Finance has moved online. The old paper trails are gone, replaced by screens, logins, and digital vaults. To trade shares today, you first open a demat account—it’s the place where all your securities quietly sit.
Now, here’s the part many beginners miss. Along with your demat account, you’re handed something called a BO ID. Short for Beneficial Owner Identification Number. It isn’t just random digits—it’s your trading fingerprint. Every transaction you make is linked to it.
For CDSL accounts, the BO ID is 16 digits: first eight for the DP ID, the rest for you. With NSDL, it looks different—it begins with “IN,” followed by 14 numbers. Both unique, both critical.
Features of BO ID
Your BO ID makes sure no two investors get mixed up. Think of it like a PAN for your shares. Every account, every holding, is tied back to that single code.
Every buy or sell you make leaves a trace under this ID. That record builds a clean trail—something regulators, brokers, and even you can rely on when checking history.
The number connects you to CDSL or NSDL. This link ensures your securities are properly mapped to the central system, cutting down the chance of fraud or error.
How to Find Your BO ID?
Log in to Your Broker’s Website:
Visit your broker’s official site and log in using your credentials to securely access and manage your investments, account details, and transactions.
Open My Profile (or similar):
Go to the “My Profile” section or its equivalent to view your personal details, linked accounts, and demat account information.
Check Demat Account Information:
Locate the “Demat Account Information” section to find details of your account, including the DP ID and other essential information for transactions.
Note Your 16-digit BO ID:
Here you’ll see a 16-digit code, your Beneficiary Owner (BO) ID. Write it down safely, as it is required for all demat-related activities.
How to Use BO ID in Trading and Investment?
Your BO ID makes sure that the shares you buy or sell go to the right account—yours, not someone else's.
Dividends, bonuses, rights issues—all these reach you because the company uses your BO ID to identify the correct shareholder.
Over time, your BO ID becomes the anchor point for consolidating reports. Brokers, regulators, and even apps use it to give you a snapshot of your holdings.
How to Find DP ID & Demat Account Number?
Log in to Your Broker’s Platform:
Use your credentials to access your broker’s online portal. Once logged in, you can manage your investments, check account details, track transactions, and access your demat account information securely.
Go to Demat Info or My Profile:
Navigate to the “Demat Info” or “My Profile” section to find all key details of your account, including demat account number, account type, linked bank details, and other essential personal and financial information.
Check Your 16-Digit Demat Account Number:
Locate your 16-digit demat account number in your profile. This unique number is essential for all securities transactions, account verification, and communication with your broker or depository.
For CDSL Accounts:
If your account is with CDSL, the first eight digits of the 16-digit demat number represent the Depository Participant ID (DP ID), identifying your broker or branch managing the account.
For NSDL Accounts:
In NSDL accounts, the DP ID always starts with “IN” followed by 14 digits. This identifies your account and the NSDL participant associated with it, ensuring smooth securities transactions and verification.
Difference Between DP ID & Demat Account Number
Aspect
| Demat Account Number
| DP ID
|
Definition
| 16-digit number tied to your demat account.
| 8-digit code given to your depository participant.
|
Purpose
| Identifies you in all trading transactions.
| Identifies the intermediary (broker/DP) handling your account.
|
CDSL Structure
| First 8 = DP ID, last 8 = Client ID.
| The first 8 digits of your demat account number.
|
NSDL Structure
| Starts with “IN” + 14 digits.
| “IN” represents NSDL’s DP ID.
|
Additional Read: How to Know Demat Account Number?
Conclusion
A BO ID isn’t just paperwork. It's your market identity, the code that keeps your records, shares, and dividends safe.
This number is set in stone in a digital market. Keeping track of your BO ID and DP ID, whether you're new or experienced, will make trading go more smoothly, make fewer mistakes, and give you more peace of mind.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Bajaj Broking Financial Services Ltd. (BFSL) makes no recommendations to buy or sell securities.