How to Do a Demat Account Nominee Update Online and Offline?
- 19th February 2026
- 01:45 PM
- 8 min read
As a Demat account holder, you can make a Demat account nominee update online. You can do it by logging into CDSL or NSDL portals or from your broker’s online application. Also, you can update your nominee details offline by filling out a physical form and submitting it to your broker.
Investors usually update their nominee details if there is a structural change in their families, and to ensure a smooth transition of wealth. As of FY 26, there are 19.24 crore Demat account holders in India.
If you are one of them, learn about the nominee update in detail here.
What is a Nominee in a Demat Account?
Before you learn about the Demat account nominee update process, you must first have an idea of what a nominee means. Similar to adding nominees while creating a bank account, you add a nominee to a Demat account for the same purpose.
However, unlike a bank account, you hold the security certificates of stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, etc, in a digital format in your Demat account. While you accumulate wealth from investments, you must add a nominee. You should add one preferably while creating your Demat account with brokers such as the PL Capital Group – Prabhudas Lilladher.
By adding a nominee, you ensure that your holdings or securities get passed to your nominee rightfully without any hassle if something happens to you. As per the latest SEBI update, you can now add upto 10 nominees to your Demat account while assigning a specific percentage of your holdings, adding up to 100%.
Why is the Nominee Update Important?
Now that you have an idea of why, as an investor, you must add a nominee, you must note why you update or change the nominee in the Demat account. Investors usually change or update their earlier appointed nominee in case of structural changes in their families. They might include a recent marriage, childbirth, etc.
Also, it is important to update a nominee if something happens to the earlier appointed nominee. It is important to update a Demat account nominee if there is a change of name. Moreover, any changes in address or any other crucial details of the appointed nominee require an update.
By updating your nominee details, you ensure that, if something happens to you, your accumulated wealth remains safe. Further, they seamlessly transfer to your chosen person.
Apart from faster settlement, it reduces the hassle of the lengthy legal process, paperwork, etc, for your loved ones to claim the wealth you have accumulated.
How to Complete the Demat Account Nominee Update?
Here is a detailed breakdown to complete the nominee update online and offline:
Online vs Offline Nominee Update Process
Take a look at the following table and compare side-by-side the online and offline Demat account nominee update processes. It might help choosing one as per your preferences:
| Parameters | Online Demat Nominee Update | Offline Demat Nominee Update |
| Mode of Access | Online trading portal or website of NSDL, CDSL or the mobile application of your broker | A physical visit to the office of your broker or DP. You can also courier the duly-filled nominee updation form to them. |
| Steps | Log in to your Demat account and head to ‘My Profile’ or any relevant option. Enter the nominee’s name, DOB, relationship and other details and submit. | Obtain the nominee update form from your broker or DP. Duly fill out the form with your correct name, DOB, address, etc. You might need to attach ID verification documents of your nominees. |
| Method of verification | You must complete an e-signature process to complete the verification. You do this by providing an OTP that you will receive on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. | A primary account holder must physically sign the nominee updation form. |
| Completion of the request | Upon OTP submission, you will receive a confirmation message via email or SMS. | After submitting the duly signed form with the required documents and signature, you will receive an acknowledgement receipt from your DP or broker. Once verified, you will see your updated nominees reflected in your account. |
With PL, create a Demat account with much less hassle using the PL Capital app for free. Download the app, complete an easy e-KYC, create a Demat account and start investing!
Documents Required for Nominee Update in a Demat Account
Once you choose one of the methods, you must provide some documents to seamlessly complete the Demat account nominee update process.
- As proof of address and identification, provide the information of the nominee’s Aadhaar Card, PAN card, Driving Licence, etc, as asked by the brokerage platform or the depository’s portal.
- For an offline application, submit the duly filled form with a self-attested copy of the PAN card of the account holder.
- Attach a copy of the Aadhaar Card or any other valid governmental ID proof of the nominee. Provide recent passport-sized photographs of the nominees, if asked.
Timeframe For a Nominee Update Process in a Demat Account
Aside from flexibility, an online Demat account nominee update process takes less time to complete. If you complete all the steps correctly, it takes about 24 to 48 hours to update and reflect your nominee details on your Demat account.
If you opt for an offline process, it takes more time. Usually, you might need to wait for 5 to 7 days to complete a nominee update process on your Demat account if you do it offline and correctly.
Things to Note to Update a Demat Account Nominee: Do’s & Don’ts
Here are some crucial details you must keep in mind while updating your nominee details:
| Parameters | Do’s | Don’ts |
| Eligibility | You can add individuals such as your parents, spouse, and other family members as nominees. To add a minor, you must add their guardian’s details. | Do not add non-individual entities such as the ‘Karta’ of an HUF, trusts, society, etc, as they are not eligible as nominees. |
| Documentation | Ensure that you enter the nominee’s name, DOB, address, etc, correctly, and these match the provided ID proof. | Avoid mistakes such as wrong spelling of name or using wrong DOB, etc, that might delay the process. |
| Review | Even upon updating a nominee, you must review and update your nominee against any changes in legal name or in any other family situation. | Without a proper review and due to a further change in the nominee’s name, address, etc, an already-nominated individual might face a struggle proving a relationship with the account holder. |
Conclusion
Learning how to update your nominee details in case of changes in nominee information in your Demat is not just a mere compliance. When investing using your Demat account, a clear knowledge of the Demat account nominee update process is required, as if something happens to you, your dear ones can claim the holdings of your Demat account without hassles. You can do it online and offline using your broker’s platform or from NSDL or CDSL.
With PL, create a Demat account and invest in stocks, mutual funds, IPOs and more using the PL Capital app. Download the app for more information!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is nomination mandatory in a demat account?
Yes, as per the SEBI guideline, it is advisable to add a nominee to your Demat account or completely opt out of it. However, it is always wise to add a nominee and update their details if required to seamlessly pass your wealth if something happens to you.
2. Can a nominee be updated online without Aadhaar?
Yes, without an Aadhaar Card, a copy of a Driving Licence, PAN card or any other valid governmental proof acts as an identity verification document for a nominee.
3. What happens if no nominee is added?
If you add no nominees to your Demat account, your family members or heirs might struggle claiming your holdings in your Demat account. They might need to go through legal processes to prove inheritance.
