KYC Documents for Crypto Exchanges in India (2026)
Crypto KYC in India needs 4 things: PAN, an ID and address proof such as Aadhaar, a live selfie and a bank account in your name. Full 2026 FIU-IND checklist.
To complete KYC on a crypto exchange in India you need your PAN card, one identity and address proof (usually Aadhaar, or a passport, voter ID or driving licence), a live selfie taken in the app, and a bank account in your own name, plus a working mobile number and email. These requirements come from anti-money-laundering rules that FIU-IND tightened for crypto platforms in January 2026.
Key takeaways
- PAN is mandatory on every Indian crypto exchange. Without it you cannot trade.
- You also need one officially valid document for identity and address; most apps use Aadhaar through DigiLocker.
- Since FIU-IND's January 2026 guidelines, exchanges must take a selfie with liveness detection and record your location, date, time and IP address at sign-up.
- Your bank account is checked with a small "penny drop" test deposit, and the name must match your PAN.
- KYC must be refreshed at least once a year, or every six months for accounts rated high risk.
Why crypto exchanges ask for KYC
Crypto is legal in India but regulated for anti-money-laundering. Since March 2023, platforms that deal in virtual digital assets are "reporting entities" under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, and must register with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-IND). That makes them verify every customer, keep records and report suspicious transactions, much like banks. KYC also links your trades to your PAN for tax, which is how 1% TDS appears against your name. There is no RBI licence for crypto exchanges; FIU-IND registration is what to look for. See our list of FIU-registered exchanges and is cryptocurrency legal in India.
KYC documents checklist
| What | Required? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| PAN card | Mandatory | Verified against Income Tax Department records. Your PAN should be active and linked to Aadhaar. |
| Identity and address proof | Mandatory (one document) | An officially valid document: proof of Aadhaar possession (often via DigiLocker), passport, driving licence, voter ID, NREGA job card or NPR letter. |
| Live selfie | Mandatory | Taken inside the app with liveness detection, such as blinking or turning your head. Uploaded photos are not accepted. |
| Location and device data | Captured automatically | Latitude and longitude, date and time stamp, and IP address at onboarding. |
| Mobile number and email | Mandatory | Verified by OTP. |
| Bank account | Mandatory for INR deposits and withdrawals | In your own name, verified by a penny drop (a small test credit). |
| Personal details | Usually asked | Occupation, income range and source of funds; more may be asked for large or unusual activity. |
Exact screens and the order of steps vary by app, but the core list is the same because it comes from the same FIU-IND rules.
Step by step: completing crypto KYC
- Sign up with your mobile number and email, and verify both with OTP.
- Enter your PAN. The name and date of birth must match exactly what the Income Tax Department holds.
- Verify your ID and address, usually by connecting DigiLocker to share Aadhaar details, or by uploading clear photos of another valid document.
- Take the live selfie in good light, without glasses or a cap, and allow location access when asked.
- Add your bank account and wait for the penny drop to confirm the name matches.
- Wait for approval. Automated checks often finish quickly, but manual review can take longer; the app will show the status.
Our guide on how to open a crypto account in India walks through the whole setup, and the best crypto exchanges for beginners can help you choose one.
Common reasons KYC gets rejected
- Name mismatch: the name on your PAN, Aadhaar and bank account must match. Initials, spelling differences or a changed surname after marriage are frequent problems; update the document that is wrong.
- PAN not linked to Aadhaar: an inoperative PAN can cause verification to fail.
- Selfie problems: poor light, a face partly hidden, or not following the liveness prompts.
- Blurry or cropped document photos when uploading instead of using DigiLocker.
- Joint or third-party bank account: exchanges generally need an account in your own name.
- Location mismatch: if your captured location does not fit your declared address, the exchange may ask for extra checks.
Re-KYC: why the app asks again
FIU-IND's guidelines require exchanges to update customer KYC at least once a year, and at least every six months for customers rated high risk. If nothing has changed, a simple self-declaration may be enough. Do not ignore these prompts: accounts with pending re-KYC can have trading or withdrawals limited until you complete it.
Can you buy crypto without KYC in India?
Not on any compliant platform. Offers of "no-KYC" crypto, often through peer-to-peer deals or offshore apps, carry real risks: frozen bank accounts, scams, and no legal protection. FIU-IND has also blocked a number of offshore exchanges that were not registered. We explain the risks in buying USDT without KYC and P2P trading and bank account freezes.
Keeping your KYC documents safe
Only share documents inside the official app or website of a registered exchange. No genuine exchange will ask for your KYC documents, OTP or passwords over WhatsApp, Telegram or a phone call, and none will ask you to pay a fee to "complete KYC". Those are scam signs. Read how to avoid crypto scams in India for more.
Special cases: minors and NRIs
Exchanges require users to be adults, so a minor cannot pass KYC; see can a minor buy crypto in India. NRIs face extra checks and not every Indian exchange accepts them; check the exchange's own NRI requirements before signing up, and read crypto tax for NRIs for the tax side.
FAQ
Is PAN card mandatory for crypto in India?
Yes. Every Indian exchange requires a PAN, because trades are linked to it for tax and anti-money-laundering reporting.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for crypto KYC?
Aadhaar is the most common address proof, but other officially valid documents such as a passport, voter ID or driving licence are also allowed under the rules. Individual apps may prefer Aadhaar through DigiLocker.
Why does my crypto app need my location and a live selfie?
FIU-IND's January 2026 guidelines require exchanges to capture a liveness-checked selfie and your location, date, time and IP address at onboarding to prevent fake or borrowed identities.
How long does crypto KYC take in India?
Automated checks are often quick, but manual review can take longer. Mismatched names or unclear photos cause most delays.
This article is AI-assisted, educational and general in nature. It is not financial advice and never a guarantee of profit. Every trade is at your own risk on your own exchange. See our risk disclosure and editorial policy.
