Mandatory e-KYC for .IN Domain Registrations as per NIXI Guidelines

[Jeff]

I received the following email from Connect Reseller:

Key Update: Mandatory e-KYC for .IN Registrants
Effective from 1st August 2025, all registrants of .IN domain names will be required to complete an e-KYC verification process to successfully register or renew a .IN domain.

This e-KYC process is being facilitated using DigiLocker, a secure digital document verification system launched by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) under the Digital India initiative.

.IN Registrations Limited to Indian Registrants
.IN domain registrations will now be restricted to individuals or organizations based in India. Non-Indian entities will no longer be able to register .IN domain names.


What You Need To Do
If you or your customers wish to register or renew a .IN domain, please ensure the following:
● Valid Indian identity documents must be submitted via the e-KYC process.
●The e-KYC link and instructions will be shared during the domain registration workflow.
●Incomplete or failed KYC submissions may result in delayed or unsuccessful domain registration.
​

 

[Jeff]

This seems to be the latest registrar accreditation agreement:

https://www.registry.in/s3-assets/raa_28042022.pdf

Page 13, clause 4.4.12 sets out the details of Mandatory KYC:
"The Registrar shall require all registrants, including foreign nationals, to undergo
mandatory electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) procedures. Registrants,
including foreign nationals, shall provide accurate, authentic and verifiable
identification information and supporting documentation as requested by the
Registrar"

Pages 15-16, clause 4.4.15 sets out details for foreign registrants:
"For registrations of .IN domain names by entities outside of India (Non-Resident/foreign
Registrants), the Registrar shall require the Non-Resident/foreign Registrant to
demonstrate a legitimate business connection or purpose connected to India by submitting
a signed declaration outlining their business connection or purpose in India. This
declaration will be collected and verified by the Registrar at the time of registration. If
required, NIXI will further evaluate the same.
...
.IN Registry reserves the sole and absolute right to accept or reject any request for
registration of a .IN domain name by a foreign Registrant."

 

[Jeff]

The Registry has posted a clarification about this: Requisites for Registration of .IN Domain Names for Indian and Foreign Nationals

Requisites for Registration of .IN Domain Names for Indian and Foreign Nationals

Requisites for Registration of .IN Domain Names for Indian and Foreign Nationals

www.registry.in

NIXI confirms that foreign nationals and entities are fully eligible to register .in domain. They may be asked their connection to India, but this is just a procedural requirement and not intended to limit registrations to Indian nationals.