How to do Zerodha IPV (in-person verification) via video

From WebNotes, a public knowledge base. Last updated 12 May 2026. Reading time ~6 min. Level: Beginner.

This guide explains how to complete the mandatory in-person verification (IPV) step during Zerodha account opening using the video-based verification feature, as required by SEBI for all new broker-client relationships in India.

Step-by-step procedure

Step 1: Understand the IPV requirement

SEBI mandates in-person verification for all new trading and demat account relationships. The objective is to confirm that the person applying is the same individual whose documents were submitted. Zerodha fulfils this through an automated video verification session, which is recorded and retained by Zerodha for compliance purposes.

The session is not a live video call with a Zerodha employee. It is a short automated recording that applies a liveness-detection algorithm to confirm that a real person (not a photograph or video replay) is completing the verification.

Step 2: Prepare the environment

Before starting the IPV session:

Choose a quiet, well-lit indoor location. Natural light from a window facing the applicant is ideal.
Ensure the background is plain and uncluttered. A white or neutral wall works best; busy or reflective backgrounds (mirrors, TV screens) can interfere with the camera processing.
Remove sunglasses, hats, and heavy face coverings. Prescription glasses may be worn.
Have the physical PAN card within arm’s reach.
Charge the smartphone to at least 20% battery, or keep it plugged in. The session typically takes 2-5 minutes, but camera and microphone use drains battery faster.

Step 3: Open the IPV screen

In the Zerodha account opening flow (on zerodha.com or the Kite app), the IPV screen appears automatically after the photograph and signature upload step is confirmed. The page displays a large “Start verification” button and brief instructions.

If using a web browser, use Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Mozilla Firefox (updated versions). Safari on iOS is supported for the Kite app. Some older browser versions or browsers with aggressive privacy settings may block camera access; use Chrome or the Kite app if camera access fails in another browser.

Step 4: Grant camera and microphone permissions

When the “Start verification” button is clicked, the browser or operating system displays a permission dialogue asking whether the page may access the camera and microphone. Click Allow for both.

If permissions were previously denied:

Chrome: Click the camera icon in the address bar, change the setting to “Allow,” and reload the page.
Firefox: Go to the site permissions via the lock icon in the address bar and set camera and microphone to “Allow.”
Kite app (iOS/Android): Go to device Settings > Apps > Kite > Permissions and enable Camera and Microphone.

Step 5: Position the face and PAN card on camera

Once the camera feed is live on screen:

Ensure the applicant’s face is centred in the frame, filling approximately 60-70% of the frame. The face must be fully visible, including the forehead and chin.
Hold the PAN card 20-30 cm from the camera with both hands. Tilt it slightly to avoid glare. The card must be oriented horizontally (landscape), the same way it is printed.
All four corners of the card must be within the camera frame. The PAN number, name, date of birth, and photograph on the card must all be legible. If the on-screen live preview shows the card is blurry or partially cut off, adjust the distance and angle.

The automated system reads the PAN number and photograph from the card to cross-reference against the application. A partially obscured or blurry card will cause the session to fail.

Step 6: Complete the liveness check

After the PAN card is detected, the system displays one or more liveness prompts. Common prompts include:

Blink twice: Blink both eyes slowly twice.
Turn your head: Slowly turn the head 20-30 degrees to the left, then back to centre (or as instructed).
Speak a phrase: A four-digit or six-character random code appears on screen. Say the code aloud clearly.
Smile: Some systems prompt for a smile to confirm facial muscle movement.

Follow each prompt at a natural pace. Do not move too quickly or too slowly. The system captures frames during each action for liveness confirmation. If a prompt is missed, the system typically repeats it once before ending the session.

Step 7: Session submission and confirmation

After the liveness actions are completed, the system submits the recording automatically. A confirmation screen or a spinning indicator appears for a few seconds while the recording is processed. Upon success, the account opening flow advances to the next step (bank account linking or document e-signing).

If the session does not advance after completion:

Wait 30 seconds for processing.
Do not click the back button or close the tab.
If the page stalls, refresh the Zerodha sign-up page; the completed IPV step is typically saved and the flow continues from the next uncompleted step.

What can go wrong

Poor lighting: Dark or backlit conditions cause the liveness algorithm to fail. Use a bright, face-forward light source. Turn on an overhead light if natural light is insufficient.
PAN card glare: Laminated PAN cards reflect light at certain angles, making the card unreadable. Tilt the card slightly forward (top edge angled away from the camera) to reduce glare.
Camera permissions denied: If permissions are denied, the IPV screen shows a “Camera not accessible” error. Grant permissions via browser settings or device app settings and retry.
Browser incompatibility: Older browsers may not support the WebRTC camera API used for video IPV. Switch to an updated version of Chrome, or use the Kite mobile app.
PAN card is a photocopy or screenshot: The automated system may accept e-PAN downloaded from the Income Tax portal, but a photograph of a photocopy of the PAN card is typically rejected. Use the original card or a printed e-PAN.
Repeated failures: If the IPV fails three or more times, the Zerodha account opening flow may lock temporarily. Contact Zerodha support (support.zerodha.com) to request a manual IPV review.

How to complete Zerodha KYC online - The full KYC flow in which IPV is one step
How to upload signature and photo for Zerodha - The upload step that precedes IPV in the account opening flow
How to verify PAN and Aadhaar e-sign with Zerodha - Aadhaar e-sign step that follows IPV
How to fix a stuck KYC at Zerodha - Recovery steps if the IPV or KYC process stalls
How to track Zerodha account opening status - Monitor progress after IPV is complete
How to open a Zerodha account online - Full account opening guide with context for each step

References

SEBI Circular mandating in-person verification for broker-client relationships (CIR/MIRSD/66/2016, 21 July 2016).
SEBI Circular on video-based KYC for securities market intermediaries (SEBI/HO/MIRSD/MIRSD-PoD-1/P/CIR/2022/73, 25 May 2022).
Zerodha account opening help: support.zerodha.com/category/account-opening/ipv (accessed May 2026).
W3C WebRTC API specification (w3.org/TR/webrtc/, accessed May 2026), underlying technology for browser-based video IPV.

Reviewed and published by

WebNotes Editorial Team

The WebNotes Editorial Team covers Indian capital markets, payments infrastructure and retail investor procedures. Every article is fact-checked against primary sources, principally SEBI circulars and master directions, NPCI specifications and the official support documentation published by the intermediary in question. Drafts go through a second-pair-of-eyes review and a separate compliance read before publication, and revisions are tracked against the SEBI and NPCI rule changes referenced in the methodology section.

Last reviewed: 12 May 2026
Conflicts of interest: WebNotes is independent. No relationship with any broker, registrar or bank named in this article.

Time required	2-5 minutes
Documents needed	Original PAN card (physical copy required)
Cost	Free (part of account opening)