We cannot provide a Medallion Signature Guarantee in certain situations, or when specific documents are used as proof of authorization. This article provides an overview of our policies, restrictions, and requirements. We reserve the right to deny a Medallion Stamp for and beyond these scenarios.
If your transaction falls into one of these scenarios, see the related article for more information — but keep in mind that we do not offer legal advice (see our Terms of Use). It’s important to refer to legal counsel for specifics. We can provide information on the documentation we require, and we recommend ensuring you have all required documentation before initiating a transaction with eSignature.
General restrictions
Transactions must be completed by the account holder. For security and compliance reasons, we can only provide Medallion Signature Guarantees when the account holder is the individual completing the transaction.
We are not able to issue a Medallion Stamp if the account was created or submitted on behalf of someone else who is unable to complete the transaction themselves.
The individual who requires the Medallion must be the one to open the account, provide documentation, and work directly with our Compliance team.
This policy helps us ensure the integrity of every transaction and protect both account holders and their assets.
Legal and estate documentation restrictions
- Power of Attorney (POA). We do not accept transactions executed under a POA, regardless of documentation provided. See our Terms of Use for details.
- Multiple beneficiaries when you are only one of the beneficiaries and we do not have proof that all others have signed or received their portion. See Multiple Beneficiaries.
- A will alone when it is the only documentation naming you as the beneficiary. See What to Provide If You’re Listed in a Will.
- A Declaration of Trust alone. This document alone will not suffice as the full original trust document; it is supplemental but required when available. See Trust Documentation Requirements.
- Certificate of Fiduciary Duty forms.
- Small estate affidavits are accepted on a per-case, per-scenario basis. We reserve the right to reject them or require additional documentation and authorization.
- Documents that are not transferring securities (e.g., wills, trusts, purchase agreements, name corrections).
- Trust-held accounts require Trust Documentation.
Corporate and entity restrictions
- Corporate entities that are not registered or are not in good standing with the Secretary of State.
- Corporate entities incorporated or based outside of the U.S.
Geographic and account limitations
- Treasury Direct accounts.
- Shares not held in the U.S. or without a USD value.
- Transactions requiring an interpreter. We require that we are able to speak with the account holder in English.
Documentation standards
- Documents that are not in English.
- Forms that have been manually modified (crossed out, whited out, etc.). See our Form Correction Policy.
- Account statements older than six months.