diff --git a/docs/upgrading.md b/docs/upgrading.md
index 5d1d4b3..48da481 100644
--- a/docs/upgrading.md
+++ b/docs/upgrading.md
@@ -17,13 +17,18 @@ When a new version only includes updated container images (no compose or config
 ```bash
 cd on-prem
 
-# Pull latest images
+# Update the image tag in your .env file
+# Change DC_CURRENTS_IMAGE_TAG to the new version (e.g., 2026-01-26-001)
+
+# Pull the new images
 docker compose pull
 
 # Restart with new images
 docker compose up -d
 ```
 
+> **Note:** The `DC_CURRENTS_IMAGE_TAG` in your `.env` file controls which version of Currents images are pulled. You must update this value to pull a new version. Run `./scripts/check-env.sh` to see if your tag differs from the current release.
+
 ### Updates with Compose File Changes
 
 When the CHANGELOG indicates compose file changes:
@@ -37,6 +42,9 @@ docker compose down
 # Pull latest repository changes
 git pull
 
+# Update DC_CURRENTS_IMAGE_TAG in your .env file to the new version
+# Check VERSION file for the current release version: cat VERSION
+
 # Regenerate your compose file (if using custom profile)
 ./scripts/generate-compose.sh <your-profile>
 
@@ -59,13 +67,18 @@ cd on-prem
 # Pull latest repository changes
 git pull
 
-# Check for missing variables
+# Check for missing variables and version discrepancies
 ./scripts/check-env.sh
 
 # Add any missing variables to your .env file
 # The script will show which variables are missing
 
-# Then follow the appropriate upgrade steps above
+# Update DC_CURRENTS_IMAGE_TAG in your .env file to the new version
+# Check VERSION file for the current release version: cat VERSION
+
+# Pull new images and restart
+docker compose pull
+docker compose up -d
 ```
 
 ## Version Checking
diff --git a/on-prem/scripts/check-env.sh b/on-prem/scripts/check-env.sh
index c335f57..e56cddf 100755
--- a/on-prem/scripts/check-env.sh
+++ b/on-prem/scripts/check-env.sh
@@ -58,6 +58,26 @@ while IFS= read -r line || [ -n "$line" ]; do
     fi
 done < "$EXAMPLE_FILE"
 
+# =============================================================================
+# Check for version discrepancy
+# =============================================================================
+VERSION_FILE="$ON_PREM_DIR/VERSION"
+if [ -f "$VERSION_FILE" ]; then
+    expected_version=$(cat "$VERSION_FILE" | tr -d '[:space:]')
+    if grep -q "^DC_CURRENTS_IMAGE_TAG=" "$ENV_FILE"; then
+        current_tag=$(grep "^DC_CURRENTS_IMAGE_TAG=" "$ENV_FILE" | cut -d'=' -f2 | tr -d '[:space:]')
+        if [ -n "$current_tag" ] && [ "$current_tag" != "$expected_version" ]; then
+            echo -e "${YELLOW}Note: Version discrepancy detected${NC}"
+            echo "  Your .env has DC_CURRENTS_IMAGE_TAG=$current_tag"
+            echo "  The VERSION file specifies: $expected_version"
+            echo ""
+            echo "  To upgrade, update DC_CURRENTS_IMAGE_TAG in your .env file,"
+            echo "  then run: docker compose pull && docker compose up -d"
+            echo ""
+        fi
+    fi
+fi
+
 # =============================================================================
 # Check for corrupted values (e.g., line wrapping from terminal editors)
 # =============================================================================