Web Hosting & Domain Services KYC

KYC is Mandatory – Updated on 20/11/2023

KYC (Know Your Customer) is required for domain and web hosting services for several reasons. For several reasons, Know Your Customer, or KYC, is mandatory in many jurisdictions when purchasing a domain name or hosting plan. KYC is a process that requires individuals and businesses to provide identification and verification documents. Overall, the requirement for KYC in domain and web hosting services serves to protect the interests of both the hosting providers and their customers. It helps establish trust, prevents fraudulent activities, and ensures compliance with legal and regulatory obligations

KYC - Why is it necessary? Why should you do it?


  • Authentication of Identity: In addition to establishing trust, KYC helps reduce the risk of fraudulent activities, such as domain theft or unauthorized use, by verifying the identity of the individual or organization purchasing the domain or hosting services.
  • Prevention of Fraud: In order to protect your hosting provider and customers from fraudulent purchases, KYC documentation adds an additional layer of security. Obtaining KYC documentation can mitigate risks associated with information theft, identity theft, and other malicious activities which could cause harm to your hosting provider and other users.
  • Concerns regarding Liability and Legal Issues: Hosting providers may be legally obligated to comply with compliance standards, privacy regulations, or data protection laws. Gathering KYC information can help them fulfill these obligations and mitigate legal risks.
  • Compliance with Regulations: KYC documentation ensures accountability for online activities and prevents unauthorized transactions. Many countries have laws and regulations to prevent cybercrime, online fraud, and misuse of online services.

  • Firstly, KYC helps verify the identity of the individuals or organizations purchasing these services. This verification process is crucial in establishing trust and reducing the risk of fraudulent activities like domain theft or unauthorized use. Web hosting and domain services are often used for various online activities, including e-commerce, banking, and communication. Due to the sensitive nature of these activities, it is essential for hosting providers to ensure the legitimacy and authenticity of their customers. KYC helps in preventing illegal activities such as participation in illegal organizations, money laundering, or sanctions violations.
    Additionally, KYC requirements may be imposed by regulatory and legal authorities to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) regulations. By adhering to KYC regulations, hosting providers can play their part in preventing financial crimes and ensuring a secure online environment for their customers and the wider internet community.



Required KYC Documents?

For KYC requirements in domain and web hosting services, the hosting provider typically requires certain documents for identity verification. Commonly accepted documents include:


  • Passport: A valid passport is a widely accepted document for identity verification purposes. It contains personal information such as name, photograph, date of birth, and address.
  • Driving License: A valid driver's license issued by the government is also a commonly accepted document. It contains personal details and address information.
  • Aadhaar Card: Aadhaar is a unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It contains biometric and demographic information, including name, address, and photograph.
  • GST Certificate: If you are a registered business with a Goods and Services Tax (GST) certificate, it can be used for identity verification. It contains the business name, address, and GST number.
  • Company PAN Card: For businesses, the hosting provider may accept the Company PAN Card as a valid document for identity verification. It contains the company name, address, and PAN (Permanent Account Number) information.

  • It is important to note that the name and address on the provided ID documents should match the account information used for purchasing the domain and web hosting services. This ensures accurate identity verification and helps prevent fraudulent activities.
    Remember that the specific documents required may vary depending on the hosting provider and the jurisdiction in which they operate. It is always advisable to check with the hosting provider or refer to their website/documentation for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding KYC requirements.



KYC Rejection?


It is important for the name and address on the provided ID documents to match the account information used for purchasing the domain and web hosting services. In case there is a discrepancy between the information provided on the ID documents and the account information, the KYC process may be rejected. This is because the KYC process is designed to verify the identity of the person or business entity making the purchase. Mismatches between the account information and ID documents can raise concerns around the authenticity and legitimacy of the individual or entity making the purchase. This can result in the rejection of the KYC application.


It is always advisable to check the account information carefully before starting the KYC process and ensure that it is accurate. Any discrepancies should be addressed and corrected before submitting the KYC application.
In case of any doubts or queries about the KYC process, it is important to contact the hosting provider and get clarifications before proceeding. This can help ensure a smoother and more efficient KYC process and prevent any delays or rejections due to incorrect information.



KYC Rejected - Do I need to reapply?


In case of KYC rejection,users encounter any issues or have any questions during the process, it is advisable to contact the hosting provider promptly for assistance. They will be able to guide users through the necessary steps and help resolve any concerns or queries related to KYC or account information. Also there is a re-KYC option available if the initial KYC application is rejected or not approved within the specified timeframe (within 72 hours). Users can reach out to the hosting provider for further assistance in re-submitting their KYC documents


Similarly, if any incorrect information was provided during signup or hosting purchase, users can contact the hosting provider through various communication channels such as chat, call, or email (info@onohosting.com) to rectify the mistake. This ensures that the correct and accurate information is reflected in the account. It's always important to ensure that the information provided during signup and KYC processes is accurate to minimize any complications or delays. However, it's good to know that there is an avenue for correction and re-submission if necessary.



Are you a user outside of India?

For customers outside of India, such as using WhatsApp OTP verification and providing a passport as the accepted form of identification, and ensuring that all profile details match, it is important to communicate these requirements clearly to your users. Here's how you can outline the process for customers outside of India:


  • WhatsApp Video Verification: Users need to provide video recording keeping passport in hand & need to share through valid WhatsApp number for verification purposes.
  • Passport as Identification: Passport is the only accepted form of identification for customers outside of India, with a scanned or digital copy of the passport will be required to verify identity.
  • Profile Details Matching: All profile details provided during signup, purchasing, and KYC verification should match the information on their passport. This includes name, address, and other relevant personal details.

  • This is our clear guidelines and instructions for customers outside of India & need to follow necessary steps for purchasing your services and completing the KYC process. This helps to minimize confusion and ensure a smoother experience for both customers and your support team.
    Please note that it is important to comply with all relevant laws and regulations regarding KYC and customer verification, both in India and the countries where your customers are located.