How to Update Nominee in a Demat Account

Updating a nominee in a demat account is one of the simplest account management tasks available — and one of the most frequently neglected. Life events — marriage, divorce, childbirth, the death of a previously declared nominee, or simply a change in who the investor wishes to benefit — all create legitimate reasons to update nomination details. SEBI’s March 2025 revised framework explicitly allows unlimited modifications and cancellations of nominations, and most major brokers have integrated online nominee update functionality directly into their account management portals.

Two Routes: Online and Offline

Online Route: Available at most major brokers — Zerodha, Angel One, ICICI Direct, HDFC Securities, Kotak Neo, Axis Direct, and SBI Securities all provide nominee update functionality within their account management or KYC sections. This route requires Aadhaar OTP authentication to verify the account holder’s identity before the change is processed.

Offline Route: Required at some full-service brokers that do not offer complete online KYC modification, or when an investor prefers a physical record. Requires filling a nomination modification form and submitting at the broker’s branch with supporting documents.

Step-by-Step: Online Nominee Update Process

Step 1 — Log In to Your Broker’s Platform. Access your broker’s web platform or mobile app. Navigate to: Profile → KYC Details → Nominee Details (the exact menu path varies slightly across brokers).

Step 2 — Select “Add / Modify Nominee.” Most platforms show a dedicated “Nominee” section listing existing nominees with options to add new, edit existing, or delete a nominee record.

Step 3 — Fill Nominee Details. Enter the following for the new or updated nominee: Full name as per ID proof; relationship to the account holder; date of birth; residential address; email address; mobile number; and any one personal identifier — PAN card number, driving licence number, or last four digits of Aadhaar card number (document number only, no copy required).

If adding multiple nominees, enter the percentage allocation for each. All percentages must total 100%.

For a minor nominee, additionally provide: the minor’s date of birth, and the guardian’s name, relationship, address, and identifier document number.

Step 4 — Authenticate via Aadhaar OTP. After filling the nominee details, the platform initiates Aadhaar OTP authentication to your registered Aadhaar-linked mobile. Enter the OTP to confirm the update as genuinely authorised by the account holder.

Step 5 — Submit and Receive Confirmation. Submit the form. The broker and depository update the nominee record. A confirmation is sent via email and SMS to your registered contact details. The update reflects in your account within 1 to 3 business days.

Step-by-Step: Offline Nominee Update Process

Download the Nomination Form from your broker’s website — use the updated format mandated from June 1, 2025. Fill in all nominee details, percentage allocation, and account holder information. If deleting a previously registered nominee, fill a Nomination Modification or Cancellation Form. Attach a self-attested copy of the nominee’s ID proof if required by your specific broker (under revised SEBI rules, document number submission is sufficient — physical copies are not mandatory at the depository level). Sign the form — all registered account holders must sign. Submit at the nearest branch. Confirm via your account’s nominee section 3 to 5 business days after submission.

When to Update Your Nominee

Update your nominee in any of these situations: after marriage or divorce; after the death of a previously declared nominee; when you wish to add or remove a family member; after the birth of a child you wish to include; when a minor nominee reaches adulthood (minor nominee details must be updated); or when you change your mind about the allocation percentage among multiple nominees.

Overview: Nominee Update Methods

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How many times can I update my nominee in a demat account?

A: Unlimited — SEBI’s revised framework allows investors to modify, add, update, or cancel nominations any number of times without restriction.

Q2. Can I add a minor as a nominee?

A: Yes — a minor can be nominated, but the guardian’s details must be provided. When the minor turns 18, their nominee record should be updated to reflect adult status.

Q3. How long does an online nominee update take?

A: 1 to 3 business days after Aadhaar OTP authentication and form submission.

Q4. Do I need to submit physical copies of the nominee’s ID documents?

A: No — under SEBI’s March 2025 revised framework, only the document number (PAN, driving licence, or last four digits of Aadhaar) needs to be provided. Physical copies are not required.

Q5. Can a POA holder update the nominee on my behalf?

A: No — only the registered account holder can add, modify, or cancel nominees. POA holders are explicitly excluded from nomination-related actions.