Last updated: 7 October 2026 · By Yashna Bhuwania (ARN-325085)
Quick answer: An ARN must be renewed every 3 years. First renew your NISM certification, either by retaking the V-A exam or through a one-day NISM CPE programme. Then renew the ARN online on AMFI's portal and pay ₹1,500 + 18% GST as an individual. Start 6 months before expiry: a lapsed ARN earns no commission.
| Key fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | 3 years | AMFI |
| Step 1 | Renew NISM: re-exam or one-day CPE (classroom or online eCPE) | NISM |
| When CPE can be done | Within 12 months before your certificate or ARN expires | NISM |
| Step 2 | Renew ARN online on the AMFI portal | AMFI |
| When ARN can be renewed | Up to 6 months before expiry | AMFI |
| Fee, individual | ₹1,500 + 18% GST = ₹1,770 | AMFI, effective 1 Oct 2024 |
| If it lapses | No commission on business done while the ARN is invalid | AMFI |
When does my ARN expire, and how do I check?
Your ARN expires 3 years after it was issued or last renewed. The expiry date is printed on your ARN card. You can also look up your ARN on AMFI's distributor search, which shows its validity.
Your NISM certificate has its own 3-year expiry, usually close to your ARN's. You need a valid NISM certificate before AMFI will renew the ARN, so check both dates.
Step 1: How do you renew your NISM certification?
You have two options:
| One-day NISM CPE | Retake NISM V-A | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | About 6 hours, classroom or online (eCPE), with a short test at the end | 100 questions, 2 hours, at a test centre |
| When | Within 12 months before your certificate or ARN expires | Any time before expiry |
| Fee | Set by NISM or its accredited CPE provider; check when booking | ₹1,500 + gateway charges |
| Best for | Busy practising MFDs who want a predictable one-day route | Anyone comfortable with the exam |
A certificate earned through CPE is valid for 3 years from the expiry date of your old certificate, so doing it early doesn't cost you any validity. Source: NISM MFD CPE page.
Step 2: How do you renew your ARN online?
Once your NISM certificate is renewed:
- Go to the AMFI website → Distributor Corner → Online registration and renewal of ARN / EUIN.
- Choose Renewal of ARN and enter your ARN and PAN.
- Verify with the OTP sent to your registered mobile number, and complete Aadhaar authentication if asked.
- Update your NISM certificate details and check your contact and bank details.
- Pay the renewal fee online: ₹1,500 + 18% GST (₹1,770) for an individual.
- Submit. CAMS processes the renewal for AMFI and your ARN validity is extended by 3 years.
ARN renewal can be done up to 6 months before expiry. Use that window: a renewal stuck on a query in the last week can leave you with a lapsed ARN.
How much does ARN renewal cost?
Renewal fees from AMFI's table, effective 1 October 2024:
| Category | Renewal fee (₹) | Incl. 18% GST (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Individuals and proprietorship firms | 1,500 | 1,770 |
| EUIN holders (MFD employees) | 750 | 885 |
| Partnership firms, HUFs, trusts, societies, urban co-op banks | 10,000 | 11,800 |
| Post Office, micro finance institutions | 7,500 | 8,850 |
| Private limited company, OPC, LLP | 20,000 | 23,600 |
| NBFCs, RRBs, DCBs | 50,000 | 59,000 |
| Public limited companies, banks | 2,00,000 | 2,36,000 |
Source: AMFI ARN/EUIN fee structure. AMFI's current table doesn't list a separate senior-citizen fee; if a lower fee is quoted to you, confirm it with AMFI.
What should you do 12, 6, 3 and 1 months before expiry?
- ☐ 12 months before: book your NISM CPE or exam. You can do CPE any time in this window.
- ☐ 6 months before: renew your ARN online. This is the earliest AMFI allows.
- ☐ 3 months before: if you haven't renewed yet, do it now. Check that your NISM certificate is updated on the AMFI record.
- ☐ 1 month before: confirm the new expiry date on AMFI's distributor search. Don't leave anything to the last week.
What happens if your ARN expires?
AMFI's rule is clear: you are not eligible for any commission on business done while your ARN is invalid. In practice:
- ✕ New business stops. Platforms and AMCs won't accept fresh purchases or SIP registrations under an expired ARN.
- ✕ Commission is withheld. AMCs stop paying commission while the ARN is invalid. Whether withheld trail on your existing book is released after renewal depends on each AMC's rules, so check with your AMCs or platform before assuming it will be.
- ✓ Reactivating: renew your NISM certification, then renew the ARN on the AMFI portal. Commission resumes from the renewed validity.
Source: AMFI Ready Reckoner for MFDs.
How is ARN renewal different from the annual self-declaration?
They are separate, and people mix them up.
| ARN renewal | Annual self-declaration (DSC) | |
|---|---|---|
| How often | Every 3 years | Every year |
| Deadline | Before your ARN expires | 30 June |
| If missed | No commission while the ARN is invalid | Commission withheld from 1 July; forfeited if still not filed by 30 September |
Diarise both.
How does Dhan Saarthi help with renewals?
Dhan Saarthi (Khazana Fintech Pvt. Ltd., AMFI ARN-325085) is a distribution platform for MFDs. Partners keep 90% of the trail, with no upfront, seat or module fees, and one onboarding instead of 40+ AMC empanelments. Our team helps partners stay on top of compliance dates, including ARN renewals and the annual self-declaration.
Start your MFD business on Dhan Saarthi
90% of the trail, one onboarding, and help with every compliance date.
Book a Demo with Dhan SaarthiSources
- AMFI: ARN and EUIN registration and renewal fee structure, effective 1 October 2024
- AMFI: Ready Reckoner for MFDs
- NISM: Mutual Fund Distributors CPE
- AMFI: Distributor corner
Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully. Distribution services are offered through Khazana Fintech Pvt. Ltd. (AMFI ARN – 325085). Fees and rules are as of October 2026.
