Below are the ways you can receive a certificate:
- Ask your broker to obtain it on your behalf
- Contact the business directly
- Order the certificate through a transfer agent
What to do if you find an old stock certificate?
Oct 28, 2020 · Below are the ways you can receive a certificate: Ask your broker to obtain it on your behalf. Contact the business directly. Order the certificate through a transfer agent.
How do you fill out a stock certificate?
Go to your online trading account and enter the trade. Specify on the order page that you want a paper stock certificate. The trading program should alert you to the additional cost and will not...
Where can you buy a stock certificate?
Jul 27, 2017 · Ask your broker to get the stock certificate on your behalf. This is the easiest way to get a stock certificate. No matter what type of broker you have an account with, online broker or full-service broker, you will be able to request a physical stock certificate at an additional fee.
How to complete a stock certificate?
May 16, 2012 · Next, you have to get the paper certificate to the transfer agent. You'll need to mail it. Be sure you send the document via insured mail and have tracking information. Also, make sure you enclose a letter requesting the transfer agent to put the certificate into "DRS book entry form." DRS is short for Direct Registration System.
Can you still get a paper stock certificate?
Can you still buy paper stock certificates? Nowadays, many companies issue shares electronically, however you can get paper certificates if the corporation offers them. Contact your broker or a transfer agent to determine if paper stock certificates can be bought.
Are paper stock certificates worth anything?
An old stock or bond certificate may still be valuable even if it no longer trades under the name printed on the certificate. The company may have merged with another company or simply changed its name.
How do I cash in old stock certificates?
If you can track down the issuing company and get its CUSIP number, you can reach out to a transfer agent, complete a transfer form and place a sell order to cash in your old stock certificate. Otherwise, you could simply keep the certificate if the company no longer exists.May 23, 2019
Can you sell shares without a certificate?
"Can I sell shares without a certificate?" is a question many shareholders end up asking themselves. The answer is no because the certificate needs to be endorsed to be sold, but you can get your paper certificate reissued.
How to get a stock certificate?
The easiest way to get a stock certificate is via a broker, and there's usually a fee. The simplest way to get a stock certificate today is to ask your broker. If you bought your shares through a brokerage firm, it will have an account with your name and the number of shares you purchased. Some key details on the certificate itself include your ...
Is a stock certificate a collectible?
Outdated Certificates As Collectibles. Stock certificates were often plain, straightforward documents. In their heyday, however, companies competed to create the most visually impressive certificates, which frequently were appealing examples of a printer's art. Some stock certificates are now collectors' items.
How to cash in stock?
In order to cash in the stock, you need to fill out the transfer form on the back of the certificate and have it notarized. Once complete, send the notarized certificate to the transfer agent, who will register the stock to you as owner. At that point, you can sell the stock through the transfer agent or via a stockbroker.
What is a stock certificate?
According to Investopedia, a stock certificate is "the physical piece of paper representing ownership in a company". A stock certificate will contain information about your company's name, your name and the number of shares you own. There is also a signature acting as a seal of authenticity. Before the age of online brokers, stock certificates are ...
Do brokers accept stock certificates?
Most brokers accept stock certificates as a way of funding. You will have to mail in your certificates to the company address and wait a few days for the stocks to be added to your trading account. The name on the stock certificates you send in must match the name on your trading account. (see Reference 4) References.
What is a DRS certificate?
Also, make sure you enclose a letter requesting the transfer agent to put the certificate into "DRS book entry form.". DRS is short for Direct Registration System. It would be a very good idea to call the transfer agent before mailing your certificate to see if any additional paperwork is required.
Who is Matt Krantz?
Matt Krantz is a financial markets reporter at USA TODAY and author of Investing Online for Dummies and Fundamental Analysis for Dummies. He answers a different reader question every weekday in his Ask Matt column at money.usatoday.com.
Step 1
Match the name on your stock certificate with the name on your brokerage account. If the names match, the process is simple. If the names don't match, you'll need a letter of authorization transferring the certificate into your own name.
Step 2
Get additional documentation if you inherit the certificates. As an heir to certificates, you'll also need a death certificate and written authorization from a duly-appointed representative, such as an estate executor, indicating you are entitled to the shares.
Step 3
Complete and sign the back of the certificate. Much like endorsing a check, signing a stock certificate makes it valid for transfer. You'll also have to appoint your financial institution as your agent or attorney to receive the stock on your behalf.
Step 4
Write your account number or social security number on the certificate. This will help ensure that your certificate finds its way into the right account, particularly if you have a common name.
Step 5
Write down all the relevant information about your certificate. In case it becomes lost or damaged, this information will be critical in protecting your rights. Note the stock name, number of shares, the certificate issue date, and the number on the certificate. Taking a photo is another good way to document this information.
Step 6
Send your certificate by overnight mail, or deposit it in person. If you mail the certificate, you may want to insure it as well. If you deposit it in person, ask for a receipt.
