYV for new FASTags from Feb 2026

The National Highways Authority of India has discontinued the Know Your Vehicle (KYV) process for cars on all new FASTag issuances from February 1, 2026, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways said on Thursday.

The decision, which applies to the Car/Jeep/Van category of FASTag, is expected to bring relief to lakhs of motorists who have faced delays and repeated follow-ups after FASTag activation despite possessing valid vehicle documents.

The KYV process will no longer be a routine requirement even for FASTags already issued to cars. The process will be triggered only in specific cases where complaints are received, such as issues related to loose FASTags, incorrect issuance or suspected misuse.

In the absence of any complaint, no KYV will be required for existing car FASTags, according to an official release.

NHAI has simultaneously strengthened pre-activation validation norms for issuer banks to ensure accuracy, compliance, and system integrity while simplifying the process for users, the ministry said.

• FASTag activation will be permitted only after mandatory validation of vehicle details through the VAHAN database.

• The earlier provision allowing post-activation validation has been discontinued.

• In exceptional cases where vehicle details are not available on VAHAN, issuer banks will be required to validate information using the vehicle’s registration certificate before activation.

• FASTags sold through online channels will also be activated only after complete validation by banks.

The news measures, according to the government, ensure that all vehicle verification is completed upfront, removing the need for repeated follow-ups with customers after FASTag activation.

“These reforms reflect NHAI’s continued commitment to making the FASTag ecosystem citizen-friendly, transparent, and technology-driven, while simultaneously strengthening compliance and reducing grievances,” the statement said.

“By shifting the responsibility of validation entirely to Issuer Banks prior to activation, NHAI aims to deliver a hassle-free experience for National Highway users,” it added.