How to Reactivate a Dormant Demat Account

• A Demat account that has not been used for a while due to transactional inactivity is called a dormant Demat account.
• For dormant account activation, the investor must follow several steps, including providing the required documents and clearing any outstanding account balance.
• Standard characteristics of a dormant Demat account include a lack of any physical transaction in the account, trading restrictions, and minimal communication.

Demat accounts are often deactivated due to inactivity in a trader's account. However, in such a situation, a trader can activate their dormant account by following some simple steps and seeking help from a broker.
 

In the sections below, we explain how to reactivate a dormant Demat account and what documents are necessary to complete the process smoothly.
 

Also read: What is a Demat account

A Demat account without any transactional activity for over a year is called a dormant Demat account. Reasons such as prolonged account inactivity, incomplete KYC (Know Your Customer) update, and failure to maintain a minimum balance can lead to a deactivation.
 

Dormant account activation is easy to achieve with the help of a broker. It is simpler and more practical than opening a new one.
 

Also read: How to open a Demat account

The following documents are required for your dormant account activation.

• A filled-out reactivation form to initiate the process
• Proof of address
• Copy of valid passport
• Copy of PAN card

The last three documents mentioned are essential for KYC updates. Without KYC, dormant account activation is not possible; in fact, it might be one of the reasons for Demat account inactivity in the first place.
 

Also read: What is dematerialisation

Investors might face the following issues during dormant account activation.
 

• Differing time limits: All brokers have different time limits for declaring an inactive Demat account as dormant. It can range between one and five years; hence, an investor needs to confirm with their broker if their account is dormant or not.
• Reactivation charges: You might need to check with the broker about reactivation charges. Depending on the shares in the account, this charge may or may not be levied on the investor.
• Deactivation after activation: Demat accounts can be deactivated again if transactions are not operational. Traders need to be vigilant to keep their accounts running and trading activities alive. Investors can delay the reactivation if they do not intend to make any trades at the moment.
   

These issues can be avoided by tracking your Demat account for constant activity, being informed about the rules and regulations of trading with an electronic account, and checking with the broker about time limits and charges.
 

Also read: Difference between Demat and trading account

Investors can observe the following steps for smooth dormant account activation.
 

Contact your broker: The first step in dormant account activation is contacting your depository participant (DP) or broker. They will check your Demat account details to initiate the process.
 

Request for reactivation: Once you have confirmed and given the go-ahead for reactivation, the broker or depository participant will guide you through the process and confirm all required documents. The reactivation charge, if any, will have to be confirmed with the DP during this step.
 

Fill out a reactivation form: The trader will have to fill out a Demat account reactivation form with all updated information to initiate the process. The form confirms a trader's identity and information accuracy. All Demat account details are vetted before moving on to the next step.
 

KYC update and document submission: Investor's address proof, a PAN card, and a valid passport are essential documents for KYC updates. Without KYC, dormant account activation is not possible. In addition to this, in-person verification might also be necessary for a new account's KYC activation. This step is now mandatory for online Demat accounts because it proves the identity of the trader and confirms compliance with financial regulations.
 

Terms and conditions agreement: In certain cases, it may be necessary to execute a new agreement outlining the terms and conditions that govern your ongoing relationship with the broker. This agreement is critical as it forms the basis for all interactions and transactions.
 

Clear pending dues and account balance: All outstanding payments and past account balances need to be cleared to proceed further. This is a compulsory step for traders; it gives them a fresh start, enables smooth reactivation, and ensures all monetary obligations are fulfilled.
 

Broker confirmation: The broker will confirm dormant account activation once all of the above steps have been completed successfully. This formal validation should not take more than seven to ten days. The investor will be able to resume all trading activities immediately once this step is concluded.
 

Bottom line

A Demat or dematerialised account helps traders hold securities and shares online. In cases of deactivation due to inactivity, you must consider the existing dormant account's activation instead of opening a new one. Reviving your dormant account may involve some digital paperwork, but it can open up exciting investment opportunities in the growing Indian stock market. By taking the dormant account activation steps discussed above, you can make smarter investment decisions and reap the rewards in the future.
 

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• What is Demat Account
• How to Open Demat Account?
• What is Dematerialisation
• Difference between Demat and trading account