Documents to start investing: a printable checklist

Last reviewed 8 October 2026

The list is shorter than most people expect. Tick each line when you have it ready; anything marked if applies only in that case.

Identity and KYC

• Your PAN. It has no substitute: the whole system keys on it.
• Your Aadhaar, which serves as proof of identity and proof of address in one document.
• If you are not using Aadhaar: another officially valid proof of address — ask us which ones your route accepts before you make copies.
• A recent photograph. Online routes may ask for a live selfie or a short video of you instead.
• A mobile number and email address in your own name, not a relative’s. Your KYC record checks that they are yours.

Bank

• A bank account in your own name, or a joint account you hold. Money goes in from it and comes back to it.
• A cancelled cheque or a recent statement for that account, showing your name, the account number and the IFSC.
• If you are starting an SIP: net banking or a debit card to approve the auto-debit mandate online, or your bank signature for a paper mandate.

Nominee

• The name of each nominee, their relationship to you and the share each should receive — or a decision to opt out, which you declare on the form. Leaving it blank is not an option.
• The contact and identity details the form asks for each nominee.

On the form itself

• Your country of tax residence for the FATCA/CRS self-declaration (for most residents: India only).

You do not need

• A demat account. Mutual fund units are held as a record with the registrar.
• A broker or trading account.
• A large amount of money to begin with.