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Dematerialisation Services

Dematerialisation of Physical Shares

Convert eligible physical share certificates into electronic holdings in your Demat account through the prescribed DP, company and RTA process.

Start Your Dematerialisation QueryView the Process
  • Physical to ElectronicPaper certificates converted into Demat holdings
  • Documentation GuidanceHelp with the request form and supporting papers
  • DP & RTA Process SupportUnderstand each verification stage

Guidance and documentation support. Requests are verified and approved by your depository participant and the company's RTA.

Definition

What Does Dematerialisation Mean?

Dematerialisation is the process of converting physical share certificates into an equivalent electronic balance in your Demat account. Once the conversion is confirmed, the paper certificates are cancelled and your shares are held electronically with a depository (NSDL or CDSL).

  1. 1Physical Share Certificate
  2. 2Demat Request
  3. 3DP Submission
  4. 4RTA Verification
  5. 5Electronic Shares
Each request is checked by your depository participant (DP) and verified by the company's RTA. Approval and processing depend on the details matching the company's records and on the documents submitted.
Benefits

Why Convert Physical Shares to Demat?

Electronic holdings are simpler to manage and avoid many of the practical problems that come with paper certificates.

  • Easier to hold and track

    All your holdings appear together in a single Demat statement.

  • Reduced certificate risk

    Lower exposure to the loss, damage or forgery risks of paper certificates.

  • Easier transfer

    Transfers of listed shares are processed in Demat form under current SEBI norms.

  • Easier corporate actions

    Bonus, split and similar entitlements are credited to your Demat account electronically.

  • Simpler portfolio management

    View and manage holdings through your broker or depository participant.

  • Electronic ownership records

    Ownership is recorded with the depository and linked to your KYC.

Case Types

Who May Need Dematerialisation?

Dematerialisation is often the final step once other issues with a holding have been resolved.

  • Old physical certificates
  • Family-held physical shares
  • Shares after transmission
  • Shares after name correction
  • Shares after company merger / name change
  • Recovered lost-certificate cases
  • Old investments discovered after many years
If certificates are lost, inherited or carry mismatched details, those issues usually need attention first — see our guide to physical share problems.
Share Your Requirement

Tell Us About Your Dematerialisation Requirement

Tell us what you hold and we will help you understand the documents and steps that may apply before you approach your depository participant.

Helpful details to have handy

  • Company name(s) and number of certificates
  • Whether you already have a Demat account
  • Whether the holder names match your PAN and Demat account
  • Any known issue — lost, damaged or inherited certificates

Client Query

Kindly Fill the necessary information.

Step-by-Step

How to Dematerialise Physical Shares

The standard process runs through your depository participant (DP) and the company's RTA. Most of the work on your side happens in the first four steps.

Your DP and the company's RTA verify every request. A mismatch at any stage can lead to rejection, after which a corrected request can be submitted.
  1. 01

    Open / Maintain a Demat Account

    You need a Demat account with a SEBI-registered DP. For joint certificates, the account should be in the same names and in the same order as on the certificate.

  2. 02

    Collect Your Physical Certificates

    Gather all certificates for the company and check that names, folio and share details are legible and consistent with your KYC.

  3. 03

    Complete the Dematerialisation Request Form

    Fill in the Dematerialisation Request Form (DRF) issued by your DP with the company, ISIN, folio, certificate numbers, distinctive numbers and quantity. A separate form is generally used for each ISIN.

  4. 04

    Submit Certificates & Documents to Your DP

    Mark the certificates “Surrendered for Dematerialisation” as advised by your DP and hand them over with the signed DRF. Keep the acknowledgement.

  5. 05

    DP & RTA Verification

    The DP sends an electronic request to the RTA through the depository and forwards the certificates. The RTA checks them against the company's records.

  6. 06

    Shares Credited to Demat

    Once the RTA confirms the request, the certificates are cancelled and the equivalent shares are credited to your Demat account.

Checklist

Documents Required for Dematerialisation

Most requests need the first set of documents. The second set applies only to specific situations.

Usually Required

  • Physical certificates
  • Dematerialisation Request Form
  • PAN
  • KYC details
  • Demat account details
  • Address / bank proof where required

Case Dependent

  • Name-change documents
  • Death certificate
  • Legal-heir documents
  • Transmission documents
  • Affidavit / indemnity
  • Company / RTA correspondence
Document requirements can vary depending on the shareholder's circumstances and the relevant company/RTA process.
Exceptions

What If Your Case Isn't Straightforward?

Some certificates cannot go straight into a Demat request. In these cases, an earlier step usually has to be completed first.

  • Name Mismatch

    The name on the certificate differs from your PAN or Demat account.

    Next step

    Support or correct the name with the RTA first, using identity documents or an affidavit as required.

  • Deceased Shareholder

    The registered holder has passed away.

    Next step

    Complete transmission to the nominee or legal heir; the resulting Letter of Confirmation is then dematerialised.

  • Joint Holder

    Shares are held jointly, or one of the joint holders has died.

    Next step

    Use a Demat account in the same names and order, or transmit to the surviving holder(s) first.

  • Merged / Renamed Company

    The company has merged, changed its name or been restructured.

    Next step

    Confirm the current company, ISIN and share entitlement with the RTA before submitting.

  • Damaged Certificate

    The certificate is torn, faded or difficult to read.

    Next step

    Check with the RTA whether it can be accepted or must be replaced through the prescribed process.

  • Lost Certificate

    One or more certificates are missing.

    Next step

    Follow the RTA's lost-certificate procedure first — see lost share certificates.

Rejections & Delays

Common Dematerialisation Issues

Most rejections and delays come from details that do not match or paperwork that is incomplete.

  • Certificate details do not match
  • Name mismatch
  • Incorrect / incomplete request form
  • Missing documents
  • KYC mismatch
  • Incorrect Demat details
  • Certificate submission issue
  • Company / RTA clarification required

If a request is rejected

  1. 1Identify Issue
  2. 2Correct Documentation
  3. 3Resubmit
  4. 4Track Status
Timelines

How Long Does Dematerialisation Take?

Processing time can vary depending on the company, RTA, DP and completeness of the submitted documents. Straightforward cases may be processed faster, while cases involving discrepancies or additional verification can take longer.

As a broad indication only, straightforward requests have often been completed in around 15–30 days from submission. This is not a guaranteed timeline.

What affects the timeline

  • Accuracy and completeness of the request form
  • Whether holder details match the company's records
  • Dispatch of certificates from the DP to the RTA
  • Any clarification or additional document requested
Unclaimed Dividends

What If Your Shares Are Already With IEPF?

Shares transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) are no longer held in your folio, so a normal Demat request cannot be used. They can be claimed through Form IEPF-5 and company verification; if the claim is approved, the shares are credited to your Demat account.

Explore IEPF Claims
FAQs

Dematerialisation: Frequently Asked Questions

What is dematerialisation?
Dematerialisation is the conversion of physical share certificates into an equivalent electronic holding in your Demat account. The paper certificates are cancelled once the RTA confirms the request.
Can old physical shares be converted to Demat?
In most cases, yes, provided the holder details match the company's records and the shares are still held in your folio. Certificates with name, holder or ownership issues may first need correction or transmission.
What is a Dematerialisation Request Form?
The Dematerialisation Request Form (DRF) is the form issued by your depository participant to request conversion. It records your Demat account, the company, ISIN, folio, certificate numbers, distinctive numbers and number of shares.
Where should physical certificates be submitted?
Certificates are submitted to your depository participant (DP) — the bank or broker where your Demat account is held — along with the DRF. The DP then forwards them to the company's RTA for verification.
What documents are required?
Usually the physical certificates, a signed DRF, PAN and KYC details, and your Demat account details. Name-change, death, legal-heir or transmission cases need additional documents, depending on the RTA's requirements.
Can inherited shares be dematerialised?
Yes, after the shares have been transmitted to the nominee or legal heir. Transmission is completed with the company's RTA first, and the resulting Letter of Confirmation is then submitted for dematerialisation.
What happens if the certificate is lost?
A lost certificate cannot be dematerialised directly. The loss must be reported to the RTA and its procedure followed; under current SEBI norms, a Letter of Confirmation is generally issued, which can then be dematerialised.
What happens after RTA verification?
If the RTA confirms the request, the certificates are cancelled and the shares are credited to your Demat account. If it rejects the request, the reason is communicated through your DP so that it can be corrected.
How long can dematerialisation take?
It depends on the company, RTA, DP and the completeness of your documents. Straightforward requests may be completed within a few weeks, while cases with discrepancies can take longer. No timeline is guaranteed.
What if my dematerialisation request is rejected?
Check the rejection reason shared by your DP, correct the documents or details involved, and submit a fresh request. Common causes include name or signature mismatches and incomplete forms.

Next Step

Ready to Convert Your Physical Shares to Demat?

Understand the documentation and process that may apply to your physical shareholding.

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