New Delhi, 1 January 2026 — The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced that it will discontinue the Know Your Vehicle (KYV) process for cars in the Car/Jeep/Van category for all new FASTag issuances from 1 February 2026. The authority said the move is intended to improve convenience for road users and address delays caused by post-activation verifications.
FASTag KYV removal to speed up activations
Under the revised framework, FASTag activations will be permitted only after mandatory pre-activation validation of vehicle details through the VAHAN database. NHAI has withdrawn the provision for routine post-activation validation, shifting full responsibility for verification to issuer banks. The regulator said RC-based verification will be allowed only in exceptional cases where vehicle details are unavailable on VAHAN, and that banks will be held fully accountable for compliance.
NHAI said the change will offer immediate relief to many motorists who previously faced delays and repeated follow-ups after FASTag activation despite having submitted valid vehicle documents at the time of issuance. For existing FASTags issued to cars, KYV will no longer be carried out as a routine measure; it will be undertaken only when specific complaints are received, such as incorrect issuance, misuse, or loose FASTags.
FASTags issued through online channels will also require completion of the prescribed validation process before activation. By strengthening pre-activation validation norms for issuer banks, NHAI aims to maintain system integrity while simplifying procedures for users. The reforms are intended to make the FASTag system more user-friendly, transparent and technology-driven, reduce grievances and strengthen compliance across the ecosystem.
Transport and toll system experts say the move is consistent with broader efforts to digitalise highway operations and reduce friction for users. Requiring VAHAN validation before activation should lower instances of incorrect issuance and post-sale disputes, provided banks implement the new checks effectively and promptly.
However, the shift places significant onus on issuer banks to ensure accurate data matching with VAHAN. In cases where VAHAN records are incomplete or mismatched, reliance on RC-based checks in exceptional situations may increase administrative burden for banks and vehicle owners. NHAI’s decision to hold banks fully accountable aims to deter lapses, but effective enforcement and clear escalation mechanisms will be crucial to prevent new bottlenecks.
The policy change also has implications for FASTag vendors and partner agencies that facilitate on-ground installations. With pre-activation validation mandatory, vendors will need to coordinate closely with banks and customers to ensure documentation and data are aligned before activation. Online sellers of FASTags will similarly need to integrate VAHAN checks into their activation workflows.
NHAI framed the revision as a step towards a more seamless user experience and stronger compliance. The authority said it expects the new approach to reduce grievance resolution times and cut down the volume of post-issuance verifications that previously affected a sizable number of road users.
The new rules take effect on 1 February 2026. Motorists purchasing new FASTags for cars from that date should ensure that their vehicle records are correct on the VAHAN portal to avoid activation delays. Issuer banks and vendors will be responsible for completing the required validation before activating FASTags.
Key Takeaways:
- NHAI will discontinue KYV for new car FASTag issuances from 1 February 2026, aiming to reduce activation delays and follow-ups.
- FASTag KYV removal will be offset by stricter pre-activation validation via the VAHAN database and increased issuer bank responsibility.
- Existing car FASTags will not undergo routine KYV unless complaints arise, while online issuances require validation before activation.
