What Is an SRN (and How Is It Different From a HIN)?
Understanding the difference between an SRN and a HIN matters when it comes to selling your shares in Australia. These two reference numbers look similar but mean very different things — and only one can be used with Unbroker.
SRN stands for Security Reference Number. It’s a unique identifier used when your shares are issuer-sponsored — meaning they’re recorded directly with the company’s share registry (such as Computershare, Link Market Services, Boardroom, or Automic).
- Format: An SRN usually starts with the letter “I” (e.g. I0123456789).
- Where to find it: Printed on your holding statement or dividend statement sent by the registry.
- Why it matters: If your shares are under an SRN, you don’t need a trading account to sell them. Unbroker can handle the sale directly with the registry.
What Is a HIN?
HIN stands for Holder Identification Number. This number is issued by a broker (such as CommSec, NabTrade, or CMC Markets) when you open a trading account. A HIN is used when your shares are CHESS-sponsored — meaning they’re registered with the ASX under your broker’s system.
- Format: A HIN usually starts with the letter “X” (e.g. X0001234567).
- Where to find it: In your broker account, on contract notes, or in broker-issued statements.
- Why it matters: If your shares sit under a HIN, they must be sold through your broker. Unbroker cannot sell these holdings.
How to Tell the Difference
| Reference Type | Starts With | Who Holds the Shares? | Can Unbroker Sell These? |
| SRN | “I” | The share registry | ✅ Yes |
| HIN | “X” | Your broker (e.g. CommSec) | ❌ No |
If you’re not sure which one you have, check your most recent holding or dividend statement. Look for a reference number starting with “I” (SRN) or “X” (HIN).
Why the Difference Matters
- SRN holders: You don’t need to set up a broker account just to cash out your shares. Unbroker exists specifically for one-off SRN sales.
- HIN holders: You already have a broker account, so selling is done directly through your broker. Trying to use Unbroker with a HIN will only cause delays.
This distinction ensures you use the right channel, save time, and avoid unnecessary paperwork.
What Unbroker Can Help With
Unbroker is built for people who hold issuer-sponsored shares (SRNs) and want to sell them easily, without setting up a brokerage account.
We cannot assist with sales of broker-held (CHESS-sponsored) shares, but we’re happy to point you in the right direction if needed.
Ready to Sell SRN-Registered Shares?
If you’ve located your SRN and want to sell your shares, Unbroker offers a secure, fully online service that doesn’t require any account setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — if your shares are issuer-sponsored and registered in your personal name, you can sell them online without opening a trading account. For more information click here.
Yes — shares registered in joint names can be sold online through Unbroker, as long as both shareholders complete the ID verification process.
100 points of ID is a document-based identity check used in Australia. You’ll need to provide certified copies of documents—like a passport, licence, or utility bill—that add up to 100 points. For more information on 100 points of ID click here.
If your shares are issuer-sponsored and you have the SRN, you can sell them quickly online using Unbroker—no trading account required. For more information click here.
Yes — if your shares are issuer-sponsored, you can sell them online through Unbroker without opening a trading account or using a full-service broker.
Yes — if you're acting under a valid Power of Attorney, you can sell issuer-sponsored shares through Unbroker by providing the required documents and ID.
Yes — if you’re acting as an executor or legal representative for an Estate, you can sell issuer-sponsored shares from through Unbroker by providing the required estate documents and ID. For more information on selling shares belonging to an estate click here.
That’s fine — both shareholders can authorise the funds to be paid into one person's account using a signed authority form provided by Unbroker.
A one-off share sale lets you sell issuer-sponsored shares without opening a trading account or using a full-service broker — perfect for casual or one-time sellers.
Unbroker specialises in one-off share sales — no trading account, no upsells, and no ongoing fees. We're built for people who just want to sell and move on. For a detailed comparison click here.
Most share sales settle within three business days — including ID verification, trade execution, and payment. Ubroker offers same-day sale and settlement, enabling you to recieve your funds one business day after the sale.
Yes — if you have your SRN and ID, you can sell issuer-sponsored shares through Unbroker without logging into the registry.
Yes — if the shares are registered in the company’s name, they can be sold through Unbroker with the proper documentation and ASIC verification.
Yes — if the shares are registered in the name of your trust or SMSF, you can sell them through Unbroker by providing the deed, trustee ID, and other required documents.
Yes — if your ESS shares are issuer-sponsored and registered in your name, you can sell them through Unbroker without needing a trading account.
Yes — as an overseas resident, you can sell issuer-sponsored shares through Unbroker by posting original certified ID and a signed authority form.
We’re required by law to verify the identity of each registered shareholder before processing a sale — it helps prevent fraud and ensures compliance with ASIC and anti-money laundering regulations. For more information on ID verification click here.
Your SRN is usually found on a holding statement or letter from the share registry — it’s required to sell issuer-sponsored shares through Unbroker.
Yes — as long as you're using a licensed and compliant provider like Unbroker. We verify all sales, protect your information, and never ask for upfront payments.
Yes — as a parent or legal guardian, you can authorise the sale of shares held by a minor by providing certified ID and signing an authority form.
Yes — as long as your IPO shares are issuer-sponsored and no longer subject to escrow, you can sell them through Unbroker without needing a trading account.
If you’ve lost your holding statement, you’ll need to contact the share registry to request a replacement. Once you have your SRN, you can sell your shares through Unbroker.
Yes — as long as you can provide certified evidence of the name change (e.g. marriage certificate or name change certificate), Unbroker can help process your share sale.
You’ll also need 100 points of ID in your current legal name, along with your SRN.
Yes — you don’t need a TFN to sell your shares through Unbroker.
However, if no TFN is recorded on your shareholding, the registry may withhold tax from any dividends you’ve received. This doesn’t affect the sale itself.
If the shareholder can’t sign, someone else may be authorised to act under a valid Power of Attorney or court order. We’ll need certified documents confirming their authority before we can proceed.
