How to sell physical stock certificates

Last Updated on February 27, Robert Farrington 10 Comments We may receive compensation from affiliate links in this article. When I was little, I used to love looking at paper stock certificates — I thought that they were so pretty.

As I got older, I liked to look at paper stock certificates because I really was looking at money! However, now, I find dealing with paper stock certificates to be a hassle.

In fact, most investors agree, and many companies do not even offer paper stock certificates to their shareholders anymore.

They are costly to produce and track. And that's important — because what happens if you lose your stock certificates? I recently encountered this scenario and it was a bit scary.

3 Ways to Sell Stock Certificates - wikiHow

Luckily, we found the missing stock certificates in my dad's safe deposit boxbut not before I started looking into the process of what would happen if I lost my stock certificates. If you ever find yourself in this situation, here's what you need to know and do. Before we get started, the first thing you should know is that you shouldn't panic. Even if you don't have the physical shares, you still own the stock. In fact, if you don't plan on selling everyou will still receive your dividend payments and other notices like nothing is wrong.

The only trouble arises if you ever do want to sell your shares — you need to sign over the stock certificates, just like you would endorse a check. The first thing that you need to do is contact the company that issued the shares. A transfer agent is a company that essentially is the record keeper of shareholders for the company. The transfer agent will know how many shares you have, the stock certificate numbers, and have all your contact information.

Once you have the information for the transfer agent, it's time to contact them. When you contact the transfer agency and report your share certificates missing, you'll have to go through several steps to get the shares replaced.

What You Should Do If You Lose Stock Certificates

Think of this like a stop payment on a check. The transfer agency will then notify the Securities and Exchange Commission about the missing stock certificates as well. Once you've provided the information and it's been verified, you'll have new shares issued to you. If you find yourself in this situation, that's rough.

But there are ways to expedite replacement and also avoid this in the future. One of the first things that you can do is make photocopies of any share certificates you own front and backand put the copies in a known location. You how to sell physical stock certificates always store your share certificates in a safe place, dj sava feat andreea money maker lyrics a safe deposit box, but keep the photocopies in your office file cabinet.

Then, if you lose your shares, you can reference the photocopies to get the process started. It's quicker if you provide the missing share certificate numbers, versus having the transfer company research the loss. To avoid this in the future, just don't hold paper stock certificates! If you use an online broker, all of your shares are electronically held for you. If you currently hold paper stock certificates, you can simply go to the broker of your choice and deposit your paper shares into your account.

Then, all of your shares will be held electronically and you don't have to worry about losing your stock certificates.

You can also check out the full list here: The Best Online Stock Broker Comparison Tool. What are your thoughts about owning paper stock certificates? Have you ever lost them? Want to dive deeper into investing? Here are some articles The College Investor likes to promote: Join 10, others who've taken our FREE video training program to learn how to get started investing today!

Lose Stock CertificatesLost My Stock CertificatesLost Stock CertificateLost Stock CertificatesPaper Stock CertificatesReplacing Lost Stock CertificatesShare CertificateStockTransfer Agent. Robert Farrington is the founder and editor of The College Investora personal finance site dedicated to young adult and college student finances. You can learn more about him here.

Bryce Save and Conquer says. October 7, at 7: We had paper stock certificates for the company I currently work for when it was privately owned. We have since been bought out by a publicly-owned company.

We had to surrender all paper stock certificates at the automated emini futures trading hours of the buyout. I hated to see the pretty pieces of paper go away forever. I was best forex account manager in india to see my bank account swell with the buyout capital, though.

May 16, at I have purchased my stock certificate through nyc hpd program and I do nt know how or who to get a copy from my building only has a treasurer and a secretary who is not cooperating and said she has no idea of how I will get a copy please help me I need it for court appearance and no one is helping me.

January 6, at 1: I purchased shares of stock at. It was for an oil product he was putting on the market himself. I left the area and lost track of the stock. Also lost my certificate.

I was told that the stock or company changed hands a few times. How can I nd my certificates if even possible. January 7, at You should be able to contact the investor relations or transfer company of the new company — they will have your information.

However, it does also sound like it could have been a scam. July 13, at 8: July 13, at 9: Until then, you have to hope those options become worth something.

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September 7, at 7: September 7, at 4: No, a stock certificate is like a check — you have to have the actual certificate and you have to endorse it. June 20, at 4: Can someone please point me in the right direction.

I bought stock from Sprint around 25 years ago. Who should I contact to find out what I need to do? Any information to help me would be greatly appreciated! June 20, at 9: Your email address will not be published. Join 10, others who've taken control of their money and their future. I consider comments to be as important as the original article, as they add to the dialogue and improve the community.

Relevant links in comments are encouraged, so if you have something to share and add to the dialogue, please do so. The College Investor Millennial Personal Finance and Investing Blog.

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About Products Blog Free Tools Contact. Escape Student Loan Debt Start Investing Earn More Money Save More Money Forum. What You Should Do If You Lose Stock Certificates Last Updated on February 27, Robert Farrington 10 Comments We may receive compensation from affiliate links in this article. Want To Learn How To Invest? Comments Bryce Save and Conquer says October 7, at 7: You should contact the Investor Relations for Sprint and seek assistance.

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