What Is DP ID in Demat Account? Explained Simply

5 min read | Updated on October 06, 2025, 17:37 IST

About Upstox

Upstox is a leading Indian financial services company that offers online trading and investment services in stocks, commodities, currencies, mutual funds, and more. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Mumbai, Upstox is backed by prominent investors including Ratan Tata, Tiger Global, and Kalaari Capital. It operates under RKSV Securities and is registered with SEBI, NSE, BSE, and other regulatory bodies, ensuring secure and compliant trading experiences.

You need a Demat account to hold your securities digitally. It is a legal requirement in India. Before Demat accounts were introduced, share trades in India were based on the conventional ring trading involving the physical exchange of share certificates. The process was not only error-prone but also lacked transparency. This is why dematerialization of shares took place, intending to enhance the transparency of the market affairs.

The entire system is regulated by two key depositories, NSDL and CDSL, that work through intermediaries known as Depository Participants (DPs), such as banks and brokers. It is worth noting that your broker can be a DP, but these two entities can be completely different. Each DP is assigned a unique DP ID, which facilitates the identification of the intermediary managing an investor account.

What is DP ID?

A DP ID (Depository Participant Identification) number is a unique 8-digit numeric code assigned by depositories, such as NSDL or CDSL, to every registered Depository Participant (DP). It helps in identifying the broker, bank, or other financial institution managing the Demat account. It is important to note that DP ID does not belong to the investor but to the service provider handling the Demat account.

For example, if your Demat account is with Upstox, your DP ID will correspond to Upstox’s registration with the depository. The DP ID forms the first half of your 16-digit Demat account number, with the second half being your BO ID (Beneficial Owner ID).

Components of a Demat Account Number

As explained, DP ID forms the first half of the Demat account number. Let us find out and understand the components of a Demat account number:

The first 8 digits represent the DP ID
The last 8 digits represent the BO ID (Beneficial Owner ID)

While the DP ID identifies the service provider, the full number is required for all financial transactions involving dematerialised securities.

Role of DP ID in Trading and Settlement

Now comes the question of the role of DP ID in trading and settlement. Is it just for identification of the depository participant, or does it play any role in the trades and settlement? Let us find out:

The DP ID ensures proper routing of transactions through the correct Depository Participant (DP).
It plays a key role in trade execution and settlement by linking the investor's account to the depository (NSDL or CDSL).
During off-market transfers, IPO applications, or share pledging, the DP ID helps identify the managing DP.
It ensures that securities are accurately credited or debited from the investor's Demat account.
DP ID adds an essential layer of traceability, transparency, and compliance in capital market transactions.
It also helps depositories track activities across thousands of investor accounts efficiently.

How to Find Your DP ID

You can find your DP ID in the following ways:

T## hrough Your Broker’s Platform:

Log in to your broker’s dashboard (like Upstox). Navigate to your Demat account details section. The first eight digits of your 16-digit Demat account number are your DP ID.

Via CAS (Consolidated Account Statement):

The DP ID is mentioned along with other Demat details in the CAS you receive periodically.

Mobile App or Email:

Many brokers also display this information clearly in account summary emails or mobile app profiles.

Why Should You Know the DP ID?

As a trader or investor, it is important to know your DP ID because it is used at a number of occasions. Here is why you must know the DP ID:

1

It’s required while applying for IPOs, doing off-market transfers, or pledging shares.

2

Accurate DP ID entry ensures seamless credit or debit of securities during transactions.

3

It prevents errors while filling KYC forms, linking Demat accounts to trading platforms, or conducting inter-depository transfers.

4

Awareness of your DP ID enhances your control and visibility over your Demat account, especially when dealing with multiple brokers or platforms.

FAQs

What is the use of DP ID in a Demat account?

The DP ID identifies the depository participant managing your Demat account and is essential for executing and settling trades.

Is the DP ID and Demat account number the same?

No, the DP ID is only the first 8 digits of the 16-digit Demat account number, which also includes your BO ID.

How can I find my DP ID and client ID?

You can find them by logging into your broker’s platform or checking your Consolidated Account Statement (CAS).

Can I have multiple DP IDs with different brokers?

Yes, each broker you register with will have a different DP ID, linked to a separate Demat account.

What is the difference between NSDL and CDSL DP ID formats?

NSDL DP IDs begin with “IN” followed by six digits, while CDSL DP IDs are purely numeric.

DP ID is a critical part of your Demat account. You might overlook it, but there are multiple uses of knowing the DP ID. Your DP ID plays a key role in trading, settlement, and regulatory processes.

As an empowered investor, you should be able to manage your holdings with confidence and clarity, and hence, all the information related to the Demat account should be clear, along with its usage.

About Author

Mariyam Sara

Sub-Editor

holds an MBA in Finance and is a true Finance Fanatic. She writes extensively on all things finance whether it’s stock trading, personal finance, or insurance, chances are she’s covered it. When she’s not writing, she’s busy pursuing NISM certifications, experimenting with new baking recipes.