How to change signature in a demat account comes down to a paper form, a bank’s attestation and an identity check, because most providers still handle it offline. I couldn’t find a provider offering a fully online route, so confirm with yours before you start.
Why the Signature on Record Matters
The specimen signature is what your depository participant checks against paper instructions.
- Your signature at account opening is stored as the specimen
- Delivery instruction slips and other paper requests are compared with it
- If your signature has changed with age, an injury or a habit, the mismatch can hold up a request
- Updating it avoids rejections later
What the Process Looks Like
The steps are similar across brokers, with small differences.
- You fill in a change of signature form, often called a sign change request
- You give a reason, which is mandatory. Forms list options such as convenience in signing or a medical disability, the latter needing a doctor’s certificate
- Your new signature is attested by your banker
- You attach proof of identity and the latest transaction statement
- The DP verifies and updates its records
Documents You’ll Need
Keep these ready before you go to the bank.
- The signed form, downloaded from your DP’s website
- New specimen signature, attested by the bank, with the manager’s name, designation, employee code, seal and branch address
- Identity proof, such as a PAN card, passport, voter ID or driving licence, verified against the original
- Latest transaction statement of the demat account, for some DPs
- Medical certificate if the reason is a disability
Step by Step
The usual sequence looks like this.
- Download the change-of-signature form from your broker’s site
- Fill in the account details, the reason, and your old and new signatures
- Take it to the branch of the bank where you hold the account named in your demat account, and have the manager attest the new signature with stamp and seal
- Attach your ID proof and statement
- Submit the form at the DP’s branch, or send it by courier, depending on the broker
- Wait for confirmation that the new signature is registered
Two Common Routes
Brokers differ on whether you must visit in person.
- In-person route: you sign your new signature in front of the DP’s official, who verifies your identity. HDFC Securities’ format has the DP official attest that it was “signed in my presence”
- Banker attestation route: the bank attests the signature, and you send the form with a self-attested ID copy. Navia lets you choose either
- ICICI Direct asks you to submit the form at an ICICI Bank branch offering demat services, with the new signature attested by the manager of the bank where your demat-linked account is held
Joint Accounts
Everyone named on the account has to take part.
- HDFC’s format says all holders must sign in the old signature column
- The names must appear in the same order as on the demat account, according to Anand Rathi’s form
- Each holder’s new signature needs the same attestation
KRA Signature Too
Your signature may be stored in more than one place.
- Anand Rathi’s form has separate options to change the signature in the demat account only, or in both the KRA and the demat account
- If your KYC record holds the old signature, ask whether the broker updates it as well
How Long It Takes
Quoted timelines differ a lot, so ask your broker.
- ICICI Direct says the new signature is registered within 7 working days of submitting the duly filled form
- Navia says updates happen within 2 working days of receiving the request
- Sharekhan’s FAQ says a replacement delivery instruction booklet is dispatched by courier within a week of the request
Why Requests Get Rejected
Most delays come from small errors on the form.
- The bank attestation is incomplete, missing the manager’s name, employee code, seal or account details
- The reason for change is left blank
- The ID proof isn’t verified against the original
- Joint holders haven’t all signed
- The new signature is hard to read, or you won’t be able to repeat it, since Navia says it must match what you’ll use going forward
FAQs
Q1. Can I change my demat signature online?
I couldn’t find a provider offering a fully online route. The forms I found are paper-based, with bank attestation, though Navia also offers an in-person option.
Q2. Who has to attest the new signature?
Your banker. ICICI Direct specifies the manager of the branch where you hold the bank account named in your demat account, with stamp, designation and code.
Q3. How long does the change take?
It varies. ICICI Direct quotes 7 working days, while Navia says 2 working days from receipt of the request.
