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Under Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) guidelines, every individual Demat account holder must either register a nominee or formally opt out of nomination. Adding a nominee to your Demat account online is a simple process and requires logging in to your stockbroker’s app or web portal.
SEBI changed the rules in 2025, briefly increasing the maximum number of nominees to 10, before setting the cap at 3 under the rules effective from September 2026.
Adding a nominee to your Demat account leads to easy transfer of assets and lowers the chance of a legal dispute regarding the inheritance of securities.
This article breaks down the process of adding a nominee to a Demat account, why it is important, and what the steps are to follow.
Key Takeaways
- You can add up to 3 nominees either online or offline.
- You can allot share percentages to multiple nominees, but the total must come to 100%.
- Keeping your Demat account nominees updated ensures there is no legal dispute regarding inheritance of the Demat account.
- You cannot appoint non-individual entities as nominees, such as trusts or partnership firms.
- Nomination remains optional for jointly held Demat accounts.
- Nomination will be mandatory for new single-holder Demat accounts opened on or after September 2026, unless the investor formally opts out.
How to Add a Nominee to Demat Account Online?
The exact steps may vary slightly depending on your broker, but the overall process is generally similar across most trading platforms.
Step 1: Log in to your broker account
Open your broker’s app or website and log in using your mobile number, client ID, or other required credentials.
Step 2: Open the account settings or profile section
In the personal details section, click on the ‘Nominee’ option to add a new nominee or update existing details. Keep the required information and documents ready to complete the process smoothly.
Step 3: Enter nominee details
Provide details such as the nominee’s name, relationship with the account holder, and the percentage of share allocation.
Step 4: Add additional nominees (if required)
If you wish to add more than one nominee, select ‘Add Another Nominee’. Ensure that the total allocation across all nominees equals 100%.
Step 5: Complete Aadhaar verification
Enter your Aadhaar number and verify using the OTP sent to your registered mobile number to complete the nomination process.
Step 6: Save request details
Your DP will issue a confirmation/acknowledgement via SMS or email once the request is approved. You can keep it saved for future references.
Also Read More: How to Use a Demat account?
How to Add Nominees to Demat Account Offline?
If you prefer filling out a physical form, you can add nominees offline by following these steps:
Step 1: Get the nomination form
Download or request the Nomination Form (SH-13) from your broker or Depository Participant (DP).
Step 2: Fill in account and nominee details
Enter your Demat account details, including BO ID, PAN, and personal information. Provide nominee details such as name, date of birth, address, and relationship with you.
Step 3: Assign nominee share (if applicable)
If you are adding more than one nominee, specify the percentage of share allocated to each nominee. Ensure the total allocation adds up to 100%.
Step 4: Sign the form
Sign the nomination form using the same signature registered with your broker for KYC purposes.
Step 5: Submit the required documents
Submit the completed form at your broker’s office along with self-attested identity proof documents of the account holder and nominee.
Step 6: Wait for confirmation
Once submitted, the broker will verify the details and process the nomination request.
Documents Needed for Adding a Nominee to a Demat Account
- If you are adding a nominee, you need to fill out and submit a nomination form for your Demat account. If you choose the offline process, the completed form must be submitted to your broker's branch or registered office.
- You need a self-attested copy of your PAN card as well as that of the nominee.
- A valid Aadhaar of the nominee or any other valid government ID proof is required. As the account holder, you also need to submit a valid government ID proof.
- You can also add your latest Demat account holding statement, but it is not mandatory.
Note: You need to have an Aadhaar-linked mobile number to update nominees.
Online vs Offline Nomination Method Comparison
| Feature | Online Nomination | Offline Nomination |
| Authentication | Aadhaar OTP / eSign | Physical Signature / Thumb Impression |
| Turnaround Time | 2 - 4 Working Days | 5 - 7 Working Days |
| Witness Requirement | Not required | Required only for thumb impression |
| Joint Account Eligibility | Varies by DP platform | Supported (All holders must sign) |
| Documentation | Paperless | Physical Form + Self-attested ID copies |
Note: The processing time may vary depending on the broker or Depository Participant (DP).
How to Delete a Nominee from a Demat Account?
If your nomination details have changed or you have added the wrong person as a nominee, you can delete the existing nominee and update the nomination details accordingly.
Steps to Delete a Nominee
- Log in to our broker’s website or app. Visit the ‘Profile’ section from the home page.
- Click on ‘Personal Details’. Select the ‘Nominee’ option to update the details.
- Click on ‘Delete’ against a nominee’s name.
- Choose the "Opt-Out Nomination" option. If you have only one nominee, you will receive a message stating that deleting the nominee will mean you are opting out of the nomination process.
- Enter your Aadhaar details and OTP to eSign the document and opt-out of the nomination request.
Note: Your broker has received the nomination request and will process it.
Why is it Important to Appoint a Nominee for Your Demat Account?
- Creates seamless asset transfer: A registered nominee can claim the securities directly from the depository, without needing court intervention or a lengthy transmission process.
- Reduces the likelihood of family conflict: With a clearly named nominee, there is little room for disagreement among family members over who is entitled to the holdings.
- Saves cost and time compared to legal processes: Without a nominee, legal heirs typically need succession certificates and other documentation. This process can take months and involve significant legal fees.
How Many Nominees Can You Add to a Demat Account?
You can appoint a maximum of 3 nominees to your Demat account. You can also assign share percentages to each nominee.
For example, if you appoint 3 nominees, you can allocate 30% of the shares to Nominee 1, 40% to Nominee 2, and the remaining 30% to Nominee 3, based on your preference.
Who Can Be a Nominee for a Demat Account?
Your parents, spouses, siblings, children, or any other individual can be appointed as nominees. A minor can also be added as a nominee, provided the details of their guardian are included.
Non-individuals like a corporation, Karta of Hindu Undivided Family, trust or the society cannot be a nominee. Only individuals can be Demat account nominees.
SEBI Guidelines on Demat Account Nomination
SEBI regularly updates its nomination rules to protect investor holdings and reduce unclaimed financial assets. Under the current guidelines, individual Demat accounts must either have a nominee registered or a formal opt-out on record. This is not a requirement for joint Demat accounts, since surviving holders automatically gain ownership rights.
When there are multiple nominees, they have two options after the account holder's death: continue holding the assets jointly in the same account, or open separate Demat accounts for their individual share, as per SEBI's latest norms.
If the account holder hasn't specified how much each nominee should receive, the assets are split equally among them. Any leftover odd lot from this division goes to the first nominee named in the form.
The regulatory framework specifies:
| Regulatory Parameter | SEBI Rule / Requirement |
| Maximum Nominees | Up to 3 individual nominees per account. |
| Compulsory Fields | Nominee Full Name, Relationship to Holder (DOB required only for minors). |
| Default Share Split | Equal division among listed nominees if percentages are unspecified. |
| Odd-Lot Share Allocation | Any fractional/odd-lot share remaining after split goes to the 1st nominee. |
| Joint Account Policy | Optional nomination; all joint holders must sign any modification. |
| Eligible Entities | Individuals, Minors (with Guardian), NRIs. |
Important Points to Remember While Adding or Replacing a Demat Account Nominee
Adding a nominee for the first time is generally free of cost. Changing or modifying a nominee incurs charges of ₹25 + 18% GST, depending on the broker.
You need to give hard copies of the nomination form along with the form of account modification.
You must specify your relationship with the nominee while adding them to your Demat account.
It is mandatory to submit the name and date of birth of the nominee.
You must update your nominees in case of a marriage, death, divorce, or any other event.
In a Joint Demat Account, all account holders must sign a nomination form to make any changes.
Conclusion
Appointing a nominee to your Demat account helps ensure that your investments are transferred smoothly to the intended person without unnecessary legal delays. You can add a nominee right when opening a Demat account, during the onboarding process, or update it anytime later by submitting a request to your broker online or offline.
It is also important to update your nominee details after major life events, such as marriage or the death of a nominee. This helps to avoid legal complications when transferring investments to your legal heir(s).
Taking a few minutes to add or update your nominee today can save your loved ones months of legal hassle later.
