Question 1

Can I still claim shares if the certificates are very old?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. Old certificates usually still represent real shares, even if the company has since changed its name, merged, or issued bonus shares. If the dividends went unclaimed for seven years in a row, the shares may have been moved to IEPF, but they can still be claimed back. The first step is to identify the company and check the status of your folio.

Question 2

What documents do I need for transmission of shares after death?

Accepted Answer

Usually: the death certificate, the original certificates or demat statement, the claimant's PAN, Aadhaar and bank proof, and a demat account. If there was a nominee, that is often enough. Without a nominee, you may need affidavits, an indemnity and NOCs from the other legal heirs, or for larger values a Succession Certificate or Probate. The exact list depends on your case.

Question 3

What is IEPF and how do I claim shares from it?

Accepted Answer

The Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) is a fund set up by the Government of India. When a dividend remains unclaimed for seven consecutive years, the company must transfer those shares to IEPF. To claim them back, you file Form IEPF-5 online, send the required documents to the company for verification, and the IEPF Authority then refunds the shares to your demat account.

Question 4

Can physical shares still be sold without demat?

Accepted Answer

For listed companies, no. Since April 2019, shares of listed companies can be transferred only in demat form, except for transmission to legal heirs and transposition. So you need to convert (dematerialise) them first, and then you can sell them through your broker.

Question 5

What if my name on the certificate is spelled differently?

Accepted Answer

This is very common and usually solvable. Depending on the difference, the RTA may accept an affidavit with supporting ID proofs. For formal name changes, such as after marriage, a gazette notification may be needed. We check your documents and tell you the simplest route.

Question 6

How long does the process usually take?

Accepted Answer

It varies by company, RTA and case. Simple demat or KYC requests may take a few weeks. Transmission and IEPF claims typically take a few months, because they involve verification by the company and, for IEPF, approval by the authority. We give you a realistic estimate after reviewing your documents. We never promise fixed timelines, because the final processing is done by the company and authorities.

Question 7

Do I need to visit your office in person?

Accepted Answer

No. Most cases can be started and handled over phone, WhatsApp, email and courier. You're welcome to visit our Vapi office by appointment if you prefer to meet in person.

Question 8

Do you handle cases outside Gujarat?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We regularly serve clients across Gujarat and Maharashtra, and because most of the work is done by documentation and courier, we can often help with cases from other states too. Just call or WhatsApp us with your details.

Question 9

How do your fees work? Do you take a percentage of my shares?

Accepted Answer

No. We work on a transparent fixed quote / flat fee basis for our documentation and advisory work. There is no percentage sharing of your shares or recovered value. You'll know the fee before we start.

Question 10

Is the first consultation free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can share your case with us on a call or WhatsApp and we'll tell you what is involved and what documents are likely to be needed, at no cost.

Question 11

I haven't received dividends for years. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

First, update your KYC and bank details with the company's RTA so future dividends reach you. Unpaid dividends from the last seven years can usually be claimed directly from the company. Older ones will likely have been transferred to IEPF and need an IEPF-5 claim.

Question 12

My father had shares in many companies. Do we need separate applications?

Accepted Answer

For physical shares, yes: each company or RTA handles its own transmission. For shares in a demat account, one request to the Depository Participant usually covers them all. We organise everything together so you don't have to track each one yourself.

Question 13

Is Physical Share Consultants a government body or linked to IEPF?

Accepted Answer

No. We are an independent consultancy that provides assistance and documentation support. We are not affiliated with IEPF, SEBI, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, or any company or RTA. Final decisions are always made by the company, RTA or relevant authority.

Frequently asked questions

General

Physical & Demat

Transmission

IEPF & Dividends

Name Issues

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