Transfer of shares is when the ownership of the shares is transmitted from the current holder to another person. The owner can do this at any point to raise working capital or re-organise their investment structure. It makes it easier for a shareholder to see all their shares together.
Different ways to transfer shares from one Demat account to another
You can transfer shares from one Demat account to another in two ways. These are:
Method 1: Offline transfer
You need to understand some of the DIS components to complete the offline transfer process.
Step 1: To transfer shares manually, you are required to fill in the following details carefully in the Delivery Information Slip (DIS) provided by your broker.
- ISIN Number: The shares will be transferred based on ISIN numbers. It is a 12-digit code that authenticates shares. Do double check the ISIN number mentioned in the DIS.
- Beneficiary Owner ID/ Target Client ID: It is the 16-digit code which is a combination of DP ID and Client ID.
- Mode Selection: Use predefined reason codes to select the mode - Intra-depository transfer or inter-depository transfer. The intra-depository transfer is the "Off-market transfer'. Choose carefully.
Step 2: Sign the DIS with the same signature you put with your existing broker when opening the Demat account.
Step 3: Submit the DIS to the existing brokerage firm. They will issue you an acknowledgement slip.
Now you can share transfers with national depositories. The shares show up in your new Demat account within 3-5 days.
Method 2: Online transfer
Follow these steps to understand how to transfer shares from one Demat account to another online:
Step 1: Online transfer of shares through CDSL's 'Easiest’ facility and NSDL's ‘Speed-e’ facility. Get registered at CDSL or NSDL website.
For NSDL - Visit this page > New User Registration > Speed-e>Register
For CSDL - Click here > Register for Easiest > Enter Demat details, OTP, account details (DP ID, Client ID, email id etc.)
Step 2: Once the form is filled and submitted to the website, you need to take a printout of the form and submit it to your broker.
Step 3: The broker will further submit the form to the central depository to verify your details.
Step 4: Once the broker verifies your details, your account will be activated, and you will receive login credentials through email. Now you can log in and transfer shares from one Demat account to another.
Why transfer shares from one Demat account to another?
- Reduction in brokerage charges: You may want to reduce brokerage fees by opening a Demat account with a discount broker.
- Better services: You may want to switch from your current broker to avail yourself of benefits such as a robust trading platform with enhanced security.
- Securities management: You may want to categorise shares based on your financial goals such as child’s marriage or retirement planning. Separating for taxation purposes can also be a reason. You can also keep separate Demat accounts for trading activities and investment portfolios.
- Consolidation of holdings: Multiple Demat accounts with different brokers can be consolidated into a single Demat account with all the securities. This approach can help you in lowering Demat account charges for maintaining idle accounts.
There are two primary depositories in India to hold dematerialised securities in a Demat account for investors:
- National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL)
- Central Depository Services India Limited (CDSL)