Central KYC Registration: A Complete Guide (2025)
A Complete Guide to Central KYC Registration (2025 Updated)
Central KYC registration is a centralised repository of KYC records that streamlines KYC processes across financial institutions in India. You can avoid the hassle of repeatedly submitting documents when availing a financial service by registering once.
Regulated by CERSAI, this government initiative simplifies compliance, saves time, and enhances security for both individuals and institutions. Read further through this complete guide to CKYC and know how it works, its benefits and steps to initiate your CKYC number.
What is CKYC?
Central Know Your Customer or CKYC, is a centralised database of an individual’s KYC information across different financial institutions. It eliminates the burden of submitting KYC and supporting documents for verification when availing a service from financial institutions. It, therefore, offers a streamlined KYC process for investors and financial institutions.
Features of CKYC
The following are the features of CKYC:
- It is a 14-digit number associated with a customer’s identification
- Relevant institutions under which CKYC is registered, are notified if the KYC information of customers change
- Customer’s information is saved securely in electronic form
- The submitted documents are validated by the issuer
Under Which Organisation Can I Register Myself for CKYC?
Financial institutions that are regulated by RBI, SEBI, IRDAI and PFRDA can help register your KYC details with central KYC. You are registered for CKYC when you open a Demat account or bank account, invest in mutual funds or purchase insurance.
How Does CKYC Work?
The CKYC process enables investors in India to provide their KYC information once and use it for further investments. This process starts with potential investors approaching an asset management company or any financial institution to invest.
The institution then asks the individual for their KYC details and other necessary documents, which include an Aadhaar card, passport, PAN card, etc. The documents are then sent to the Central Registry of Securitisation Asset Reconstruction & Security Interest of India (CERSAI), which allocates 14 digital unique numbers to the individual.
The KYC process is completed by filling out the CKYC form, available online. All you need to do is fill out basic information such as name, contact details and address. You must also provide identity and address verification with photographs. After submission of the form, CESRAI verifies it, and your KYC status is updated in the system.
Hence, by providing your KYC information once, you can save time and effort when applying for further investments or opening demat bank accounts with asset management companies or financial institutions.
Steps to Complete the Process of CKYC Online
Below are the steps that you must follow to complete the process of central KYC registration:
Step 1: Find a financial institution that offers CKYC services and gather the necessary documents and KYC details including an Aadhaar card, PAN card, etc
Step 2: Submit the documents, which will be further verified by the institution for their authenticity
Step 3: You will be issued a CKYC number upon successful verification
Documents Required for CKYC
You may submit the following documents only once to complete the CKYC process efficiently:
- Address verification
- Identity proof
- Signature
- Passport size photographs
You can then use only your CKYC identifier to open an account with other financial institutions.
Steps to Check CKYC Number Status
Follow the steps below to know your central KYC number status:
Step 1: Go to the website of the financial institution which has provided you with the CKYC service or where you have an account
Step 2: Visit the “Customer Services” or “CKYC” section and log into your account using your username and password
Step 3: Click on the “CKYC Details” or “CKYC Status” option to view your CKYC number status
Steps to Get Your Central KYC Card
Following are the steps to check CKYC card seamlessly:
Step 1: To download your CKYC card, place a missed call on the number 7799022129
Step 2: Use the “View Your CKYC Card” feature available on www.ckycindia.in website for downloading your CKYC card
Step 3: Use digilocker and access your CKYC card
Types of CKYC Accounts
Following are the 4 types of central KYC (know your customer) accounts:
- Normal Account: This account is created as you submit any of the following official address or ID proof including voter ID, PAN card, Aadhaar card, passport, driving licence and NREGA job card.
- Low Risk or Simplified Account: Customers who cannot provide any of the six official documents, but submit other valid documents (OVDs), fall under this category. This includes a job card issued by NREGA and signed by a government official, an Aadhaar letter issued by UIDAI, and utility bills.
- OTP-Based eKYC Account: Here, you can submit an Aadhaar-based PDF file, which is downloaded from the UIDAI website and enabled by an OTP.
- Small Account: For this account type, customers submit only a filled-in form with a photograph, as they do not have any official documents.
Benefits of CKYC Registration
The process of CKYC offers the following benefits:
- Limits the number of times an individual has to submit their KYC information, thus streamlining the process
- Detects and prevents fraudulent activities
- Ensured reduced paperwork
- Eliminates time and effort of submitting KYC information repetitively
- Lets financial institutions access information quickly and securely through a central database
- Improves efficiency and reduces costs for financial institutions
- Consolidates KYC records across multiple entities
Read More: What is FOIR and How It Affects Your Loan Approval
Difference Between KYC, eKYC and CKYC
The following table illustrates the key differences between the diverse KYC types:
Points of Distinction |
KYC |
eKYC |
CKYC |
Full form |
Know Your Customer | Electronic Know Your Customer | Central Know Your Customer |
Purpose |
Complies with regulatory requirements and prevents fraudulent activities | Makes the process more efficient and easier | Provides a seamless experience for customers, and avoids duplication of KYC by financial institutions |
Process |
Requires physical presence of the applicant | Digital process | One-time KYC used by multiple financial institutions |
Verification method |
Physical documents | Digital documents | Biometrics and digital documents |
Conclusion
Central KYC registration offers convenience, security, and efficiency, allowing users to submit their KYC information just once. It prevents document duplication, reduces fraud, and provides a seamless experience for both customers and financial institutions. This creates a centralised and secure platform for identity verification.
