The death of a loved one brings not only emotional grief but also several legal and financial responsibilities. One such responsibility is the Transmission of Shares — the legal process of transferring ownership of shares from the deceased to their rightful legal heir or nominee. If not handled correctly, these assets may remain unclaimed, leading to unnecessary complications.

At Investorlink, we help individuals navigate this process smoothly while also assisting with related services like Tracing Unclaimed Investment, Dematerialisation of Shares, and Name Change in Share Certificates for Individuals when necessary.

What is Transmission of Shares?

Transmission of shares refers to the transfer of shares due to death, insolvency, or inheritance—without a sale. Unlike a share transfer, this does not involve consideration (payment). It's a legal right of the heir or nominee, but still requires proper documentation and approval from the company or registrar.

When Do You Need to Apply for Transmission of Shares?

You need to initiate transmission of shares in the following situations:

• The shareholder has passed away and you are the nominee or legal heir
• There’s no nominee, and you’re applying as a legal representative
• You need to update ownership for joint holders after one holder’s death

Required Documents for Transmission of Shares

Here are some commonly required documents:

• Death certificate of the shareholder
• Succession Certificate or Probate of Will (if no nomination exists)
• Client Master Report of the beneficiary’s Demat account
• PAN and Aadhar of the claimant
• Original share certificates (if physical)
• Transmission request form as per RTA/company requirements

In some cases, clients also need to handle a Duplicate Share Certificate request if the original is lost, or initiate a Name Change in Share Certificates for Individuals before the transmission can be processed smoothly.

Steps Involved in the Process

1. Collect and verify all required documents
2. Identify whether nomination exists
3. Apply for legal heir documents (Succession Certificate, if needed)
4. Submit the transmission request to the company/RTA
5. Track the application until new certificates or Demat credits are received

If your bank account has been inactive for years and linked dividends have not been claimed, we also assist with Reactivation of In-Operative Bank Accounts to help recover related funds.

Why People Face Issues During Transmission

Many people are unaware that delays in applying can lead to shares being transferred to the IEPF (Investor Education and Protection Fund). In such cases, Tracing Unclaimed Investment becomes necessary, and further legal steps are required to reclaim them. We offer complete legal support for Unclaimed Debtor Recovery too, where shareholding records are incomplete or disputed.

Final Thoughts

Transmission of shares may seem daunting due to legal procedures, missing paperwork, or lack of guidance. But with expert support, the process becomes far more manageable. At Investorlink, we specialize in resolving complex investment recovery matters, ensuring families receive what’s rightfully theirs—whether it's recovering unclaimed shares, dematerialising physical shares, or correcting name mismatches.

If you need help with transmission or related services, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to guide you through every step with legal clarity and personalized support.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between transmission and transfer of shares?

Transmission occurs due to inheritance or death, without any exchange of money. Transfer is a voluntary transaction where shares are sold or gifted.

2. Can shares be transmitted if there is no nominee?

Yes, but in such cases, legal documents like a Succession Certificate or Probate of Will are necessary.

3. Do I need to dematerialise physical shares before transmission?

It’s recommended to complete Dematerialisation of Shares for easier and faster processing, especially if you intend to sell or manage them electronically.

4. What happens if I delay the transmission process?

If delayed too long, unclaimed shares and dividends may be moved to the IEPF, requiring a separate Recovery of Shares from IEPF process.

About the Author

Srishti Jain is a financial recovery consultant at Investorlink, helping individuals reclaim their lost or stuck investments. She specializes in Transmission of Shares, Duplicate Share Certificates, Tracing Unclaimed Investment, and Reactivation of In-Operative Bank Accounts. With deep expertise in documentation and legal compliance, she guides clients through complicated processes like Name Change in Share Certificates for Individuals and Unclaimed Debtor Recovery with clarity and confidence.