Who is Eligible to Open a Demat Account?
Any Indian resident can open a Demat account with a registered depository participant. They must be at least 18 years old.
Minors can also have a Demat account. However, a parent or legal guardian must run it. They must do this until the minor becomes an adult.
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can open an account. They need proof of identity from their country of residence and from India.
Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), partnerships, and companies can open Demat accounts in the entity name.
Some foreign nationals may also apply. This depends on RBI and SEBI rules for approval.
List of Documents Required For Open a Demat Account
You will not need many documents to open a demat account. Just some valid proofs of identity, address, and income. These proofs help finish your KYC quickly. They let you activate your account fast. Here is the list of documents required to open a demat account.
Accepted Identity Proof Documents for Demat Account Opening
Any of the following documents, bearing a photograph and issued by a government authority, are accepted as valid identity proof:
Aadhaar card
Voter ID card
Passport
Driving licence
PAN card (in addition to being a mandatory document, it also serves as identity proof)
Central or state government-issued ID cards (with photo)
Photo ID cards issued by public sector undertakings or statutory/regulatory authorities
Ensure the document submitted is current, legible, and matches the applicant's name as stated in the application form.
Additional Read: Eligibility Criteria to Open Demat Account
Accepted Address Proof Documents for Demat Account Opening
For address verification, applicants must submit any of the following documents with their current and permanent address clearly mentioned:
Aadhaar card
Passport
Voter ID card
Driving licence
Registered rent agreement
Utility bills (electricity, telephone, gas) not older than 3 months
Bank statement or passbook with recent transactions
Property or Municipal tax receipt
Insurance policy document
These documents help verify residence and communication details. Ensure the document submitted has the full residential address and is not outdated.
Accepted income proof documents for demat account opening
Income proof is required when you want to trade in derivatives, futures, and options. Submit any one of the following as proof:
Latest salary slip (not older than 3 months)
Form 16 issued by the employer
Income Tax Return (ITR) acknowledgment
Statement of Demat holdings
Net worth certificate from a CA
Bank statement showing income/transactions (last 6 months)
These documents help assess the financial eligibility of an investor and are essential for trading in higher-risk segments like derivatives.
PAN submission exemptions and clarifications
PAN card submission is mandatory for opening a demat account in most cases as per SEBI guidelines. However, there are a few exceptions and clarifications worth noting. In specific cases like joint accounts of certain institutional investors or those exempted under Income Tax provisions, PAN may not be compulsory, provided alternate verification is done.
Here are important points to consider:
PAN must be linked with Aadhaar to remain valid
Minor demat accounts require the guardian’s PAN
NRIs and foreign nationals must submit a copy of PAN card and valid visa/residence permit
For entities exempted under law (e.g., UN agencies), alternate identity verification documents can be accepted
Always ensure the PAN is updated with current details and matches across all documents to avoid rejections
Providing a valid PAN is essential for taxation compliance and maintaining investment transparency.
Additional Read - Open Demat Account Without A PAN Card