Dematerialisation Request Form (DRF): Meaning, Process and How to Fill It

30 Jun 2026|

3 min read |

by ICICI Securities Team

Demat Account

A Dematerialisation Request Form, or DRF, is used when an investor wants to convert physical share certificates or other eligible securities into electronic form. Once processed, the holdings appear in the investor’s demat account instead of remaining as paper certificates.

For many Indian investors, DRF becomes important when old certificates are found at home or inherited.

When Is a DRF Required?

You have physical share certificates

Many families still have old share certificates stored with property papers, tax records, or bank documents. These may belong to parents, grandparents, or the investor’s own earlier holdings.

A DRF helps convert these paper certificates into electronic holdings through a Depository Participant, also called a DP. The DP links the investor with the depository.

You want to sell or transfer physical shares

Investors may hold some securities physically, but selling or transferring them is difficult without dematerialisation. In most practical cases, the securities must first move into a demat account.

Once the shares are dematerialised, they can be sold, transferred, pledged, or managed more easily through the Depository Participant and trading platform.

Details Required in a DRF

A DRF form asks for details from both the demat account and the physical certificate. These details help the DP and registrar match the securities correctly.

Detail Required	What It Means
Demat account number or Client ID	Investor’s beneficiary account details
DP ID	Identification number of the Depository Participant
Name of security or company	Company whose securities are submitted
ISIN	Unique security identification number
Folio number	Number printed in physical records
Certificate number	Certificate identification number
Distinctive numbers	Number range allotted to shares
Number of securities	Total quantity submitted
Lock-in details	Needed if securities are restricted
Holder names and signatures	Must match account and certificate records

How to Fill a Dematerialisation Request Form?

Step 1: Check whether the security is eligible for demat

Before filling the form, confirm that the security is available for dematerialisation through the depository system. Your DP can help you check this using the company name or ISIN. Some old certificates may need clarification from the registrar or company.

Step 2: Use the correct DRF

Use the DRF format provided by your DP. Do not mix securities with different ISINs in one form. Separate forms are usually needed for different companies or ISINs.

Step 3: Fill in the certificate and security details carefully

Enter the folio number, certificate number, distinctive numbers, quantity, company name, and ISIN correctly. These details help verify that the securities are genuine and match the investor's records.

Step 4: Sign as per the demat account records

All holders must sign the DRF. The names and order of holders should match the physical certificate and the demat account.

A signature mismatch is one common rejection reason. So, sign exactly as per the demat account records.

Step 5: Mark certificates for dematerialisation

Physical certificates are generally submitted after being marked “Surrendered for Dematerialisation”. This tells the registrar that the paper certificate is being given up for electronic conversion.

While marking the certificate, keep the certificate numbers, folio numbers, names, and distinctive numbers readable.

How Long Does Dematerialisation Take?

The time taken for dematerialisation can vary. It depends on the DP, registrar, issuer company, correctness of the documents, and whether all details match correctly.

Investors should keep the acknowledgement slip or the request number given by the DP. This helps track the status if the request takes longer than expected. Avoid assuming a fixed timeline, because even a small mismatch can slow the process.

Common Reasons for DRF Rejection

A DRF may be rejected when the form, certificate, and demat account details do not match. Common reasons include:

Name mismatch between the certificate and the demat account
Wrong order of joint holders
Incorrect ISIN, certificate number, or folio number
Signature mismatch
Multiple ISINs entered in one DRF
Damaged, torn, or unreadable certificates
Quantity mismatch
Missing lock-in information, where applicable

Most rejections happen because of small, avoidable mistakes. A careful review before submission can save valuable time.

What to Do If Your DRF Is Rejected

A rejected DRF does not always mean the securities are lost. It usually means something needs correction.

Check the rejection reason shared by the DP.
Compare the form with the original certificate.
Correct spelling, holder order, ISIN, folio, or quantity errors.
Contact the DP or registrar if the reason is unclear.
Submit a fresh or corrected DRF as advised.
Keep the acknowledgement or request number safe.

Conclusion

A Dematerialisation Request Form is important for converting physical securities into electronic holdings.

Check the ISIN, holder names, certificate numbers, distinctive numbers, signatures, and quantity before submission. A carefully completed DRF reduces delays reduces delays and makes old investments easier to track, sell, transfer, or preserve safely.