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Account Setup

How to Open a Demat Account Online (Step-by-Step Guide)

✍ī¸ By DematRefer Research Desk 🕒 7 min read 📅 Updated: October 2026 ✓ Fact-Checked
Key Takeaway: A complete walk-through of the online Demat account opening process in India: paperwork, DigiLocker verification, video IPV, and Aadhaar e-Sign.

Documents Required to Open a Demat Account

With modern paperless onboarding, physical document submission is no longer required. You only need digital copies of the following documents before beginning:

  • Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card: Mandatory for all stock market participants under SEBI guidelines.
  • Aadhaar Card: Must be linked to an active mobile number to receive OTPs for DigiLocker verification and final NSDL/CDSL e-Signing.
  • Bank Account Proof: Cancelled cheque with your name pre-printed, or recent bank statement (last 3 months with visible IFSC and account number).
  • Signature Specimen: Clear photo of your signature signed with blue or black ink on a blank white sheet.
  • Income Proof (Optional): Required only if you intend to activate Futures & Options (F&O) or Currency segments. Acceptable proofs: 6 months bank statement, latest ITR-V, or Form 16.

5-Step Online Account Opening Process

  1. Choose a SEBI-Registered Broker: Compare brokerage, trading platforms, and referral benefits. Leading options include Zerodha, Upstox, Angel One, and Kotak Neo.
  2. Mobile & Email Verification: Enter your mobile number and email on the broker's onboarding portal and verify with OTPs.
  3. DigiLocker KYC Authorization: Connect your DigiLocker account to fetch your verified Aadhaar and address details instantly.
  4. Bank Verification & In-Person Video IPV: Enter your IFSC and bank account number (validated via a ₹1 penny drop). Capture a quick 5-second selfie or video to fulfill In-Person Verification (IPV) requirements.
  5. Aadhaar OTP e-Sign: Review the account opening form (AOF) on the NSDL/CDSL e-Sign portal, input your 12-digit Aadhaar number, and confirm the OTP sent by UIDAI.

Turnaround Time & Activation Checklist

Once your Aadhaar e-Sign is submitted successfully:

  • The broker's compliance team conducts an automated back-office audit.
  • Your account is typically activated within 24 to 48 business hours.
  • You will receive an email containing your unique Client ID (UCC) and initial login credentials.
  • You can then download the mobile application, set a new password and 2-factor authentication (TOTP), and link your UPI for instant funds deposit.

Frequently Asked Questions

If your mobile is not linked to Aadhaar, you cannot complete online OTP e-Signing. You will need to print the physical account opening form, sign it manually, and courier it to the broker headquarters.
Many discount brokers like Angel One, Groww, Kotak Neo, and m.Stock offer ₹0 account opening charges. Zerodha charges a one-time onboarding fee of ₹200 for equity and F&O.

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