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.
If your recent dividend statement shows the letter “I” but not the full SRN, we may be able to assist with the sale using this information.
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. For more information on how to sell your joint holdings, click here.
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. To learn more about selling issuer-sponsored shares in Australia, 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. For a quick guide to selling shares with Unbroker, click here.
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. To find out what’s required when selling shares under a Power of Attorney, click here.
An SRN identifies shares held directly with a share registry, while a HIN is used for shares held through a broker. Unbroker can only sell shares registered with an SRN. To learn more about the difference between an SRN and a HIN, click here.
Yes — if you’re acting as an executor or legal representative for an Estate, you can sell issuer-sponsored shares 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 one to three business days — including ID verification, trade execution, and payment. Unbroker offers same-day sale and settlement, enabling you to receive your funds one business day after the sale. For more information on sales and settlement timelines, click here.
Yes — if you have your SRN and ID, you can sell issuer-sponsored shares through Unbroker without logging into the registry. Click here for more information.
Yes — if the shares are registered in the company’s name, they can be sold through Unbroker with the proper documentation and ASIC verification. Click here to see our full guide on selling shares held company.
Yes — if the shares are registered in the name of your trust or SMSF, you can sell them through Unbroker by providing the deed, trustees ID and any supporting documents. To learn more, see our full guide on selling shares held by a family trust or SMSF here.
Yes — if your ESS shares are issuer-sponsored and registered in your name, you can sell them through Unbroker without needing a trading account. For more information on selling shares from an ESS, click here.
Yes — as an overseas resident, you can sell issuer-sponsored shares through Unbroker by posting original certified ID. For more information on our international ID requirements, click here.
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. For more information about what an SRN is, click here.
Yes, it’s still possible to sell shares if you can’t find your SRN. In many cases, Unbroker can retrieve your SRN for you and handle the sale process without needing to contact the registry. For more information, click here.
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. For more details on how Unbroker keeps your transactions secure, click here.
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. To get started today, click here.
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. For more information, see our full guide on selling shares when your name has changed here.
Funds are paid one business day after settlement.
Depending on whether you choose Same Day Sale & Settlement or Standard settlement, you’ll receive your money within 1–3 business days. For more information, click here.
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. To find out what’s required when selling shares under a Power of Attorney, click here.
Yes — shares registered with an account designation can be sold through Unbroker, provided the authorised person completes the required verification process. Click here to learn how the process works.
