Nominee Update: Complete Guide.
Learn how to add, change, or remove a nominee in your bank account — online and offline. Understand nomination rules, nominee rights vs legal heirs, and why every account must have a nominee.
Your money should reach the right hands.
A nominee is the person you designate to receive the funds in your bank account after your demise. Without a nominee, your family may face lengthy legal procedures, succession certificates, and court orders to access your money. Adding a nominee is free, takes minutes, and ensures your hard-earned savings reach your loved ones without hassle.
What is a Nominee & Why is it Important?
Who Can Be a Nominee?
You can nominate any person — spouse, children, parents, siblings, or any other individual. You can also nominate a minor (below 18), but you must appoint a guardian to receive the funds on the minor's behalf until they turn 18.
Nominee ≠ Legal Heir
A nominee is a trustee who receives the funds and is legally bound to transfer them to the legal heirs. The nominee does not become the owner of the funds. Legal heirs are determined by succession laws (Hindu Succession Act, Indian Succession Act, or personal laws).
Multiple Accounts, Multiple Nominees
You can have different nominees for different accounts. You can also nominate multiple people for a single account with specified percentage shares (e.g., spouse 60%, son 40%).
Without Nominee: Legal Hassles
If no nominee is appointed, the legal heirs must produce a succession certificate or probate from a court to claim the funds. This process can take 6–12 months and involves legal fees. A nominee avoids this entirely.
Nominee vs Legal Heir — Know the Difference
| Aspect | Nominee | Legal Heir |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Person appointed by account holder to receive funds | Person entitled to assets under succession law |
| Appointment | By account holder during their lifetime | Determined by law after death |
| Ownership | Trustee/custodian — must transfer to legal heirs | Rightful owner of the deceased's assets |
| Claim Process | Simple — submit death certificate and ID proof | Complex — may require succession certificate from court |
| Can Be Changed? | Yes — account holder can change anytime | No — determined by law and family structure |
| Multiple Allowed? | Yes — with percentage shares specified | Yes — as per succession laws (Class I, II heirs) |
How to Update Nominee Online
Method 1: Net Banking
- Log in to your bank's net banking portal
- Navigate to "Profile" → "Nominee Registration" or "Update Nominee"
- Select the account for which you want to add/update nominee
- Enter nominee details: full name, date of birth, relationship, address
- If nominating a minor, provide guardian details
- For multiple nominees, specify percentage share for each (must total 100%)
- Confirm with OTP sent to registered mobile — nomination updated instantly
Method 2: Mobile Banking App
- Open your bank's mobile app
- Go to "Service Requests" or "Profile Settings"
- Select "Nominee Management" or "Add/Update Nominee"
- Choose the account and enter nominee details
- Upload nominee's ID proof (if required by the app)
- Verify with OTP — nomination registered instantly
How to Update Nominee Offline (Branch Visit)
Step-by-Step Branch Process
- Visit your home branch during banking hours
- Request "Form DA1" (Nomination Form) or download it from the bank's website
- Fill in your account details and nominee information
- For multiple nominees, use Form DA2 (Cancellation of Nomination) and Form DA3 (Variation of Nomination)
- Sign the form in the presence of a bank officer
- Submit along with a copy of the nominee's ID proof (if required)
- Collect acknowledgment — nomination is registered immediately
Documents to Carry
- Bank passbook — for account verification
- Identity proof — Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID (yours)
- Nominee details — full name, date of birth, relationship, address
- Nominee's ID proof copy — some banks require it (self-attested)
- For minor nominee: Guardian's name, relationship, and ID proof
Nominee Update by Major Banks
| Bank | Online Path | Form Name |
|---|---|---|
| SBI | Net Banking → Profile → Nominee Registration / YONO App → Service Requests | Form DA1 / DA2 / DA3 |
| HDFC Bank | Net Banking → Profile → Update Nominee | Nomination Form (Annexure B) |
| ICICI Bank | iMobile App → Service Requests → Nominee Update | Nomination Registration Form |
| Axis Bank | Axis Mobile → Service Requests → Nominee Management | Nomination Form (DA1) |
| PNB | PNB ONE App → Requests → Nominee Registration | Form DA1 |
| Kotak Mahindra | Kotak App → Service Requests → Add/Update Nominee | Nomination Form |
Special Nomination Scenarios
👶 Nominating a Minor
You can nominate a minor (below 18 years). However, you must also appoint a guardian (major person) who will receive the funds on the minor's behalf. The guardian manages the funds until the minor turns 18. Provide both the minor's and guardian's details in the nomination form.
💡 Tip: The guardian should be a trusted person — ideally the surviving parent or a close relative.
👥 Joint Account Nomination
In a joint account with "Either or Survivor" or "Former or Survivor" mode, the surviving account holder(s) get the funds first. The nominee can only claim after the death of all account holders. Nomination in joint accounts follows the survivorship clause.
⚠️ For "Joint" operation accounts, all holders must sign the nomination form.
📊 Multiple Nominees with Shares
You can nominate up to 4 people for a single account. Specify the percentage share for each nominee (must total 100%). For example: Spouse 50%, Son 30%, Daughter 20%. If no percentage is specified, the bank treats it as equal shares.
📝 Use Form DA3 for multiple/varied nominations at most banks.
🔄 Changing or Cancelling Nomination
You can change or cancel your nominee at any time during your lifetime. Use the same process as adding a nominee. To cancel, submit Form DA2 (Cancellation of Nomination). The previous nomination automatically stands cancelled when a new one is registered.
🔄 Life events (marriage, divorce, birth of child) are good triggers to review your nominations.
How a Nominee Claims the Funds
Claim Process for Nominee
- Visit the bank branch where the account is maintained
- Submit a written claim application (format available at branch)
- Provide the original death certificate of the account holder
- Submit your identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID)
- Provide proof of your relationship with the deceased (if asked)
- Bank verifies the nomination registered in their records
- Funds are transferred to your account or issued via demand draft within 15–30 days
Documents Required for Claim
- Death certificate — original + self-attested copy
- Nominee's identity proof — Aadhaar, PAN, or Passport
- Claim form — available at the bank branch
- Passbook/account details — of the deceased account holder
- Cancelled cheque — of nominee's bank account for fund transfer
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is nomination mandatory for bank accounts?
No, nomination is not legally mandatory. However, it is strongly recommended by RBI and all banks. Without a nominee, your family will face significant legal hurdles to access your funds after your demise.
Q: Can a nominee withdraw money while the account holder is alive?
No. A nominee has absolutely no rights to the account while the account holder is alive. The nominee cannot operate the account, check the balance, or make any transactions. Nomination only takes effect after the account holder's death.
Q: Can I have different nominees for FD, RD, and savings account?
Yes. Each account (savings, current, FD, RD) can have a different nominee. You can also have different nominees for different FDs held at the same bank. Nomination is account-specific, not customer-specific.
Q: What if the nominee dies before the account holder?
The nomination becomes void. You must update your nomination and appoint a new nominee. If you don't, the account will be treated as having no nominee at the time of your death, and legal heirs will need to follow the succession process.
Q: Is there any fee for adding or changing a nominee?
No. Adding, changing, or cancelling a nomination is completely free of charge at all banks. Banks cannot levy any fee for nomination-related services as per RBI guidelines.
Secure your family's future — add a nominee today.
It takes less than 5 minutes online and costs nothing. Don't leave your loved ones with legal battles. Log in to your net banking or visit your branch and add a nominee now.