How to Change your Name in Demat Account

Investors or traders may come across various situations requiring a change or modification of name in their Demat accounts. Some common reasons include official or permanent name change, name change because of marriage or change in father’s name, or one is taking over another individual’s last name or middle name, etc. Any name change in Demat account requires the account holder to intimate his/her broker.

So, how can one go about a Demat account name change request? Here, we will explain the various steps involved in the process of name change in Demat account. For the sake of new investors, we will begin by explaining the meaning of Demat account.

What is a Demat account?

When physical securities such as shares are converted to electronic format, the process is known as the dematerialization. Demat account enables electronic trade settlement and plays a role similar to a bank account by holding securities in dematerialised form. From this account, securities that are held in electronic form can be debited or credited as per the transaction initiated by the account holder.

Process for name change in Demat account

Every broker or brokerage platform will have an account modification form that investors or traders can download for name change requests. After downloading this form, one must go through the terms and conditions of the request. 

Some of the general rules associated with name change requests in Demat account are:

• The account holder requesting the change in the name must sign the request form.
• Account-holders are also required to submit KYC documents for name change requests. A self-attested copy of a PAN card is a commonly sought KYC document in this case.

Some of the other documents that a brokerage firm may require are:

1. For name change in Demat account because of marriage or divorce:

A notarized copy of the marriage or divorce certificate (as applicable) is essential. A scanned copy of the account holder’s passport showing the account holder’s husband’s or father’s name. 

2. For name change in Demat account because of reasons that are apart from marriage or divorce:

A notarized copy of the name change that has been published in the official gazette.

3. For name change in Demat account as a result of the official name change of father:

A notarized copy of the name change as published in the official gazette. Along with this, a duly signed form and a self-attested copy of PAN card are to be submitted for requesting a name change in the Demat account. 

For either of the above-mentioned cases, the account holder will receive a notification after an official account name change request has been submitted and authorized by the brokerage firm. 

It is important to note that the account holder’s trading ID or client ID number will not change as a result of a change in Demat account name. However, the name stated on top of the ID will change as per request.

What is the importance of a Demat account?

A Demat account can allow ease and comfort of buying and selling securities through the stock market. With a Demat account, an investor/trader can enjoy the convenience of trading from anywhere and at any time within trading hours. It offers many benefits, some of which are listed here:

Easy access:

Since the stock market is highly volatile, it is important to stay on the move while dealing in securities. By having a Demat account, one can constantly keep an eye on investments along with quick decision-making and action where required. A Demat account provides easy access to security holdings, especially when investors want to be agile and make new transactions while keeping a close watch on the markets.

No stamp duty charges:

Every investor has to bear the cost of stamp duty while trading. With the help of a Demat account, however, one need not pay stamp duty on the investments or stock market transactions. As per SEBI’s (Securities and Exchange Board of India) mandate, no stamp duty is to be paid for the transfer of securities that are in electronic format and held in a Demat account.

Easy liquidation:

Many investors prefer to liquidate their investments when in need of quick finances or for any financial emergencies. With the help of a Demat account, liquidation can be done much more quickly and simply as shares or other securities can be sold in the market to receive funds in one’s account.

A Demat account, therefore, makes many aspects of investing and trading easy for investors and traders. 

Conclusion

It is important for investors/traders to update the respective broker or broking platform with the latest information on name, address, and income, to ensure smooth and hassle-free stock market transactions. To offer maximum convenience to investors, the online and offline processes for name change requests in any Demat account are very simple and easy-to-follow.

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