No More Panic! Step-by-Step Guide to Issuing a Duplicate Share Certificate

Losing a share certificate can be stressful, but there’s no need to panic. If your share certificate has been misplaced, stolen, or damaged, you can apply for a duplicate share certificate to secure your investment. SEBI has established a streamlined process to help investors recover their lost certificates efficiently. Understanding Duplicate Share Certificates A share certificate is a legal document that proves ownership of shares in a company. If this certificate is lost or damaged, a duplicate share certificate can be issued to the rightful owner. The process ensures that investors can continue to manage their shares without disruption. Steps to Obtain a Duplicate Share Certificate Step 1: Notify the Company or Registrar The first step is to inform the company or its registrar and transfer agent (RTA) about the loss of your share certificate. Provide details such as: Your name and address Folio number (if available) Number of shares held Details of the lost certificate This helps the company verify your ownership and initiate the recovery process. Step 2: File a Police Report If your share certificate was stolen, filing a First Information Report (FIR) with the local police is advisable. This prevents fraudulent use of your shares and serves as proof of loss. Step 3: Submit a Formal Request You will need to submit a written application to the company requesting a duplicate share certificate. Along with the application, attach: Copy of FIR (if applicable) Notarized indemnity bond (to protect the company from future claims) Affidavit of loss (declaring the circumstances of loss) Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN card, or passport) Address proof (utility bill or bank statement) Step 4: Verification Process The company will review your request and verify the submitted documents. If required, they may ask for additional paperwork or clarification. Step 5: Pay the Fees Most companies charge a processing fee for issuing a duplicate share certificate. The fee varies depending on the company’s policies and the number of shares involved. Step 6: Issuance of the Duplicate Certificate Once approved, the company will issue a duplicate share certificate marked as \"Duplicate\" with the original certificate’s details. For physical shares – The duplicate certificate will be sent via registered post. For Demat shares – The shares will be credited directly to your Demat account. How Long Does the Process Take? The timeline for obtaining a duplicate share certificate depends on the company’s processing speed: Listed companies – Typically within 45 days from the date of application Unlisted companies – May take up to three months To avoid delays, ensure that all documents are accurate and complete before submission.