To open a demat account in India, individuals must complete a Know Your Customer (KYC) process that includes the submission of specific documents to verify identity, address, income, and PAN details. These documents help brokers and depository participants (DPs) comply with SEBI regulations, reduce fraud, and ensure transparency. Submitting the right set of documents is critical for a smooth account opening process. The list may slightly vary based on the broker and whether the account is being opened online or offline, but the core requirements remain consistent across platforms.
Here are the major categories of documents required to open a demat account:
- Proof of identity
- Proof of address
- Proof of income (for derivatives segment)
- PAN card
- Passport-size photographs
- Bank account details (cancelled cheque/passbook copy)
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.
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 Ensure the document submitted has the full residential address and is not outdated.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.
Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing.
This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.
For All Disclaimers Click Here: https://www.bajajbroking.in/disclaimer