Dematerialisation Request Form

Investors who still hold physical share certificates often need to convert them into dematerialised form to trade in today’s digital stock market environment. This conversion is carried out through a Dematerialisation Request Form (DRF), a crucial document that allows investors to safely transfer their physical securities to a Demat account. Understanding what a DRF is, how to fill it, and the timeline involved is essential for smooth and compliant trading.

A Dematerialisation Request Form (DRF) is a formal document submitted to a Depository Participant (DP) to convert physical share certificates into electronic holdings in a Demat account.

Here’s why it matters:

• It acts as a request to the DP to start the dematerialisation process.
  

• It ensures your shares are securely transferred into an electronic format.
  

• It facilitates easy trading, pledging, or selling of your holdings.
  

Without a DRF, physical shares cannot be converted into Demat form, making it a critical step for modern investors.

While filling a DRF, investors need to provide accurate details to avoid rejection:

• Demat Account Number: To identify the account where shares will be credited.
  

• Folio Number of Share Certificate: Unique identifier printed on physical certificates.
  

• ISIN (International Securities Identification Number): Identifies the security type.
  

• Quantity of Shares: Exact number of shares to be dematerialised.
  

• Certificate Numbers: For each physical share certificate.
  

Ensuring accuracy in the above fields is essential because any mismatch can delay or reject the dematerialisation request.

Here’s how investors can smoothly convert physical shares into electronic form using a DRF:

Step 1: Open a Demat Account

Investors must have a Demat account with a registered DP (like banks or brokers).

Step 2: Collect Physical Share Certificates

Ensure all certificates are in your name and are not damaged or mismatched.

Step 3: Fill the DRF Accurately

Enter Demat account number, ISIN, folio number, and share details.

Step 4: Surrender Physical Share Certificates

Attach the original share certificates with the DRF and mark “Surrendered for Dematerialisation” on each.

Step 5: DP Verification and Submission

The DP verifies the form and forwards the request to the registrar and transfer agent (RTA) of the company.

Step 6: Dematerialisation by Depository

Upon approval, shares are credited electronically to the Demat account.

Investors can expect the dematerialisation process to follow this typical timeline:

• Day 0: Submission of DRF and physical certificates to DP.
  

• Day 2–3: Verification by DP and forwarding to company registrar (RTA).
  

• Day 7–15: Registrar verifies certificates and approves the request.
  

• Day 15–21: Shares are credited to the investor’s Demat account.
  

This means the entire process usually takes around 15 to 21 days, depending on the company and DP efficiency.

Filling and submitting a DRF provides several investor advantages:

• Eliminates risk of physical certificate loss or theft.
  

• Simplifies trading, transfer, and pledge of shares.
  

• Speeds up settlement cycles in the stock market.
  

• Ensures regulatory compliance with SEBI and depositories.
  

In short, a DRF is essential for investors transitioning to the fully digital securities ecosystem.

Investors should avoid these common mistakes that can lead to DRF rejection:

• Name mismatch between share certificate and Demat account.
  

• Damaged or illegible physical certificates.
  

• Incorrect ISIN or folio details.
  

• Unsigned or partially filled DRF.
  

By double-checking all details and consulting the DP, investors can ensure smooth processing.

The Dematerialisation Request Form (DRF) is the gateway to a fully digital investment experience. It allows investors to convert physical share certificates into electronic form, enabling safe storage, faster transactions, and compliance with modern trading practices. Filling the DRF correctly and understanding the timeline ensures that your dematerialisation process is seamless and hassle-free.

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.