What is BO ID? Meaning, Importance & How to Find?

Published Date: February 27, 2026
Updated Date: February 27, 2026
By Team Choice

If you’ve ever opened a Demat account or started investing in shares, you’ve probably come across the term BO ID. At first glance, it may sound technical or confusing, but in reality, it's a very simple and important concept.

In this blog, we’ll understand what is BO ID, its meaning in CDSL and NSDL, how to find it, why it is important, and what to do if you forget it.

What is BO ID?

BO ID full form is Beneficial Owner Identification Number. A BO ID is a unique number given to you when you open a Demat account. This number identifies you as the beneficial owner of the shares and securities stored in your Demat account.

In simple words, the BO ID proves that you are the actual owner of the shares, even though they are held in electronic form. Whenever you buy, sell, or hold shares, this number helps track your investments accurately.

What is the BO ID in CDSL?

To understand what is BO ID in CDSL, you need to know how it’s structured. If your Demat account is with CDSL (Central Depository Services Limited), your BO ID is a 16-digit number.

The first 8 digits represent the DP (Depository Participant)
The next 8 digits are your unique client ID

Together, these form your BO ID in CDSL.

Example: 12345678 87654321

What is The BO ID in NSDL?

Now, let’s talk about what a BO ID is in NSDL. In NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited), the BO ID format is slightly different. Instead of being purely numeric, it is alphanumeric.

It usually starts with “IN” (e.g., IN123456)
Followed by numbers that identify the client

Even though the format is different, the purpose remains the same: to uniquely identify your BO ID in the Demat account.

How To Find BO ID?

If you’re wondering how to find a BO ID, don’t worry, it’s very easy. You can find it in several places:

Your Demat account welcome email
Account statements sent by your broker
Your trading app or broker dashboard
Contract notes received after trades

Most brokers clearly mention your BO ID under “Demat Details” or “Account Information.”

Importance of BO ID

Your BO ID plays a crucial role in your investing journey:

It confirms your ownership of shares
It is required for buying and selling securities
It helps track holdings and transaction history
It is used for corporate actions like dividends, bonuses, and splits

Without a valid BO ID, trading and holding shares in electronic form would not be possible.

What Happens if You Lose or Forget Your BO ID?

Forgetting your BO ID is not a serious problem.

You can easily retrieve it by:

Logging into your broker’s app or website
Checking old Demat statements
Contacting the customer support of your broker

Since your BO ID is linked to your Demat account, it can always be recovered.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned investor, knowing your BO ID in a demat account gives you more control and confidence while investing. If you’re planning to start your investment journey, the first step is to open a free demat account with a trusted broker like Choice. With more than 30 years of experience, Choice is a reliable full service brokerage firm that offers complete financial solutions to help investors build and grow their wealth.

FAQs

Can one person have multiple BO IDs?

Yes. If you open multiple Demat accounts with different brokers or depositories, you will receive different BO IDs for each account.

Is BO ID the same as DP ID?

No. DP ID identifies the depository participant, while BO ID identifies you as the investor.

Is BO ID confidential?

Yes. Your BO ID should be kept private, just like your bank account details, to avoid misuse.

What is a BO ID in the share market?

In the share market, a BO ID is your unique identification number that confirms your ownership of shares held in electronic form through a Demat account.