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Decoding the unique identifier that links investors to their demat holdings in India's securities market.
If you’re an investor in India, your BO ID is the key to accessing and managing your securities efficiently. It plays a key role in tracking IPO applications, receiving dividends, and reconciling holdings.
The Beneficial Owner Identification Number (BO ID) is the unique 16-digit identifier that links you to your demat holdings within the CDSL or NSDL framework.
This guide explains what a BO ID is, why it matters, how it is structured across CDSL and NSDL, and the quickest ways to find, use, and secure it.
A Beneficial Owner Identification Number (BO ID) is the unique 16-digit identifier assigned to every dematerialised account holder in India.
The BO ID links you to your securities within the CDSL or NSDL system, ensuring accurate credit of dividends and bonuses, smooth IPO applications, access to statements, and service requests with your depository participant. It also anchors KYC, compliance, and audit trails used by market intermediaries and regulators.
A BO ID is more than an identifier—it underpins account security, operations, and compliance. Here is how it is structured across depositories.
CDSL: A single 16-digit numeric BO ID (for example, 1203450001234567).
NSDL: A two-part format that combines:
DP ID: first 8 characters, alphanumeric, usually starting with IN (for example, IN303123).
Client ID: last 8 digits, numeric (for example, 12345678).
When combined, these form the full 16-character BO ID (for example, IN30312312345678).
Together, these elements make the BO ID indispensable for secure and seamless participation in the securities market.
The BO ID links your identity to your demat holdings. It acts like a virtual address that the Depository Participant (DP) uses to locate your account.
You need your BO ID to:
Apply for IPOs
Sell or buy securities
Receive dividends and bonus issues
Reconcile holdings with your broker
Access demat account statements
The BO ID is mapped under KYC norms and reported to SEBI, enabling compliance, audit trails, and risk controls in the securities market.
Knowing your BO ID is essential for accessing your demat account, participating in IPOs, and tracking your holdings.
Your DP will share your BO ID via email or in your physical welcome letter once your demat account is opened.
Most brokers display your BO ID on your dashboard. Example:
Zerodha: Navigate to Profile > My Profile > DP ID & BO ID
Groww: Go to ‘My Account’ > Profile > Demat Details
Visit: https://www.cdslindia.com
Click on ‘Login to – New System (BO)’
Enter PAN and OTP
Access BO ID under ‘My Account’ section
NSDL typically displays the DP ID + Client ID combination; this can be confirmed with your DP.
Your BO ID is printed on monthly or quarterly demat account statements shared by your DP.
Understanding the difference between BO ID, DP ID, and Client ID is essential for smooth demat account management and accurate transactions.
Depository Participant Identification Number, assigned by the depository (CDSL/NSDL) to your broker or intermediary.
The unique code given to you by the DP; it identifies your specific account.
In CDSL: BO ID = Entire 16-digit numeric string
In NSDL: BO ID = DP ID (8 digits) + Client ID (8 digits)
CDSL BO ID: 1203450001234567
NSDL BO ID: IN303123 | 12345678
Your BO ID is the key to ensuring smooth operations and proper management of your demat account. Here’s why it matters.
Ensures accurate credit of dividends, rights, and bonus issues.
Enables error-free IPO applications via UPI or ASBA.
Helps reconcile trades so purchased securities reflect correctly in holdings.
Supports timely regulatory communication and service requests with your DP.
All dividends, rights, and bonus issues are credited based on the BO ID, ensuring entitlements reach the correct demat account.
The BO ID is required when filling IPO forms through UPI or ASBA; incorrect entry can result in rejection or non-allotment.
Knowing the BO ID helps confirm that securities bought are credited to the right account, keeping statements aligned with trades.
SEBI, depositories, and your DP use the BO ID for alerts and communications, enabling faster resolution of service requests and compliance updates.
Protecting your BO ID is crucial to prevent unauthorised access and safeguard your investments.
Share only with verified channels when strictly required, and avoid posting or sharing screenshots that reveal full details.
Log in at least monthly, review statements, reconcile dividends/credits with bank entries, and verify pledges or liens.
Turn on SMS, email, and app alerts for debits of securities, profile changes, and login attempts; add bank alerts for dividend credits.
Use strong, unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication, avoid public Wi-Fi or shared devices for account access, and sign out after each session.
A quick monthly check and basic security hygiene help prevent fraud, avoid penalties, and ensure you don’t miss corporate actions.
Investors may occasionally face issues with their BO ID. Here’s how to identify and resolve the most common problems.
Check your latest demat statement for the 16-digit BO ID (or DP ID + Client ID in NSDL).
Log in to your broker app/web → Profile/Account → Demat details.
Access the depository portal (CDSL “New System (BO)” or NSDL investor services) and authenticate to view details.
If still unavailable, contact your DP with PAN and KYC to obtain the client master.
Stop and re-verify the entry before submission; ensure no spaces or transposed digits.
Cross-check against your broker profile and the demat statement.
If an incorrect bid was submitted, follow the platform flow to modify/cancel within the window and reapply with the correct BO ID.
Confirm you’re using the right depository format (CDSL 16 digits; NSDL = DP ID + Client ID).
Verify the DP ID code and that you have not used an old/closed DP relationship.
Ask your DP to validate details and update records; request a corrected client master if required.
Please Note: Always verify your BO ID before submitting applications to avoid errors or rejections.
Refer the following table:
Feature |
CDSL BO ID |
NSDL BO ID |
|---|---|---|
Structure |
16-digit numeric |
8-digit DP ID + 8-digit Client ID |
Example |
1203450001234567 |
IN30312312345678 |
Use Format |
Directly usable |
Combined by investor |
Depository Prefix |
No letters |
Starts with 'IN' |
Your BO ID is a foundational element in the Indian depository system. It uniquely identifies you as the beneficial owner of the securities you hold in your demat account. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced investor, knowing what your BO ID is, how to locate it or use it securely is essential to managing your investments confidently. As the securities ecosystem continues to grow more digital and efficient, understanding identifiers like the BO ID ensures you stay connected, compliant, and in control.
This content is for educational purposes only and the same should not be construed as investment advice. Bajaj Finserv Direct Limited shall not be liable or responsible for any investment decision that you may take based on this content.
BO ID stands for Beneficial Owner Identification Number.
No, BO ID in CDSL is a direct 16-digit number, whereas NSDL combines DP ID and Client ID.
You can find it via your broker’s dashboard, demat statement, or official CDSL/NSDL login portals.
Yes, if you have multiple demat accounts across different brokers or depositories.
Yes, it is mandatory for IPO applications under ASBA or UPI-linked methods.
There is no BO ID on a PAN card. PAN is a tax identifier, while the BO ID is your demat account’s unique number issued by the depository participant and shown on your broker profile or demat statement.
In CDSL, the BO ID is a single 16-digit numeric number (for example, 1203450001234567). In NSDL, it is formed by combining the DP ID (first 8 characters, usually starting with IN) and the Client ID (last 8 digits) to make a 16-character identifier (for example, IN30312312345678).
No. The DP ID identifies your depository participant (broker/DP), while the BO ID identifies your specific demat account. In NSDL, the BO ID is DP ID + Client ID; in CDSL, the BO ID appears as one continuous 16-digit number.
The BO ID maps dividends, bonuses, rights and other entitlements to the correct demat account, ensuring credits reach the right holder. Keeping bank details, email and mobile updated helps those credits and alerts flow without delays.
A BO ID is fixed for a given demat account and cannot be changed. If you switch brokers or depositories you will receive a new BO ID for the new account, and you can transfer or close-cum-transfer holdings as per DP process.
Forgetting the BO ID does not affect your holdings. You can retrieve it from your broker app/portal, your demat statement, or by contacting your DP; you can also view details via the depository login with PAN/OTP where available. Store it securely and avoid sharing it publicly.
