What is a Demat Account?
The term "dematerialization," or "Demat," refers to the process of converting tangible securities into an electronic representation. Thus, instead of having to deal with the inconveniences of handling physical securities, a trader can retain, transfer, and transact securities using a Demat app. These accounts are specifically designed to transfer share certificates from a physical shares to an electronic format, giving account holders more accessibility.
Types of Demat Account Closures
Transfer and Account Closure
This is the situation in which you need to move any outstanding securities from the account to another account.
Account Closure
When there are no outstanding holdings or transactions on the Demat account, and it is inactive, this direct account closure method is chosen.
Process How to Delete Demat Account if the Case is Account Closure
Step 1: Download the Demat account closed form from the website of your bank or investment agency if it is your depository participant.
Step 2: Next, correctly complete the form and send it in with your KYC documentation. Verify that every proof is genuine. In this phase, the forms and paperwork must be physically delivered to the nearest DP office or mailed to the relevant head office.
Step 3: Both account holders must sign the closure form in front of a representative from their respective DP if more than one person is in possession of the account.
Step 4: Verify that the account has no shares and has a positive balance. You may verify this by signing into your Demat account.
Also Read about Check Demat Account Status: Step-by-Step Guide
Process to Close Demat Account Online in Case of Transferring Pending Holdings or Shares From one Demat Account to Another
Step 1: NSDL and CDSL are India's two national depositories. An Intra DIS slip and selection of the "Off-Market transfer option in the Demat account" are necessary in the event of intra-depository transfers.
Step 2: Next, you need to obtain the original client master list (CML) from the account, which includes the logo, stamp, and signatures.
Step 3: After that, the completed form must be specified, along with all pertinent information and the names and ISINs of the shares you want to transfer. Together with their ID, a 16-character code, the target client must also be provided.
Step 4: After this, the documents must be mailed to the head office of your DP or turned in to their office.
Step 5: A bank representative will verify the self-attested Demat closure form in order to close the account.
Details Required How to Deactivate Demat Account
You would need to provide or submit certain valid documentation to prove the ownership of the Demat account and its assets in order to close a Demat account online. The following information is needed to close a Demat account:
1. Both your DP ID and the ID of your Demat account.
2. Your name and address, among other KYC criteria, must correspond with the information on file for your account.
3. Your justification for terminating your account at this time.
4. A copy of an authenticated and self-attested identity document, such as a passport, Aadhar, or PAN. Depending on the brokerage firms, this could change.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Closing the Account
Although closing a demat account online is a simple process, there are a few considerations you should make:
1.Make sure that before starting the closure procedure, all outstanding amounts and dues have been paid.
2. Prior to submitting the ACRF, transfer or sell all of the securities that are kept in your demat account.
3. Consult your broker about the closure fees and other costs related to terminating your demat account.
4. For future reference, save a copy of the completed ACRF together with all other submitted documentation.
5. You won't be able to access or do business in your demat account after it is closed. Ahead of time, make sure to move any leftover securities to a different demat account.
The Bottom Line
Online demat account closure is a quick and easy process. You can quickly terminate your account by following the required steps. Don't forget to pay off all outstanding debts, transfer or sell stocks, and provide your broker with the necessary paperwork for a smooth closing.