How to Complete a Stock Certificate
The reverse side of a stock certificate includes a fill-in form.
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Stock certificates are not as common as they once were. However, if you have one that you want to transfer to a brokerage, you have to fill out the back of the certificate. The back has blank lines or spaces that clearly indicate the type of data to be filled in. How much information you have to provide can vary by institution. Generally, you do not have to fill in all the blanks on the back of the certificate.
Look at the spelling of your name on the front of the certificate. You must endorse the back with the exact same spelling.
Step 2Sign your name in the appropriate space on the back of the form.
Step 3Write or type in the name of the brokerage to which you are transferring the certificate. This ensures that the brokerage can negotiate the certificate.
References
Tips
- Some brokerages require that you write or type your brokerage account number on the front of the certificate, in addition to adding the brokerage name and signing on the back.
- You might need to write or type the date when you sign the form.
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