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IEPF Assist

Convert physical share certificates into your demat account

We help you check the certificates, prepare the demat request and handle follow-up so old paper shares become tradable, secure and easy to track.

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Why physical shares need to be dematerialised

Listed companies' shares are traded and held electronically. Since 1 April 2019, transfer of listed securities in physical form has not been permitted except for transmission and transposition, so investors holding paper certificates generally cannot sell them until they are dematerialised.

Dematerialisation (demat) converts your certificates into electronic holdings in your demat account with a depository participant (DP). The request is made through your DP, which sends the certificates for verification by the company's RTA and the depository.

The process is straightforward when your certificate details match your current KYC. It becomes complicated when names, signatures or addresses differ, or when certificates are damaged or incomplete.

What this service involves

  • Checking certificates

    Reviewing name, folio, certificate and distinctive numbers, and whether the shares are in single or joint names.

  • Preparing the demat request

    Filling the request form with the DP and organising certificates for submission.

  • Resolving mismatches

    Identifying name, signature or address differences before they cause rejection.

  • Following up

    Tracking the request with the DP and RTA and responding to objections.

Who may need this service

  • Holders of old paper certificates

    Who want to sell, pledge or simply secure their shares.

  • Joint holders

    Where all holders must be accounted for in the demat account.

  • Legal heirs

    Who first need to complete transmission before dematerialisation.

Common problems we see

  • Request rejected with objections

    Signature, name or folio mismatches.

  • Damaged or torn certificates

    Which may need a duplicate-issue route first.

  • Joint names that do not match the demat account

    Order and spelling must correspond.

  • Missing or lost certificates

    Which cannot be dematerialised until a duplicate is issued.

How the process generally works

The exact steps depend on the company, the type of holding and the facts of your case. This is a general outline.

  1. 1

    Open or use a demat account

    The account's holder names and order should match the certificates.

  2. 2

    Prepare the demat request

    Complete the demat request form with the DP and deface/ mark the certificates as the DP instructs.

  3. 3

    DP forwards to the company's RTA

    The RTA verifies the certificates against its records.

  4. 4

    Objection handling

    If objections are raised, the details are corrected or additional documents are supplied.

  5. 5

    Credit to demat account

    On acceptance, the shares are credited electronically.

Document checklist

Checklist: dematerialising physical share certificates

Applies to: Holder has valid physical certificates and wants electronic holding

Prepared for a straightforward case. Mismatched names or signatures need extra documents.

With the depository participant (DP)

  • An active demat account with names in the same order as on the certificates
  • Demat request form from the DP
  • Original share certificatesMark or deface as the DP instructs.

KYC

  • PAN and identity proof
  • Address proof matching the account
  • Specimen signature confirmation where the RTA asks for itIf applicable

If details differ

  • Name-change evidence such as marriage certificate or gazette notificationIf applicable
  • Bank attestation of signatureIf applicable

How IEPF Assist can help

  • Reviewing certificates before you apply
  • Explaining the DP and RTA steps
  • Helping you assemble documents
  • Following up on objections

We are an independent consultancy. We help you prepare, organise and follow up — the decision on your request always rests with the company, the Registrar and Transfer Agent (RTA), the depository or the relevant authority.

Expected stages and possible delays

We cannot promise a completion date, because processing depends on third parties. Common reasons for delay include:

  • Signature and name mismatches
  • Incomplete certificate sets
  • Slow RTA verification
  • Changes in the RTA or registrar for the company

Frequently asked questions

Can I sell physical shares without dematerialising them?
Generally not. Transfer of listed securities in physical form has not been allowed since 1 April 2019, other than for transmission and transposition.
How long does dematerialisation take?
It depends on the DP, the RTA and whether objections arise. We cannot promise a timeline.
What if my name on the certificate is different from my demat account name?
The mismatch must be resolved first. See our name and address correction service.

Related services

Duplicate / Lost Share Certificate Assistance

Help with the process for lost, stolen or destroyed share certificates and applying for duplicates or direct demat credit.

Read more

Signature Mismatch Resolution

Help updating or confirming your signature so it matches company and RTA records.

Read more

Name and Address Correction

Help correcting or updating your name and address with a company or RTA so records match your documents.

Read more

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Discuss your case with us

Tell us what you know about the shares or documents. We will explain the likely route and what to keep ready.

Request Consultation

Last updated 18 Oct 2026. This page is general information, not legal or financial advice.

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