How to Find Your 16-Digit Demat Account Number
Your 16-digit demat ID (also called your demat account number) is usually one tap away in your broker’s app, under Profile or Account details.
You’ll need this ID for things like transferring shares between brokers, pledging mutual funds or shares for a loan, filling in IPO or KYC forms, and receiving off-market transfers.
What Your Demat ID Looks Like
Every demat account in India sits with one of two depositories, CDSL or NSDL. The 16 characters are always your DP ID (identifies your broker or depository participant) followed by your Client ID (,also called as BO ID identifies you), but the format differs slightly.
| Depository | Format | Example (illustrative) |
| CDSL | 16 digits, numbers only | 1208160012345678 |
| NSDL | Starts with “IN”, then 14 digits | IN30123456789012 |
A quick way to tell them apart: if your ID starts with “IN”, it’s NSDL; if it’s all numbers, it’s CDSL. For CDSL, the first 8 digits are the DP ID and the last 8 are your Client ID. For NSDL, the first 8 characters (including “IN”) are the DP ID and the last 8 digits are your Client ID.
Your demat ID is not the same as your trading/client code (the short alphanumeric ID you use to log in to your broker), your PAN, or your bank account number.
Where To Find It
Try these in order. The first one works for most people in under a minute.
1. Your broker’s app or website. Open the app and go to Profile, Account, or My Details. Look for a field labelled Demat ID, DP ID + Client ID, or Demat account number. Some brokers show it on a separate back-office or console page rather than the main trading app. The exact menu name varies by broker and app version.
2. Your account opening (welcome) email. When your demat account was opened, your broker and the depository both sent confirmation emails with your BO ID. Search your inbox for “BO ID”, “demat account”, “welcome”, or “CDSL” / “NSDL”.
3. Your Consolidated Account Statement (CAS). CDSL or NSDL emails you a monthly or quarterly CAS listing all your holdings. Each demat account appears with its DP ID and Client ID (or full BO ID) at the top of its section. Search your inbox for “Consolidated Account Statement” or “CAS”.
4. Transaction and holding statements. Your demat transaction statement, holding statement, or contract notes from your broker usually print the BO ID in the header.
5. The depository’s own portal. If you’ve registered on CDSL’s easi/Easiest or NSDL’s IDeAS/SPEED-e, your account number is shown once you log in. You can also check the CDSL or NSDL mobile apps.
6. Ask your broker. If none of the above work, contact your broker’s support desk. They can share your demat ID after verifying your identity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Entering only 8 digits. The Client ID alone isn’t enough. Most forms need the full 16 characters (DP ID + Client ID).
- Dropping the “IN” for NSDL. NSDL IDs must include the “IN” prefix, or the form will reject them.
- Using your trading code instead. Your broker login ID (e.g. AB1234) is not your demat ID.
- Mixing up accounts. If you have demat accounts with more than one broker, each has its own ID. Make sure you use the one that actually holds the securities.
- Adding spaces or dashes. Some statements print the ID in groups. Enter it as one continuous string unless the form asks otherwise.
FAQs
It isn’t as sensitive as a password or OTP, and you’ll share it with brokers and lenders for legitimate requests. Still, share it only with parties you trust, and never share it together with your login credentials or OTPs.
No. Moving securities out of your account needs your authorisation, such as an e-DIS/TPIN confirmation, OTP, or signed instruction slip.
No. It stays the same for as long as the account is open. You get a new ID only if you open a new demat account.
Not necessarily. Mutual funds held in statement (non-demat) form are tracked by folio numbers, not a BO ID. Your CAS will show which of your holdings are in demat and which are in folios.
Check old CAS statements or welcome emails. If the account has holdings, the depository (CDSL or NSDL) can help you trace it.
