Understanding What We Need and Why
Every medallion signature guarantee requires specific documentation to verify identity, ownership, and authorization. The exact documents you need depend on your specific situation, but understanding the general requirements helps you prepare effectively.
Please note that we reserve the right to request additional documentation to ensure your transaction can be processed.
Not sure what applies to your situation? Our interactive questionnaire walks you through a few quick questions and tells you exactly what documents to prepare.
Three Key Elements We Must Verify
1. Identity Verification
We need to confirm you are who you say you are. This requires:
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
- The ID must be current and clearly readable
- The address on your ID should match your current address when possible
2. Ownership Verification
We need to confirm you own or have rights to the securities being transferred. The account statement must be dated within the last 6 months and must reflect:
- The shareholder’s name
- Account number
- Type of stock
- Number of shares
3. Authorization Verification
We need to confirm you have the legal right, authority and proof of ownership to make this transfer. The documentation we require includes:
- For individual accounts: Your signature and identification are sufficient, and your name on your ID matches the name on the account of the securities you’re transferring and the name verified in our system
- For estates: Court-issued letters testamentary or administration
- For trusts: Complete trust documentation
- For corporations: Board resolutions and corporate documents
Common Document Categories
Depending on your transaction type, you’ll fall into one of these categories. Please review our requirements for the type of transaction you’re completing:
Individual Transfers: The simplest type, requiring just ID, account statement, and signed transfer forms
Estate Transfers: Require death certificates and court authorization documents
Trust Transfers: Require complete trust documentation including all amendments
Corporate Transfers: Require proof of entity existence and signatory authorization
Joint Tenancy**: **Requires death certificates and account information
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