These answers are general information, current as of the review date shown on each regulatory page. They are not legal, tax or investment advice. For the detail, follow the links to our service pages and guides.
Frequently asked questions
What is IEPF?
The Investor Education and Protection Fund, created under the Companies Act, 2013 and administered by the IEPF Authority. It receives certain unclaimed dividends and shares after seven years.
Can I get back shares transferred to IEPF?
Yes. You, or your legal heirs, can claim by filing Form IEPF-5 and following the verification process.
How long does an IEPF claim take?
It depends on the company's verification and on whether queries arise. No timeline can be guaranteed.
Are old physical share certificates valid?
Often yes, but shares of listed companies generally need to be dematerialised before they can be sold.
I lost my share certificate. Do I lose the shares?
No. You can ask the company's RTA for duplicate securities. Since 2 April 2026 the RTA arranges direct credit to your demat account for such requests, instead of issuing a Letter of Confirmation.
What is the Letter of Confirmation (LOC)?
An earlier RTA document used for duplicate and similar requests. SEBI's circular of 30 January 2026 removed the LOC requirement for specified requests; LOCs issued before 2 April 2026 may still be used within 120 days of issue.
Is probate compulsory to claim a deceased person's shares?
SEBI's July 2026 transmission framework removed the mandatory requirement of probate of a will. Other documents depend on nomination and value.
What is Quick Transmission Processing?
A category in SEBI's July 2026 framework for low-value claims by immediate relatives: up to ₹10,000 for physical securities and ₹30,000 for demat holdings.
Can NRIs claim from IEPF?
Yes, eligible claimants can apply, with documents authenticated as required.
Is IEPF Assist a government agency?
No. We are an independent consultancy.
Do you guarantee that I will recover my shares?
No. Outcomes and timelines rest with companies, RTAs, depositories and authorities.
Should I give my demat password or OTP to anyone helping me?
Never.
Explore related services
IEPF Claim Assistance
Help preparing and following up an IEPF-5 claim for shares or dividends transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund.
Read moreDuplicate / Lost Share Certificate Assistance
Help with the process for lost, stolen or destroyed share certificates and applying for duplicates or direct demat credit.
Read moreShare Transmission
Help transferring shares to nominees, joint holders or legal heirs after a shareholder's death, under SEBI's July 2026 framework.
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