Transferring Stock Certificates

Joint Tenancy has right of survivorship.

The surviving tenant must complete and endorse the Assignment Form on the back of the Certificate listing the new owner’s social security number, name and address.

Indicate the number of shares. The word “all” may be sufficient.

The next line should indicate the Transfer Agent. There are many transfer agents available, for example, THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON. (Look at lower left of certificate.)

Ignore the word “attorney.” It refers to the transfer agent.

The tenant survivor must sign the form in the presence of a Signature Guarantor. This is known as a Medallion Signature Guarantee. The Guarantor will place a S.T.A.M.P. Medallion imprint below the survivor’s signature. This can be obtained from most banks or brokerages. A notarized signature will not work.

Two other documents are required:

• Affidavit of Domicile transferring assets in the name of a decedent to another account or/person (Form can be obtained from the internet. Type “Affidavit of Domicile” into your browser.) The form must be filled in and notarized.
• A certified copy of the decedent’s Death Certificate.

(Generally these documents will be returned)

The certificate should be sent to the transfer agent, as mentioned above (You may want to contact them first to discuss this issue and ask any questions. They may want a document called a “Stock Power,” which is similar to the Assignment Form on the back of the certificate.

Try looking up the agent’s phone number or write them – the address should be on the back of the certificate. All documents and information are examined and if there are no problems, new certificates will be issued in the new owner’s name.