How to Transfer Shares from One Demat Account to Another?

5Paisa Admin

Last Updated: 08 Oct 2026, 12:23 PM IST

How to Transfer Shares from One Demat Account to Another
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The Securities and Exchange Board of India has reported that there are more than 21 crore demat accounts held by 13.6 crore investors by the end of 2025. Interesting, isn’t it?

This indicates India’s rapid retail investing resolution and a quest of investors to seek different discount brokers and lower maintenance charges. You can either shift your stock portfolio via depository portals or manually. 
But the real question is: how to transfer shares from one demat account to another? Continue reading to get the answer!

Key Takeaways

• SEBI has reported more than 21 crore Demat accounts held by 13.6 crore investors by the end of 2025. The source links this growth to investors looking for different discount brokers and lower maintenance charges, which often means moving shares from one account to another. 

• There are two ways to move shares. One is online through the depository portals, SPEED-e for NSDL and EASI/EASIEST for CDSL. The other is offline, using a Delivery Instruction Slip (DIS). 

• An NSDL to CDSL transfer starts with registering on the NSDL e-Services portal under SPEED-e and choosing the Smart Card option. After the DP verifies the form and documents, the investor gets a user ID, a Smart Card kit, a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) and a PIN, and then moves the securities through the inter-depository module. 

• The source calls this inter-depository route complicated, and adds that charges and fees can be expensive when shares go from NSDL to CDSL. 

• CDSL to CDSL transfers run on the EASIEST portal. The investor goes to Transaction, then Setup, then Bulk Setup, enters the transaction and securities details, clicks Verify and Commit, and finishes with the PIN. CDSL takes 1 to 2 days to verify the registration details before emailing the PIN and password. 

• For CDSL to NSDL, the investor registers on EASIEST with the CDSL BO ID and opens BO Linking Setup. The 16-digit target BO ID and PAN go in next, followed by authentication through a link emailed by CDSL. The transfer is completed with an OTP and Digital Signature, and CDSL charges no fee when the shares are moving to the investor's own account. 

• The offline route is described as the easier one. The investor informs the broker, collects an inter-depository DIS, fills in the date, client ID, receiver details and securities details, signs it and submits it directly to the DP. 

• A DIS works much like a cheque for a Demat account and should be kept carefully. Only 4 ISINs can go on one slip, so larger transfers need multiple slips, and the signature must match the one recorded in the Demat account. 

• SEBI guidelines require ownership patterns to match, and every transfer to be fully authorised, traceable and secure. An account closure form and the Client Master List (CML) of the target account must go to the DP. Ignoring these rules can lead to suspension of trading, monetary penalties, potential legal prosecution and freezing of assets. 

• When an account is being closed, the DP moves all securities to the specified Demat account and then shuts the old one. Most DPs do not charge a transfer fee if the new account has the same ownership and pattern, though other transfers may be charged as per the DP's schedule. 

Steps to Transfer Shares Online from One Demat Account to Another

You can easily transfer shares online from one demat account to another using either the CDSL (Central Depository Services Limited) or NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited) platforms. Here is how to transfer shares from one demat account to another:

NSDL to CDSL Online Transfer

Step 1: Register in the e-SERVICES portal under the SPEED-e option.

Step 2: Select the ‘Smart Card’ option to transfer shares. Download and fill the SPEED-e application form, Power of Attorney or obtain it directly from your Depository Portal (DP).

Step 3: Submit the filled-out form with the required documents to your DP.

Step 4: DP will verify the details

Step 5: A user ID will be assigned to obtain a Smart Card kit, Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN).

Step 6: Install the Smart Card, DSC and PIN with the user-ID provided.

Step 7: Transfer the securities to the desired beneficiary using the inter-depository module.

Note: The inter-depository share transfer method is complicated, and charges and fees can be expensive if you are transferring shares from NSDL to CDSL.

CDSL to CDSL Online Transfer

Step 1: Register in the EASIEST portal and log in.

Step 2: Click on the ‘Transaction’ tab and select ‘Setup’.

Step 3: Click on the ‘Bulk Setup’ option, and you will get the transaction screen.

Step 4: Enter the transaction and securities details and click ‘Verify’.

Step 5: Now select the ‘All’ option in the ‘Status’ bar and tap on ‘Commit’. 

Step 6: Enter the PIN and click ‘OK’ to complete the process. 

Notes:

  • It takes 1 to 2 days to verify the information provided during CDSL registration, after which you will receive an email with the PIN and password. 
  • Change the PIN from the 'Miscellaneous' tab after logging in to the portal. 


CDSL to NSDL Online Transfer

Step 1: Go to the EASIEST portal to register as a new user

Step 2: Enter the CDSL BOP ID (demat account number)

Step 3: Set up the trust account from the ‘Transaction’ option and click on the ‘BO Linking Setup’

Step 4: Enter the 16-digit target BO ID from your NSDL account and your PAN. 

Step 5: Authenticate via the link sent to your email from CDSL. 

Step 6: Select Transaction, then Setup and lastly Bulk Setup one after the other. 

Step 7: Enter the securities details and complete the transfer with an OTP and Digital Signature. 

Note: Understanding how to transfer shares from CDSL to NSDL online is easy, but the actual process can be complicated. However, CDSL charges no fees if you transfer shares to yourself from CDSL to NSDL.


Ready to simplify your investing journey? Open a demat account with 5paisa and enjoy seamless share transfers, competitive brokerage plans, and a user-friendly investing platform.

How to Transfer Shares Manually via Delivery Instruction Slip (DIS)?

Transferring shares offline, using a DIS, is comparatively easier than if you want to transfer shares from one demat to another online. Simply follow the offline method steps below to understand how to transfer shares from one demat account to another:

Step 1: Inform your broker about the demat account transfer and obtain an inter-depository DIS.

Step 2: Fill in the following details in the DIS:

  • Date
  • Client ID
  • Receiver Details (For Off-Market)
  • Receiver Details (For Market Trades)
  • Securities Details

Step 3: Sign the DIS

Step 4: Submit the DIS directly to your DP

Notes:

  • Only 4 International Securities Identification Numbers (ISINs) can be transferred per DIS. Use multiple DIS if you wish to transfer more than 4 ISINs. 
  • The account holder’s signature has to match the signature recorded in the demat account.
     

SEBI Guidelines on Demat Account Transfer

Knowing what are the SEBI guidelines for share transfer can be beneficial to avoid suspension of trading, monetary penalties, potential legal prosecution, and freezing of assets. Here are the different SEBI guidelines on demat account transfer between or within depositories:

  • Exact Ownership Patterns: Securities ownership patterns must match whether you are gifting shares off-market or changing to a new broker.
  • Account Credibility: Transferring securities between demat accounts must be fully authorised, traceable, and secure. 
  • Submission of Documents: An account closure form and Client Master List (CML) of your target demat account need to be submitted to your DP. 

Case Example:

When Rahul switches his brokerage firm, he has to change his demat account. He ensures that both accounts are in his name, completes the account closure form and gives his Depository Participant (DP) the Client Master List (CML) of the new account. 
This is done in compliance with the requirements set by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Shares are transferred smoothly, with no delays or penalties, and the ownership details are matched, as the transfer is fully authorised.
 

Final Words

Knowing how to transfer shares from one demat account to another can be beneficial for investors for various reasons. Shares can be transferred online via word of mouth, through the CDSL/NSDL depository, or offline via a Delivery Instruction Slip (DIS).

Though it is convenient to transfer online, those who do it manually also find it easy. Following the correct procedures and SEBI guidelines, including ownership verification and document submission, can ensure a smooth and compliant transfer process.

Looking for a smoother investing experience? Consider opening a demat account with 5paisa.
 

Disclaimer: Investment in securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing. For detailed disclaimer please Click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Investors can submit an account closure request to their Depository Participant (DP). The DP transfers all the securities from the DP account to the specified demat account and closes the existing DP account accordingly as instructed.

Yes. Authorised account holders have access to online facilities from both NSDL and CDSL, namely, SPEED-e and EASI/EASIEST. These facilities make it possible for investors to start and trigger share transfers electronically.

A Delivery Instruction Slip (DIS) operates similarly to a cheque for your demat account. It is used by investors to authorise transfers of shares, and they are expected to complete, sign and carefully keep it. 

In most cases, DPs will not charge a transfer fee when you transfer all securities to a new account that has the same ownership and pattern. There might be charges applicable to other transfers as per the schedule of the DP.

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