5 Simple Steps for Transmission of Shares & IEPF Recovery

Many families in India are unaware that they may have unclaimed shares and dividends lying in the name of a deceased relative. Over time, these shares get transferred to the IEPF (Investor Education and Protection Fund), making recovery more complicated.

If you are a legal heir or nominee, don’t worry. The process may look complex, but it can be broken into 5 simple steps.

transmission of shares

Step 1: Collect Required Documents

First, gather all basic documents of the deceased shareholder and the claimant:

  • Death Certificate

  • PAN and Aadhaar of the claimant

  • Legal Heir Certificate / Succession Certificate / Will

  • Bank details and cancelled cheque

  • Demat account of the claimant

These documents are required for both share transmission and IEPF claim.

Step 2: Identify the Shares

Next, find out which company the shares belong to:

  • Check old share certificates, emails, or demat statements

  • Identify whether shares are physical or demat.

If dividends remain unclaimed for 7 years, the shares are transferred to IEPF.

Step 3: Transmission of Shares

Transmission means transferring shares from the deceased person to the legal heir.

If shares are still with the company or RTA:

  • Submit all the documents for transmission of shares to the company.

  • Provide claimant KYC documents

  • Get shares transferred to your demat account

This step must be done before claiming from IEPF.

Step 4: File IEPF Claim (If Shares Are Transferred to IEPF)

If shares are already with IEPF:

  • File IEPF Form 5 on the MCA website

  • Send physical documents to the company

  • Company verifies and forwards to IEPF Authority

This process usually takes 3 to 6 months.

Step 5: Follow Up & Track Status

After submission:

  • Track claim on MCA portal

  • Respond to any queries

  • Once approved, shares and dividends are credited to your demat and bank account

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Wrong or incomplete documents

  • Mismatch in name or signature

  • Not opening a demat account before applying

  • Missing timelines

These mistakes can delay your claim for months.

Final Words

Transmission of shares and IEPF recovery is a one-time process, but the money involved can be significant. Many people recover lakhs or even crores without realizing they had such investments.

With proper documentation and guidance, the process becomes smooth and stress-free.

If you are unsure, taking professional help can save time and avoid rejection.