Dematerialisation of Shares– An Overview

Aspect Details
What is the full form of DRF? Dematerialisation Request Form
Benefits of Dematerialisation of Shares

Benefits of dematerialisation of shares include the following:

  • Easy and Convenient
  • Increased Liquidity
  • Secure and Risk-Free
  • Effortless Fund Transfers
  • Paperless and Eco-Friendly
  • Loan Against Securities
  • Quick Corporate Benefits
  • Easy Portfolio Monitoring
  • Versatile Investment Options
Challenges Faced During Dematerialisation of Company Shares

Challenges faced during the dematerialisation of company shares include the following:

  • Lack of Awareness
  • Documentation Errors
  • Technical Glitches
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Delays in Processing
Who is eligible to apply for the Dematerialisation of Shares?

The list of people who are eligible to apply for dematerialisation of shares includes:

  • Individual Investors
  • Companies
  • HUFs & Trusts
  • Banks & Financial Institutions
  • Foreign Investors
Documents required for Dematerialisation of Shares

Various documents are required for dematerialisation of shares, some of which include the following:

  • Dematerialisation Request Form (DRF)
  • Physical share certificates
  • Identity Proof
  • Address Proof
  • Two passport-sized photographs
Timeline for Recovery of Physical Shares It usually takes around 2 to 4 weeks to convert physical shares to demat form
How can Enterslice help you with the Dematerialisation of Shares?

As your recovery consultant, Enterslice can help you with the following:

  • Assistance for dematerialisation of shares
  • Expert guidance throughout the process of conversion of physical shares to Demat
  • Helping you fill out the application accurately
  • Paperwork assistance to expedite the conversion process
  • Legal advice and support for complex cases

Note- As per the MCA notification issued on February 12, 2025, all the private companies must convert their physical shares to demat before June 30, 2025.

Don’t forget to demat your physical shares on time and avoid monetary penalties of up to Rs 2,00,000!

Convert your Physical Shares to Demat with Enterslice Experts

Do you wish to convert your physical shares to Demat? Talk to consultants at Enterslice and enjoy stress-free dematerialisation of shares.

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What is Dematerialisation of Shares?

Dematerialisation of shares is the process of converting physical share certificates into electronic form, facilitating seamless share trading and transfer. In India, the dematerialisation of company shares is managed through depositories, such as NSDL and CDSL. About 1-3% of shareholding in the securities market exists in the physical form, held via share certificates.

This process of dematerialisation of shares eliminates the risk of loss, theft, and fraud during share trading. Dematerialised shares are transferred to investors' Demat account, which are, in turn, linked to their trading accounts. Dematerialisation of company shares ensures ease of buying and selling shares. Overall, the process of conversion of physical shares to demat boosts market efficiency through reduced paperwork. It also aligns with regulatory compliance requirements for listed companies to streamline dividends and bonus issues.

Dematerialisation of shares encourages transparency and liquidity, profiting both investors and companies. Let Enterslice assist you convert physical shares to demat form.

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Challenges Faced in Dematerialisation of Shares

The dematerialisation of shares offers various benefits to the investors. Since the overall process is extensive, investors find it challenging to manage it on their own. However, experienced consultants like Enterslice can help you overcome the below-mentioned challenges with ease:

Lack of Awareness

Lack of Awareness

One of the significant challenges with the dematerialisation of shares is that many investors are still unaware of the process and its benefits. The lack of awareness makes it difficult for investors to initiate the dematerialisation shares process, leading to confusion and delays in converting the physical shares.

Documentation Errors

Documentation Errors

Another common challenge faced during the process of dematerialisation of company shares is the incomplete or inaccurate details. Such inconsistencies on the Demat Request Forms (DRF) or share certificates often lead to unnecessary delays. Errors, including mismatched signatures, incorrect share details, or missing documents, delay the process until they are fixed.

Technical Glitches

Technical Glitches

Various technical issues, such as system failures, software malfunctions, or connectivity problems with Depository Participants (DPs), cause undue delays in converting physical shares. These glitches can disrupt the conversion of physical shares into electronic form.

Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory Compliance

Adherence to regulatory guidelines and compliance needs for the dematerialisation of shares can be complex without the support of a professional consultant. Non-compliance, like incorrect procedures, leads to application rejections, further delaying the dematerialisation process.

Delays in Processing

Delays in Processing

Since dematerialisation of shares is a complex procedure, it can take a long time to process the application. Processing time can also slow down due to high volumes of requests or ineffective handling by DPs. Delays in approval or verification of documents can prolong the time taken to convert the physical shares.

How to Convert your Physical Shares to Demat?

Dematerialisation of shares is a stepwise procedure involving a series of processes to convert physical share certificates into electronic form. Let us explore the detailed process to convert your physical shares to Demat-

Selection of Depository Participant (DP)

The first step in the process for the dematerialisation of shares is choosing a financial institution or brokerage firm that can help you open a Demat account. You can contact us to expedite the process.

Filling & Submitting the Demat Account Form

The next step involves filling out and submitting the application form with the required documents to initiate the verification process.

Document Verification

The next step in the process comprises document verification, including address and identity proof and bank details.

Processing Dematerialisation Request

Once the submitted documents are verified, the dematerialisation shares application moves forward.

Completion of Demat Account Opening

Once the other steps are completed and the Demat account is opened, physical shares are converted into electronic form and credited into the same account.

Timeline for Dematerialisation of Company Shares 

Each step in the dematerialisation of company shares takes a defined period to complete. If the process is not managed well, the timeline may get delayed. However, we can help you stay on time and ensure the process is completed seamlessly. Have a look at the timeline-

Selection of Depository Participant (DP): 1 to 2 Working Days

Choosing a depository partner (DP) or the financial institution or brokerage firm that helps you open a Demat account takes 1 to 2 working days.

Filling & Submitting the Demat Account Form: 1 to 2 Working Days

Filling out and submitting the application form along with the required documents to initiate the verification process takes 1 to 2 working days to complete.

Document Verification: 3 to 5 Working Days

Validating the documents, including address and identity proof and bank detail verification, takes 3 to 5 working days to complete.

Processing Dematerialisation Request: 5 to 7 Working Days

Once the documents are verified, the application moves forward, and this step takes 5 to 7 working days to proceed further.

Completion of Demat Account Opening: 7 to 10 Working Days

Opening a Demat account and ensuring it is active so that physical shares converted into electronic form are transferred to it takes 7 to 10 working days to complete.

Documents Required for Dematerialisation of Shares

Converting physical shares to electronic form is called dematerialisation of shares. The process is long and exhaustive and requires you to submit various documents to the authorities. However, we can help streamline the documentation process, which mandates submitting the following documents:

Dematerialisation Request Form (DRF)

Physical Share Certificates

Identity Proof – PAN Card or Passport

Address Proof – Aadhar Card or Utility Bills

Two Passport-sized Photographs

Bank Account Statement

Covering Letter that Requests Dematerialisation of Shares

Transmission Form – For Inherited or Transferred Shares

Death Certificate – For Inherited Shares

Succession Certificate/Will as Proof of Legal Inheritance Rights

Who is Eligible for Dematerialisation of Shares in India?

Different entities can apply for dematerialisation of shares to ensure secure and seamless electronic trading. The following are eligible to convert physical shares to demat:

  • Individual Investors: Indian citizens, both residents as well as non-residents holding physical share certificates are eligible for dematerialisation shares.
  • Companies: Businesses can dematerialise their physical shares to align themselves with regulatory compliance and ease of trading.
  • HUFs & Trusts: Hindu Undivided Families and registered trusts must also convert their physical holdings into electronic forms.
  • Banks & Financial Institutions: Banks and financial institutions with physical shares are eligible to convert the same into electronic form.
  • Foreign Investors: Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) must dematerialise their physical shares for trading them.
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Benefits of Dematerialisation of Company Shares

Dematerialisation of company shares is the process of converting physical share certificates into electronic form. This process has various benefits, including security, convenience, and streamlined transactions. While a Demat account delivers various benefits, let us consider some significant benefits of converting physical shares to demat below:

Dematerialisation

Easy and Convenient

Dematerialisation of shares is an easy and convenient process as a Demat account facilitates electronic transactions without physically visiting the brokers. It enables the shareholders to access their shareholding details anywhere, anytime, which in turn, promotes seamless trading and transfer of shares.

Secure and Risk-Free

A Demat share certificate is proof of dematerialisation of shares. Dematerialised shares are shareholdings in electronic form, which eliminates the risk of loss, theft, or damage associated with physical share certificates. Dematerialisation facilitates safe and secure share trading and transactions, reducing forgery and exhaustive paperwork hassles for investors.

Effortless Fund Transfers

Demat accounts, which are linked with the bank account, facilitate quick electronic fund transfers. It enables investors to avoid manual cheque deposits and long processing times, making share trading quick and effortless.

Paperless and Eco-Friendly

The process of dematerialisation of shares eliminates the need to issue physical share certificates. The paperless process eases the administrative burdens for investors and companies. Maintaining electronic records boosts efficiency. Eliminating the need to use paper makes it a sustainable process.

Loan Against Securities

One of the significant benefits of dematerialisation shares is that investors can use their Demat holdings as collateral to secure loans. Therefore, Demat share certificates offer financial flexibility, facilitating liquidity without selling the shares.

Quick Corporate Benefits

Dematerialisation of company shares allows direct credit of dividends, interest, and refunds into the investor's Demat account. Corporate actions, such as stock splits, bonus issues, and rights shares, are automatically updated, paving the way for the seamless distribution of benefits.

Easy Portfolio Monitoring

A Demat account facilitates investors in tracking their holdings and market performance anytime, anywhere. This flexibility boosts investment decisions, improving participation and maximizing possible returns through informed trading strategies.

Versatile Investment Options

Demat accounts support equities along with holdings in debt instruments, mutual funds, ETFs, and government bonds. The Demat account acts as a one-stop solution for financial assets, enabling investors to manage multiple investments under one roof.

Prerequisites for Recovery of Physical Shares

Have a look at the prerequisites for the recovery of physical shares through dematerialisation-

  • Demat Account :- Dematerialisation of shares mandates having an active Demat account along with a registered Depository Participant (DP), which is a must to hold electronic shares.
  • DRF Submission :- Filling out and submitting a Dematerialisation Request Form (DRF) to the DP is a must.
  • Original Share Certificates :- It is important to submit the physical share certificates to convert them into electronic form.
  • Signature Verification :- It is important to validate that the signatures on share certificates match the ones in the company records.
  • Valid Documents :- Submitting the required documents, including identity and address proofs, in line with the regulatory requirements is a must.

Why is Dematerialisation of Shares Important?

Dematerialisation of shares is the process of converting physical share certificates into electronic form, facilitating seamless share trading and transfer. In India, the dematerialisation of company shares is managed through depositories, such as NSDL and CDSL. This process of recovery of physical shares eliminates the risk of loss, theft, and fraud during share trading.

Dematerialised shares are transferred to investors' Demat account, which are, in turn, linked to their trading accounts. Dematerialisation of company shares ensures ease of buying and selling shares. Overall, the process for recovery of physical shares boosts market efficiency through reduced paperwork. It also aligns with regulatory compliance requirements for listed companies to streamline dividends and bonus issues.

Dematerialisation of shares encourages transparency and liquidity, profiting both investors and companies.

MCA Guidelines for Dematerialisation of Shares

Have a look at the MCA guidelines released through a notification on 12 February, 2025 for dematerialisation of shares-

Key Provisions under 9B to Obtain Demat Share Certificate

  • Mandatory for Private Companies (Small and Producers Companies are Excluded)
  • Required for Holding and Subsidiary Companies
  • Companies Need to Obtain an ISIN for Electronic Transactions
  • Required for Any Share Transfers or Capital Structure Alterations
  • NSDL and CDSL Handle the Process- Depositories Registered with SEBI

Exemptions for Dematerialisation of Shares

  • Small Companies (Paid-up Capital < ₹4 Crore, Turnover < ₹40 Crore) (Unless a Holding or Subsidiary Company)

Penalties for Non-compliance with Dematerialisation of Shares

Given below are the penalties for non-compliance with dematerialisation of shares of private companies-

Monetary Penalties:

  • On the Company- Up to ₹2,00,000, (Minimum- ₹10,000)
  • On Officers in Default- Same as Above, (Maximum- ₹50,000)

Other Penalties:

  • Loss of Shareholder Rights (Dividend & Voting Privileges)
  • Restriction on Share Issuance, Transfer & Capital Modifications

Services for Recovery of Physical Shares Offered by Enterslice

Have a look at the services for recovery of physical shares offered by Enterslice-

  • Assistance for the Dematerialisation of Shares
  • Demat Account Setup with NSDL/CDSL
  • Acquiring ISIN (International Securities Identification Number)
  • Paperwork Assistance to Expedite the Conversion Process
  • Legal Advice and Support for Complex Cases
  • Regulatory Compliance Audit
  • Share Transfer & Allotment Support
  • Legal Documentation for Share Transactions
  • FEMA & RBI Compliance for Foreign Investors
  • Capital Structure Modification Assistance
  • Shareholder Agreement Drafting & Review
  • Digital Securities and Asset Management
  • Taxation & Financial Advisory
  • Corporate Governance Advisory
  • Post-demat Compliance Monitoring
  • Investor Reporting & Disclosure Aid
  • Dematerialisation of Shares for Investors Based in India and Abroad
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Why Enterslice for Dematerialisation of Shares Services?

Enterslice has 10+ years of industry experience in the dematerialisation of shares. We have a dedicated and professional team with the required expertise to help you with the dematerialisation of shares. Let us explore the reasons why we are the most dependable consulting firm for the dematerialisation of shares:

  • 10+ years of Industry Experience in Dematerialisation of Shares
  • Helped Over 5000+ Investors with the Dematerialisation of Shares
  • Helped Indian Residents and Non-Indian Resident Clients   
  • Offered Services Across 10,000+ Pin Codes Across India  
  • Facilitated Dematerialisation of Company Shares for Indian Investors
  • Dedicated Agents to Handle Each Case of Dematerialisation of Shares
  • Comprehensive Assistance to Help Secure Demat Share Certificate
  • Quick Turnaround Time of 30%
  • Documentation Support to Convert Your Physical Shares to Demat
  • Remarkable Success Rate of 99% in Handling Dematerialisation Shares Cases
  • Expert Guidance Through the Process of Recovery of Physical Shares
  • Liaising with Officials to Expedite the Verification Process

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Demat Share Certificate

Dematerialisation of shares is the process of converting physical share certificates into electronic form as per the regulation. Dematerialisation facilitates seamless trading, boosts security, lowers paperwork, and eliminates the risks associated with physical share certificates, such as loss, theft, or damage.

Debentures shares are the securities that are issued by a company to raise capital. However, they are different from regular shares as debentures are considered a type of debt instrument. In the case of debenture shares, investors who purchase these shares lend money to the company. In return, the company pays periodic interest and repays the principal amount on maturity. Debentures do not grant ownership rights but provide fixed returns, which is the primary difference between them and equity shares.

A Dematerialisation Request Form (DRF) is a document that is submitted to the Depository Participant (DP) for converting physical shares into electronic form. The DRF must be filled out correctly, duly signed, and submitted along with the original share certificates.

The dematerialisation of shares is a stepwise process, which includes opening a Demat account with a Depository Participant. It also involves filling out a Dematerialisation Request Form (DRF), submitting physical share certificates, and waiting for approval once the other steps are concluded. Once these steps are successfully completed, shares are electronically credited to the Demat account.

The dematerialisation of shares offers various benefits not just to investors but also to companies. While dematerialisation eliminates the usual risks associated with physical certificates, it also facilitates prompt transactions, reduces paperwork, and enables easy fund transfers. The process also ensures secure holdings, facilitating corporate benefits and allowing loans to be issued against securities. Overall, it boosts investment efficiency.

Dematerialisation of shares is a stepwise process and investors must follow the due process to ensure seamless conversions. It starts with opening a Demat account, filling out a DRF and submitting physical share certificates to the Depository Participant (DP). These steps are followed by detailed verification for further processing and receiving electronic credits for the converted shares in the Demat account.

Yes, dematerialisation of shares is mandatory for listed companies to facilitate share trading and transfers. However, unlisted companies may issue physical shares, while investors are advised to convert their physical shares for security, convenience, and compliance purposes.

A Depository Participant (DP) is an entity registered with a depository (NSDL/CDSL). A DP offers Demat account services, which in turn, enables investors to hold, trade, and manage securities electronically.

The dematerialisation of shares is a stepwise process, which usually takes 2 to 4 weeks to complete. While investors can proceed with the process on their own, it is suggested that they seek professional help from an experienced consultant like Enterslice to deal with its complexity. The process is completed once verification and approval by the Depository Participant and the company issuing the shares is complete.

You can check the dematerialisation status by logging into your Demat account. Thereafter, you must contact your Depository Participant (DP) or track the request through your depository's online portal (NSDL/CDSL). However, since it is a complicated process, we suggest you contact us to help deal with the complexities and manage the process seamlessly.

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