Central KYC (CKYC) Guide: Step-by-Step Process to Register & Find Your CKYC Number
Disclaimer: The information is shared in good faith and for general informational purposes only. Ujjivan SFB does not make any representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the content.
January 16, 2026
If you’ve ever opened a bank account, bought insurance, or invested in a mutual fund, you’ve probably had to fill out a KYC form — often more than once. It can be tiring to submit the same ID proofs again and again at different places. That’s exactly the problem the Central Know Your Customer (CKYC) system aims to solve.
CKYC is India’s one-time KYC solution that allows you to complete your verification just once and use it across banks, insurance providers, NBFCs, and investment platforms. Think of it as a universal identity record for your financial dealings. Once registered, you receive a unique 14-digit CKYC number that links to all your verified details.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what CKYC is, how it works, how to register, how to find your CKYC number.
What is CKYC and Why It Was Introduced?
CKYC, short for Central Know Your Customer, is a centralised KYC database maintained by CERSAI (Central Registry of Securitisation Asset Reconstruction and Security Interest of India). It was introduced by the Government of India and the Ministry of Finance to make financial verification easier and more secure.
Before CKYC, each financial institution, like your bank, insurance company, or mutual fund, had to conduct its own KYC process. This meant multiple submissions of the same documents and higher chances of errors or data mismatches. CKYC eliminates that repetition.
Once your CKYC record is created, it’s stored in a secure central system. Any bank, NBFC, or investment firm you approach later can instantly access this verified information — with your consent. The result: faster onboarding, less paperwork, and stronger compliance with RBI, SEBI, and IRDAI regulations aimed at preventing fraud and money laundering.
How CKYC (Central Know Your Customer ) Works
CKYC works like a digital locker that securely stores your verified identity details. When you complete KYC at any authorised financial institution for the first time, your information is uploaded to the Central KYC Registry (CKYCR) managed by CERSAI.
You’re then assigned a 14-digit CKYC number, also known as a KYC Identifier Number (KIN). This number is unique to you and linked to your PAN and other ID proofs. Whenever you open a new savings account or start an investment, instead of resubmitting documents, you can simply share your CKYC number. The new institution can fetch your verified details directly from the registry, only after confirming your consent.
This system not only saves time but also keeps your information consistent across all platforms. Any updates — such as a new address or name change — get reflected automatically once updated in the CKYC database.
What are the Documents Required for CKYC
The documentation process for CKYC is simple and similar to a standard KYC. You’ll typically need:
Tip: Always sign or self-attest the copies before submission. For online applications, verification happens through OTP or video KYC.
Option 1: Ask your financial provider directly
If your bank or investment house helped you complete KYC earlier, contact their branch or customer care and request your CKYC number. They can access it from the CERSAI database.
Option 2: Through investment platforms
Several platforms like CAMS or KFintech also offer online CKYC look-up services for mutual fund investors.
Tip: Keep your CKYC number stored securely in your personal records for future use.
How to Update or Modify CKYC Details
Whether it’s a new address, phone number, or surname change after marriage, you can easily update your CKYC record.
How to update:
Once updated, the change automatically reflects across all institutions linked to your CKYC profile
How to Fix CKYC Issues
1. Can’t find your CKYC number online?
Check for spelling mistakes or use your registered mobile number. If it still doesn’t show, contact your bank to retrieve it.
2. Duplicate CKYC records
If more than one CKYC ID exists for you, banks can request CERSAI to merge them after verification.
3. Wrong or outdated details
Submit updated documents at any participating institution. The corrected data will replace the old one in the registry.
4. Old KYC not appearing
Older KYCs (before 2017) might not have been migrated. Ask your provider to upload your details again to generate a CKYC number.
5. No confirmation received
If you didn’t get an SMS or email after applying, wait a few days and then check online—sometimes updates take a short while to reflect.
What are the Recent CKYC Updates
The CKYC system has continued to evolve to make financial onboarding smoother and safer. Some of the key changes and regulations introduced recently include:
These updates make CKYC not just a convenience, but a long-term part of India’s financial infrastructure.
Penalties and Consequences of Non-Disclosure of KYC
CKYC is a mandatory compliance framework under Indian financial law. While not having CKYC won’t immediately penalize you, providing false or incomplete information during KYC can lead to serious consequences.
- Account Freeze: Banks or mutual funds can suspend transactions until valid KYC details are submitted
- Delayed Processing: Loans, insurance claims, or investment redemptions may be held until verification is complete
- Regulatory Action: Providing fake or mismatched documents can result in financial penalties under Prevention of Money Laundering (PMLA) guidelines
- Data Mismatch Issues: Multiple unverified accounts may flag your PAN under risk monitoring, leading to extra scrutiny
- Future Re-verification: If your CKYC is inactive for long or flagged for inconsistency, you may be asked to re-submit updated documents
Tip: Keep your CKYC up to date and ensure all submitted information — especially PAN, Aadhaar, and address — matches across institutions.
Final Thoughts
CKYC is one of the most customer-friendly reforms in India’s financial system. It replaces multiple KYC processes with a single, permanent identity record. It helps customers, banks and other financial institutions by saving time, reducing paperwork, and protecting customers from fraud.
With one 14-digit number, you can open accounts, invest, or apply for insurance without repeating the same process. Keep your CKYC active and updated to enjoy seamless financial access.
If you haven’t checked your CKYC yet, do it today using your PAN. It’s your digital identity passport across India’s financial ecosystem.
Disclaimer:
The contents herein are only for informational purposes and generic in nature. The content does not amount to an offer, invitation or solicitation of any kind to buy or sell, and are not intended to create any legal rights or obligations. This information is subject to updation, completion, amendment and verification without notice. The contents herein are also subject to other product-specific terms and conditions, as well as any applicable third-party terms and conditions, for which Ujjivan Small Finance Bank assumes no responsibility or liability.
Nothing contained herein is intended to constitute financial, investment, legal, tax, or any other professional advice or opinion. Please obtain professional advice before making investment or any other decisions. Any investment decisions that may be made by the you shall be at your own sole discretion, independent analysis and evaluation of the risks involved. The use of any information set out in this document is entirely at the user’s own risk. Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Limited makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy and completeness for any information herein. The Bank disclaims any and all liability for any loss or damage (direct, indirect, consequential, or otherwise) incurred by you due to use of or due to investment, product application decisions made by you on the basis of the contents herein. While the information is prepared in good faith from sources deemed reliable (including public sources), the Bank disclaims any liability with respect to accuracy of information or any error or omission or any loss or damage incurred by anyone in reliance on the contents herein, in any manner whatsoever.
To know more about Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Products Visit:"https://www.ujjivansfb.bank.in"
All intellectual property rights, including copyrights, trademarks, and other proprietary rights, pertaining to the content and materials displayed herein, belong
to Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Limited or its licensors. Unauthorised use or misuse of any intellectual property, or other content displayed herein is strictly prohibited and the same is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would (by reason of that person’s nationality, residence or otherwise) be contrary to law or registration or would subject Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Limited or its affiliates to any licensing or registration requirements.
