Changed Your Name After Marriage or Divorce? Here\u2019s How to Update It in Your Share Certificates

Name changes happen for many reasons—marriage, divorce, or simply a personal decision. But if you hold investments, especially in the form of physical share certificates, updating your new name in those certificates is not just a formality—it’s a legal necessity.

Outdated names in share certificates can lead to delays in selling shares, transferring them to heirs, receiving dividends, or even while linking with demat accounts. If your name has changed and your share certificates still reflect the old one, this guide from Your Door Step will walk you through the complete process of updating your name in share certificates—step by step.

Why Is It Important to Update Your Name in Share Certificates?

Share certificates are legally binding proof that you own a piece of a company. Any error or outdated information in them, especially your name, can result in:

Inability to sell or transfer shares
Delays in dividend payments
Complications during nominee claims or legal settlements
Mismatches when converting to a demat account
Disputes in inheritance or legal heir procedures

Getting your name corrected ensures smooth processing in any financial or legal transaction involving your shares.

Also Read: How To Change Name In Share Certificate in 2025?

Step-by-Step Process to Update Your Name in Share Certificates

Whether your shares are in physical certificate form or in a demat account, the process follows a similar legal structure but involves different documentation.

Let’s break it down:

Step-by-Step Process to Update Your Name in Share Certificates

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

You’ll need to prepare the following documents depending on the reason for your name change:

Copy of Legal Name Change Proof
- Marriage certificate (in case of name change after marriage)
- Divorce decree (for name reversion)
- Gazette notification (for legal name change not related to marriage/divorce)
Self-attested copy of new government-issued ID
- Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, or Voter ID reflecting your new name
Original Share Certificate(s)

These will be replaced or stamped once your name is updated.

Duly filled name change request form

Available from the company’s Registrar and Share Transfer Agent (RTA) or from the company’s investor relations department.

Affidavit or self-declaration (if requested by the RTA)
Some companies require an affidavit confirming your name change.

✅ Your Door Step Tip: Always keep photocopies of all documents for your own records.

Step 2: Submit the Name Change Request

Once all documents are ready, submit them to the RTA or directly to the company’s investor cell, depending on their protocol.

Most companies list their RTA details in the “Investor Relations” section of their websites.
You can courier or hand-deliver the documents along with a covering letter requesting the name change.

Make sure your request form includes:

Your old name (as per share certificate)
New name (as per legal documents)
Folio number
Company name
Your signature (must match the one on file)

Step 3: Wait for Verification and Approval

Once submitted, the RTA or company will:

Cross-check your details with their records
Validate legal name change documents
Contact you if any clarification is needed

The processing time usually ranges from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the registrar’s internal timeline.

⚠️ If any documents are missing or unclear, your application could be delayed or rejected. Make sure everything is legible and accurate.

Step 4: Receive Updated Share Certificates

After approval, the company will issue:

A new physical share certificate reflecting your updated name
Or, if you’re converting to demat, your demat account will be credited with the updated shares

Your old certificate will either be returned stamped as “cancelled” or retained by the registrar.

Also Read: How to Name Change in Share Certificate in India?

What If Your Shares Are in a Demat Account?

If your shares are already in dematerialized form (through NSDL or CDSL), the process is slightly different:

Update your name in your demat account by submitting the same set of documents to your Depository Participant (DP)—such as your broker or bank.
Once your DP updates the records, the new name will reflect across all your demat-held shares.
No need to contact individual companies for each stock held—your DP handles it in bulk.

💡 Pro Tip: Ensure your PAN and Aadhaar reflect your new name before initiating the demat update to avoid KYC mismatches.

Common Scenarios & Required Proofs

Marriage: Submit a marriage certificate + new ID
Divorce: Divorce decree + new ID + optional affidavit
Spelling correction: Affidavit + existing ID with correct spelling
Full name change: Gazette notification + new ID + affidavit

Still unsure? Your Door Step can verify your documents before submission to avoid rejections.

Expert Tips for a Hassle-Free Process

Don’t delay: Start the name update process soon after the legal name change is finalized
Use the right format: Some RTAs have specific forms—always download from the official company site
Follow up regularly: If you don’t hear back within 3–4 weeks, contact the RTA for an update
Use professional help if needed: Especially if you own multiple share certificates or have legal complications

FAQs – Name Change in Share Certificates

Q: Can I update the name if I’ve lost the original share certificate?

Yes, but you’ll need to apply for a duplicate share certificate along with the name change request. Additional affidavits and indemnity bonds may be required.

Q: Do I need to pay a fee for the name correction?

Most companies do not charge a fee, but courier or notarization costs may apply.

Q: How do I find my company’s RTA?

Visit the company’s website and check the “Investor Relations” or “Shareholder Services” section.

Q: Is it mandatory to update the name in all held shares?

Yes, to avoid legal or financial issues, your name must match across all records.

Q: Can Your Door Step help with multiple companies’ share updates?

Absolutely! We handle bulk documentation, communication with RTAs, and end-to-end processing for multiple companies.

Why Choose Your Door Step?

When it comes to legal name changes across official records, a small mistake can create major delays. At Your Door Step, we simplify the process by offering:

End-to-end documentation review
Pre-filled name change request forms
Liaison with company RTAs
Affidavit and notary services (if needed)
Delivery of updated share certificates to your address

We’ve assisted hundreds of investors in updating their financial records, and we can do the same for you.

Align Your Investments with Your Legal Identity

Don’t let a mismatched name stop you from enjoying the full benefits of your investments. Whether it’s due to marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, updating your share certificates is easier when you know the right steps.

📞 Need help? Contact Your Door Step today or book our name change service online to get started.

Changed Your Name After Marriage or Divorce? Here’s How to Update It in Your Share Certificates