Discover the process and significance of adding a nominee to your Demat account, ensuring security and clarity for your investments.
Last updated on: January 29, 2026
Opening a Demat account is a key step for anyone planning to invest in shares or securities. Adding a nominee provides an added layer of protection by enabling smooth succession in case something unexpected happens. This article explains each step involved in adding a nominee to your Demat account, why it matters and what documents are required.
Adding a nominee is more than just paperwork. It provides clarity by identifying the person who will receive your securities in the event of your passing. By regularly checking yourLedger Balance in Demat, you can also ensure that your holdings are accurately recorded, making the succession process smoother and stress-free for your loved ones.
Eligibility criteria help ensure that the nominee is appropriate and legally responsible:
An adult above 18 years of age (minors can act under guardian nomination)
Must have valid identity proofs (PAN, Aadhaar, etc.)
Should not be the same as the applicant's Power of Attorney (POA)
To add a nominee, you generally need these documents:
| Document |
Details |
|---|---|
| Duly filled nomination form |
Typically provided by the Depository Participant (DP) vendor |
| PAN or Aadhaar of the nominee |
Mandatory for legal identification |
| Passport-size photograph |
Recent image of the nominee |
| Guardian details |
If nominee is a minor: guardian’s KYC documents, relationship proof |
| Signature or thumb impression |
As verification on the form |
You can nominate either at the time of opening your Demat account or later as per your convenience:
Most DP platforms (either physical or online) offer a nomination section in the initial application form. You simply provide nominee details alongside your details, similar to how you activate features like TPIN in a Demat account during onboarding.
If your account is already active, you can add a nominee by:
Requesting a nomination form from your DP
Filling it and attaching the required documents
Submitting it physically at the DP’s office or via courier
Completing IPV (in-person verification) if mandated
Receiving a confirmation once DP processes the update
Some brokers allow for adding nominees online with Aadhaar-based eKYC and DigiLocker integration:
Log in to your trading or DP platform
Navigate to the KYC or nomination section
Select ‘Add or Change Nominee’
Upload documents via DigiLocker or local files
Live video IPV or OTP validation ensures authenticity
This process is quicker, often completed in 1–2 days.
Nomination is not permanent. You can change or remove it by submitting a revised form outlining new instructions. If you choose to remove the nominee without adding a new one, you must explicitly indicate “I revoke the existing nomination.” Ensure you keep a copy of the revised form after submission.
Joint Investors: Nominees may be common or individual. All account holders must sign the nomination form.
Minor as Nominee: The guardian acts on behalf of the minor and receives the securities until the nominee turns 18.
You can add up to three nominees in a Demat account. Each nominee can be assigned a percentage of shareholding. However, as per SEBI’s new rules effective March 1, 2025, investors will be allowed to appoint up to ten nominees for greater flexibility in succession planning.
If the investor passes away, the nominee (or guardian, if minor) must submit:
Death certificate
Indemnity form
Proof of identity
Proof of relationship
The depository then transfers the holdings into the nominee’s Demat account or releases them as per legal succession.
Ensures quick succession without involving legal heirs
Reduces risk of family disputes
Legally secures the transfer process
Saves time and reduces cost in settling the demat account
Review your nomination every few years or if major life events occur
Keep nominee documents updated—especially PAN or Aadhaar
Inform your nominee about their role and what to do in case of your absence
Use online options where available—they’re fast and hassle-free
Adding or updating a nominee can be a simple exercise that brings significant peace of mind, ensuring a smooth transition of your securities to your loved ones. Nomination is legally binding and helps avoid probate procedures. Whether via physical or online paths, always provide accurate details and keep nomination details reviewed regularly.
This content is for informational purposes only and the same should not be construed as investment advice. Bajaj Finserv Direct Limited shall not be liable or responsible for any investment decision that you may take based on this content.
Reviewer
Yes, you can register multiple nominees. Specify the percentage share each nominee will receive.
You can update or revoke nomination at any time by submitting a revised nomination form to your Depository Participant.
Yes, a guardian is required as the nominee for minors to ensure supervision until they become adults.
No, nominations must be individuals, legal entities are not permitted as nominees.
Offline submissions may take 3–5 working days, while online eKYC updates can be processed within 24–48 hours.
The last date for adding a nominee to a demat account is defined by regulatory timelines set by the depositories, and accounts without a recorded nomination or opt-out submission may face restrictions as per the prevailing guidelines.
A demat nominee can be updated by submitting a nomination change request through the depository participant, using the prescribed online or physical process, after which the details are recorded with the depository once verified.
Nomination in a demat account is done by submitting nominee details through the depository participant’s portal or physical form, and the request is processed once the information is authenticated and approved by the participant.
A demat account allows only one nominee to be recorded, and any change to nominee details requires submitting an updated nomination request through the depository participant.