Steps to Check FCRA Renewal Status

Introduction

The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), 2010, requires organizations—such as NGOs, charitable trusts, and similar entities—to periodically renew their registration to continue receiving foreign contributions legally. This registration is mandatory for accepting donations from foreign sources and is valid for a defined duration. Timely renewal ensures ongoing compliance with FCRA rules and protects an organization’s eligibility to receive foreign funding.

Regularly checking your FCRA renewal status is essential to confirm whether your application has been approved or rejected. This article offers a complete guide to verifying your FCRA renewal status, highlights its importance, and provides practical tips to address potential issues. With IndiaFilings, you can streamline the renewal process and avoid unnecessary delays or rejections—making compliance simple and stress-free.

What is FCRA?

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (FCRA) is a law enacted by the Government of India to regulate the acceptance and utilisation of foreign contributions or donations by individuals, associations, and organizations. The primary aim of the Act is to ensure that foreign funds are not misused and do not pose a threat to national security or public interest.

Entities such as NGOs, charitable trusts, and other not-for-profit organizations engaged in social, educational, cultural, or research activities must register under the FCRA to legally receive foreign donations. The Act sets out strict compliance, reporting, and accounting requirements to maintain transparency and accountability in the use of such contributions.

Why is FCRA Registration Important?

FCRA registration is essential for any organization in India intending to receive foreign funding. It provides:

Legal authorization to accept foreign contributions.
Transparency and accountability in fund utilization.
Credibility and trust among international donors.
Structured compliance, reducing the risk of regulatory penalties.
Operational freedom, allowing organizations to carry out charitable and development work without legal hindrances.

Validity of FCRA Registration

Once granted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), FCRA registration is valid for five years. Organizations must renew their registration before it expires to remain compliant. Failing to renew on time may result in:

Suspension or cancellation of the registration.
Loss of the right to receive foreign contributions.
Disruption in ongoing projects or funding pipelines.

To ensure uninterrupted operations, it’s vital to track the FCRA registration validity and renew it well in advance.

How to Renew FCRA Registration?

When the five-year validity period ends, registered organizations must renew their FCRA license to continue receiving foreign funds. Follow the steps below to complete the renewal process:

Visit the official FCRA website (https://fcraonline.nic.in).
Log in using your user ID and password.
Access Form FC-3C (Renewal Form) in your dashboard.
Fill out the form with accurate and updated information.
Upload required documents, such as:
- Certificate of registration
- Audited financial statements
- Declaration of compliance with FCRA norms
Review all entries carefully, then submit the form online.
Download and print a copy of the completed application for your records

How to Check FCRA Renewal Status in 4 Simple Steps

After submitting your FCRA renewal application, it’s important to check its status to ensure that your registration has been processed correctly. The renewal status will indicate whether your application has been approved, rejected, or is still under review.

Follow these four simple steps to check the status of your FCRA renewal:

Step 1:

Visit the official FCRA website: https://fcraonline.nic.in

Step 2:

Scroll down the homepage and click on “Track your Application Form.”

Step 3:

From the list of options, select “FCRA Renewal Application (FC-3) Status.”

Step 4:

Enter your 10-digit MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs) reference number and the captcha code as displayed. Click “Submit” to view your application status.

Once submitted, the portal will display your current FCRA renewal status.

Understanding FCRA Renewal Status Terms

Here’s a breakdown of what each status means:

Submitted:
Your application has been successfully received by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Under Processing:
Your application is being reviewed by the authorities. This is a normal part of the approval process.
Approved:
Your renewal has been approved. You are legally authorized to continue receiving foreign contributions.
Rejected:
Your application has been denied. The Ministry will typically provide reasons for the rejection and may allow resubmission after addressing the issues

How to Download Your FCRA Renewal Certificate

Once your FCRA renewal application is approved, you will receive a notification via the FCRA portal. To download your renewed certificate, follow these steps:

Log in to your account on the official FCRA website.
Navigate to the ‘Certificates’ section on your dashboard.
Locate the option for FCRA Renewal Certificate Download.
Click to download and save the certificate for your records.

This certificate serves as official proof of your renewed FCRA registration, allowing your organisation to legally continue receiving foreign contributions in compliance with regulatory requirements

About the Author

Rohit

Rohit is an experienced legal writer who specializes in simplifying complex legal concepts into clear, actionable insights. His content helps entrepreneurs navigate legal obligations with confidence and build their businesses on a solid, compliant foundation.

July 13, 2025