A name change in a share certificate becomes necessary due to marriage, spelling correction, legal name change, or mismatch in records. Whether shares are held in physical form or Demat form, the name appearing in company records must exactly match the shareholder’s legal identity.
When Is Name Change in Share Certificate Required?
Name change may be required in the following situations:
- • Change of surname after marriage
- • Correction of spelling mistakes
- • Change in initials or full name
- • Name change through gazette notification
- • Mismatch between PAN, Aadhaar, and share records
- • Errors in old physical share certificates
Name Change in Physical Share Certificates
For physical shares, the name change process is handled by the company or its Registrar & Transfer Agent (RTA).
Typical Steps:
- 1. Submit name change request form
- 2. Provide supporting legal documents
- 3. Verification by company / RTA
- 4. Update of shareholder master records
- 5. (Optional) Dematerialization after name correction
Name correction is usually mandatory before converting physical shares into Demat form.
Name Change in Demat Shares
For Demat accounts, the name change is processed through the Depository Participant (DP).
- • DP updates KYC records
- • PAN-based verification is mandatory
- • Once updated, Demat holdings reflect the corrected name
Name Change After Marriage
After marriage, many investors face rejection due to surname mismatch.
To resolve this:
- • Marriage certificate or affidavit is required
- • KYC update must match PAN records
- • Consistency across all documents is essential
Why Dematerialization Is Recommended After Name Change
- • Eliminates future name mismatch issues
- • Simplifies sale and transfer of shares
- • Enhances security and compliance
- • Avoids physical document risks