NHAI Scraps Post-Activation KYV for New Car FASTags from February 1, 2026

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced a significant reform in the FASTag system, discontinuing the post-activation Know Your Vehicle (KYV) process for all new FASTags issued for private vehicles—cars, jeeps, and vans—effective February 1, 2026. The decision aims to simplify the toll collection process and eliminate the recurring inconvenience faced by lakhs of vehicle owners who had to repeatedly submit vehicle documents for verification after activating their FASTags. Under the earlier system, users often received follow-up messages demanding KYC even after initial KYC and vehicle registration, leading to widespread frustration and complaints.

The KYV requirement was introduced to ensure that the FASTag was correctly linked to the registered vehicle and to prevent misuse, such as linking multiple tags to a single vehicle or using tags on unregistered vehicles. However, many users reported that the process was redundant, time-consuming, and often triggered unnecessarily despite proper documentation being uploaded at the time of purchase. NHAI's move to shift the entire verification process to the pre-activation stage is expected to streamline operations, reduce customer grievances, and improve the overall user experience on national highways.

This change will primarily benefit private vehicle owners who purchase new FASTags from banks, toll plazas, or authorized issuers. Existing FASTags that have already undergone the post-activation KYV process will continue to function normally, and no action is required from current users. The reform aligns with NHAI's broader efforts to enhance efficiency in electronic toll collection, promote digital payments, and make FASTag usage more seamless across the country’s extensive highway network.

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The announcement has been welcomed by commuters and transport associations, who view it as a practical step toward reducing bureaucratic hurdles and improving the FASTag ecosystem. With the new rule taking effect from February 1, 2026, vehicle owners planning to purchase or replace FASTags are advised to ensure complete vehicle verification at the time of issuance to avoid any future complications. NHAI has assured that the transition will not impact toll operations or FASTag functionality, maintaining the system's reliability while making it more user-friendly.

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