FASTag: How to Complete KYC and Recharge

FASTag KYC and recharge are always handled by the bank or issuer that gave you the tag, so the first step is to identify your issuer. For a bank-issued FASTag, log in to that bank’s FASTag portal or net banking, open the KYC/update section, and submit your identity proof, address proof and Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC). For an NHAI-issued FASTag, use the IHMCL portal at fastag.ihmcl.com with your registered mobile number. To recharge, use your issuer’s app, net banking, or a UPI app such as PhonePe or Google Pay — select your FASTag, enter the vehicle number, and pay.

FASTag is the electronic toll-payment sticker on your windscreen that lets you pass toll plazas without stopping to pay cash. It works on radio-frequency identification (RFID): a reader at the toll scans the tag and deducts the toll from the account or wallet linked to it. Two tasks keep it working smoothly: completing your KYC (Know Your Customer verification, as required under RBI norms) and keeping it topped up. Because many different banks issue FASTags, the exact screens differ — but the overall process is the same. Here is how to do both safely.

First, find out who issued your FASTag

Your FASTag was issued by a specific bank or by NHAI. Check the logo on the tag, the welcome SMS or email you received, or the app you used to buy it. This matters because KYC and recharge both happen through that issuer. If you are not sure, the 1033 highway helpline can help you identify it.

Documents you need for KYC

Keep these ready before you start:

1. Proof of identity and proof of address — as per RBI KYC norms, acceptable documents include Aadhaar, PAN, Driving Licence, Voter ID or Passport.
2. A passport-size photograph.
3. Your Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC).

Your issuer’s exact list can differ, so confirm it on their site. Have soft copies ready to upload if you are doing it online, and make sure they are clear and readable to avoid rejection.

How to complete KYC (bank-issued FASTag)

1. Log in to your issuing bank’s net banking or mobile banking, or go to its dedicated FASTag portal.
2. Find the FASTag section, usually under Services.
3. Choose the KYC update option.
4. Fill in the details and upload your documents (ID, address proof, photo, RC).
5. Submit and note any reference number. The bank processes the update and your KYC status changes once verified.

Alternatively, you can reach your bank through the NETC FASTag flow: on the NETC portal, under the option to request a FASTag, select your issuing bank and follow the link to that bank’s website to log in and update KYC there.

How to complete KYC (NHAI-issued FASTag)

1. Open the IHMCL FASTag portal at fastag.ihmcl.com.
2. Log in with your registered mobile number and the OTP.
3. Go to the My Profile / KYC section.
4. Upload the required documents and submit.

If you prefer offline, visit the issuer’s branch or point of sale, ask for the KYC update form, fill it in with copies of your documents, and submit it. The issuer updates your account after processing.

How to recharge your FASTag

You can top up in several ways. The balance needs to be enough before you reach a toll:

1. Issuer app / net banking: Log in, open FASTag, choose recharge, and pay.
2. UPI apps: Open PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm or another UPI app, find the FASTag recharge option, select your issuing bank, enter your vehicle number, and pay.
3. Linked account/wallet: Some FASTags are linked to a bank account or wallet and deduct toll directly — just keep that funded.

After recharging, you usually get an SMS confirming the updated balance. If it does not reflect immediately, wait a few minutes and check again before recharging a second time.

How to check your balance and KYC status

You can see your current balance and KYC status by logging in to your issuer’s FASTag portal or app, or the IHMCL portal for NHAI tags. Many issuers also send a balance SMS after each toll deduction. If your KYC shows as incomplete, finish it promptly so the tag is not flagged, and keep a comfortable balance before long journeys so you are not stuck at a toll lane.

KYC vs recharge — what each is for

Common problems and how to fix them

1. Tag not reading at the toll: It may be stuck in the wrong place on the windscreen, damaged, or low on balance. Check the balance first; if the tag is physically damaged, ask your issuer for a replacement.
2. Tag blacklisted: This can happen due to low balance or incomplete KYC. Clear the balance and complete KYC, then wait for it to reactivate; call 1033 if it persists.
3. Double or wrong deduction: Note the date, toll plaza and amount, and raise a complaint with your issuer or on 1033 with those details.
4. More than one tag on a vehicle: Keep only one active FASTag per vehicle to avoid deduction errors.

Selling or changing your vehicle

A FASTag is tied to a specific vehicle. If you sell the vehicle or it is scrapped, close or deactivate the tag with your issuer so it is not misused, and arrange a new tag for your new vehicle. Do not simply peel off and reuse a tag on another vehicle, since it remains linked to the original registration.

A note on Paytm-issued FASTags

Following RBI restrictions on Paytm Payments Bank, top-ups were stopped on FASTags issued by Paytm Payments Bank from March 2024, and those users were advised to obtain a new FASTag from another bank. If you hold an older Paytm Payments Bank tag, you will likely need a tag from a different issuer to continue adding money. Check your tag’s issuer and switch if needed.

Avoid FASTag KYC scams

FASTag KYC is a favourite theme for fraudsters. Stay safe:

1. Ignore SMS, email or WhatsApp messages claiming your FASTag KYC is pending with a link to “update now”. Go to your issuer’s official site or app yourself.
2. Never share an OTP, card number, PIN or password with anyone, including callers claiming to be from the bank or NHAI.
3. Do not install apps sent to you as files; use only official apps.
4. Recharge only through your issuer or trusted UPI apps — not through links in messages.

Why KYC matters and how often to check

KYC is not a one-time formality you can forget. Banking rules require issuers to keep customer records verified and up to date, and an incomplete or outdated KYC is one of the common reasons a tag gets flagged. It is worth logging in to your issuer’s portal once in a while to confirm your KYC status is complete and that your registered mobile number and vehicle details are correct. If you change your phone number, update it with the issuer so recharge confirmations and alerts keep reaching you. Keeping these details current avoids the frustration of a tag that suddenly stops working at a busy toll lane.

Smooth travel: a short pre-trip checklist

1. Confirm your FASTag balance is enough for the tolls on your route, with a margin to spare.
2. Check that KYC shows as complete and the tag is not flagged.
3. Make sure the tag is fixed flat on the windscreen in the correct position so the reader can scan it.
4. Keep your issuer’s app or a UPI app handy so you can top up on the go if needed.
5. Note the 1033 helpline in case of a wrong deduction or a reader problem at the plaza.

Quick recap

Identify your issuer, then update KYC on that bank’s portal (or fastag.ihmcl.com for NHAI tags) with your ID, address proof, photo and RC. Recharge through the issuer app, net banking or a UPI app, and keep a healthy balance. Use the 1033 helpline for problems such as blacklisting or wrong deductions, close the tag when you sell the vehicle, watch out for Paytm Payments Bank tag restrictions, and never act on a “KYC pending” link or share an OTP.