BO ID stands for Beneficiary Owner Identification Number. In the world of Indian stock markets, you (the investor) are the “Beneficiary Owner” of the shares, and the BO ID is your unique account number with the depository (CDSL). It is a 16-digit number that uniquely identifies your specific demat account.
When you ask “what is BO ID in Demat,” you are essentially asking for your Demat Account Number. It is the most critical number required for applying to IPOs or selling shares using T-PIN verification.
What Does BO ID Demat Mean?
The 16-digit BO ID is a combination of two parts:
- First 8 digits: DP ID (Identifies your broker/Depository Participant).
- Last 8 digits: Client ID (Identifies you specifically).
For CDSL accounts, the entire 16-digit string is numeric. For NSDL accounts, it starts with “IN” followed by 14 digits (though NSDL usually refers to it as Client ID separately).
Why BO ID is Important
- IPO Applications: You must enter the full 16-digit BO ID in your UPI app or net banking to bid for an IPO.
- T-PIN Generation: To sell shares on discount brokers (like Zerodha/Groww), you need to generate a CDSL T-PIN using your BO ID.
- Off-Market Transfers: To gift shares or transfer them to another demat account, the BO ID is the destination address.
Where is BO ID Used?
- Broker Profile: Found in the “Profile” or “Console” section of your trading app.
- CDSL Easi: Required to register for CDSL Easi services.
- Tax Returns: To declare foreign assets or unlisted shares.
How to Find or Check BO ID
Step 1: Trading App (e.g., Zerodha/Upstox)
1. Open App.
2. Go to Profile / Account Details.
3. Look for “Demat ID” or “BO ID”.
4. It will be a 16-digit number (e.g., 1208160012345678).
Step 2: CAS Statement
Check the Consolidated Account Statement (CAS) sent to your email by CDSL/NSDL. The BO ID is printed at the top.
Example of BO ID
12081600 (Zerodha DP ID) + 00123456 (Your Client ID) = 1208160000123456 (BO ID)
Common Problems or Errors
- Confusion with Login ID: Your trading Login ID (e.g., AB1234) is NOT your BO ID. BO ID is always numeric (for CDSL).
- IPO Rejection: If you enter only the last 8 digits (Client ID) in the IPO form, the application will be rejected. You must enter the full 16 digits.
Important Things to Remember
- BO ID is permanent for that specific demat account.
- If you open a second demat account, you will get a new BO ID.
- Check what is DP ID to understand the first half of your BO ID.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BO ID same as Demat Account Number?
Yes, for CDSL accounts, the 16-digit BO ID is synonymous with the Demat Account Number.
How many digits is a BO ID?
It is always 16 digits long. For CDSL, it is 16 numbers. For NSDL, it starts with ‘IN’ followed by 14 numbers.
Where can I find my BO ID in Zerodha?
Log in to Zerodha Kite, go to Profile > Console > Account. The 16-digit number shown under “Demat ID” is your BO ID.
Is BO ID required for selling shares?
Yes, if you haven’t given Power of Attorney (POA) to your broker, you need the BO ID to generate a T-PIN on the CDSL website to authorize the sale.
Can I memorize my BO ID?
It is recommended to save it securely or memorize it, as you need it frequently for IPOs and T-PIN verification.