can you get paper stock certificates — guide
Paper (Physical) Stock Certificates — Overview
The question "can you get paper stock certificates" remains relevant for investors who want tangible proof of ownership, heirloom gifts, or collector items. This article explains what a paper (physical) stock certificate is, why paper issuance has declined, the modern alternatives (broker "street name" accounts and the Direct Registration System), and step‑by‑step guidance on how to obtain, deposit, replace, or transfer a physical certificate when possible.
As of 2026-01-21, according to Investopedia and industry reporting, most publicly traded shares are recorded electronically rather than issued as paper certificates. The phrase "can you get paper stock certificates" appears throughout this guide to help you find practical answers and next steps.
History and evolution
Paper stock certificates were once the universal proof of ownership for company shares. Over the 19th and 20th centuries, companies issued finely engraved printed certificates that recorded the shareholder's name, number of shares, certificate number, signatures, and a corporate seal.
By the late 20th century, the market shifted toward electronic recordkeeping, centralized clearing, and faster settlement. The practical result: physical certificates became rare for day‑to‑day investors.
Traditional printing and design
Typical elements on a historic or authentic paper certificate include:
- Shareholder name and registration line
- Company name and corporate seal
- Number of shares and the class of shares
- Certificate serial number
- Signatures of corporate officers or transfer agent
- Engraved borders, vignettes, and anti‑tampering features
Beyond legal function, many old certificates became collectibles because of ornate design and historic company logos.
Drivers of digitization
Several forces reduced the issuance of new paper certificates:
- Technology: electronic recordkeeping and computerized settlement systems
- Cost: printing, handling, and mailing are expensive for issuers and brokers
- Operational speed: electronic transfers enable same‑day or next‑day settlement
- Central clearing: systems such as the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) enable immobilization and book‑entry holdings
- Regulatory and market standards: exchanges and clearing corporations favored book‑entry systems to reduce errors and settlement failures
These factors explain why more companies and brokerages moved away from physical certificates.
Modern methods of recording stock ownership
Investors today encounter three main recording models: broker‑held (street name), Direct Registration System (DRS), and central securities depositories/clearing systems.
Broker‑held ("street name") accounts
Most retail investors hold shares in a brokerage account. When shares are held in
- Simplifies trading and settlement
- Allows brokers or custodians to process dividends, proxy voting communications, and corporate actions
- Avoids the need for physical certificates for everyday trading
If you ask "can you get paper stock certificates" while your shares are in street name, the broker can often request conversion to registered form and then request a paper certificate on your behalf (subject to issuer policy and fees).
Direct Registration System (DRS) / issuer/transfer‑agent registration
DRS lets investors register shares directly on the issuer’s books without a physical certificate. The transfer agent keeps an electronic record in your name and provides a statement. Benefits include:
- Direct communication from the issuer (proxy materials, dividend notices)
- No physical certificate to lose
- Easier transfers when moving back to a broker or requesting a certificate (if issuer allows)
DRS is a common alternative to paper certificates and often satisfies the needs of investors who want direct registration without the risk of a paper document.
Central securities depositories and clearing (e.g., DTCC)
Central counterparties and depositories hold securities in electronic, immobilized form to support high‑volume trading and settlement. The DTCC in the U.S. plays a central role in clearing and reducing the practical need for certificates in daily markets.
Are paper stock certificates still available?
Short answer: yes — but they are uncommon. Whether "can you get paper stock certificates" depends on the issuer, share class, transfer agent policies, and your broker.
Issuers that still issue certificates vs. those that do not
Some public companies still allow issuance of paper certificates for certain share classes, new issuances, or collectibles. Many large issuers no longer print new certificates at all and instead provide DRS statements or replicas for commemorative purposes.
Jurisdictional and broker differences
Availability and rules vary by country and by brokerage. In the U.S., transfer agents and brokers usually support issuing certificates on request, but may charge fees and require specific documentation. In other jurisdictions the process and terminology can differ.
If you must know whether you can obtain a paper certificate for a particular stock, the practical path is to contact the issuer’s investor relations or its transfer agent, or ask your brokerage.
How to obtain a paper stock certificate
If you decide you want a physical certificate, here are the typical routes. Throughout this section the question "can you get paper stock certificates" is answered with step‑by‑step options.
Through your broker
- Ask your broker whether they will issue a certificate for shares currently held in your brokerage account.
- Expect a request to convert holdings from street name to registered form. This conversion may involve forms and a processing fee.
- After conversion, the broker or transfer agent may issue and mail a paper certificate. Brokers commonly charge a certificate issuance fee; expect processing time of days to weeks depending on the firm and the issuer.
Note: Brokers discourage paper certificates for routine trading because certificates slow trading and increase custody overhead.
Directly from the company or transfer agent
- Find the issuer’s transfer agent contact (listed on the company’s investor relations page or annual report).
- Request that your shares be registered in your name and that a paper certificate be issued.
- Provide proof of ownership (broker statement, account number), identification, and any required forms (Certificate Release Request or equivalent).
Transfer agents can issue certificates directly but will charge fees and follow their own processing timelines.
Specialized gifting and retail services
If you want a physical certificate for gifting or display, third‑party companies can purchase or register shares and produce a framed certificate or replica. These services often offer:
- Replica certificates for commemorative use (no legal title transfer unless shares are properly registered)
- Framing and customization
If legal ownership transfer is intended, ensure the third party registers the shares in your name and issues a valid certificate through the transfer agent.
Required documents and forms
Typical paperwork to request or transfer a physical certificate includes:
- Certificate Release Request or issuance request form
- Stock power (signed transfer instrument) when transferring a certificate
- Medallion signature guarantee (widely required in the U.S. to prevent fraud)
- Valid government ID and proof of address
- Broker account statements showing ownership
Medallion signature guarantees differ from notary seals and are obtained from participating banks or brokerages.
Costs, timing, and broker policies
Issuing or reissuing a paper certificate often carries a fee. Common elements:
- Issuance fee: brokers and transfer agents charge flat fees (ranges vary by firm and issuer)
- Mailing: insured or registered mail recommended and may be charged separately
- Processing time: can be days to several weeks depending on issuer and whether additional verification is needed
Because of these costs and operational steps, many brokers discourage paper certificates and may recommend DRS statements or broker statements as sufficient proof of ownership.
Selling, transferring, or depositing paper certificates
A paper certificate can be sold or deposited into a brokerage account, but there are required steps to protect both parties and the market.
Depositing certificates into a brokerage account
To deposit a certificate:
- Endorse the certificate on the back where indicated or complete a stock power form.
- Obtain a medallion signature guarantee if required by the broker.
- Complete the broker’s deposit or transfer forms and include the certificate number and share count.
- Mail the certificate via insured, trackable delivery to the broker’s instructions.
After receipt and verification, the broker will credit your account with the electronically recorded shares.
Transferring ownership and gifts
Transferring a certificate to another person typically requires:
- Endorsement by the registered owner or completion of transfer forms
- A medallion signature guarantee to prevent unauthorized transfers
- Special procedures for gifts to minors, such as titling into custodial accounts (UTMA/UGMA in the U.S.)
Gifting procedures vary by jurisdiction; consult the issuer or transfer agent for exact steps.
Lost, stolen, or damaged certificates — replacement process
Losing a certificate does not mean you lose ownership. Transfer agents will usually reissue certificates after a series of protective steps:
- File an affidavit of loss (statutory form in many jurisdictions)
- Obtain an indemnity bond (also called a surety bond) to protect the company from claims
- Pay replacement fees and complete transfer agent forms
- Wait the required quiet period (if any) while the company verifies there are no competing claims
Replacement can take weeks or months depending on the issuer’s procedures and the indemnity bond requirements.
Legal, regulatory and custodial considerations
Owning a physical certificate carries legal and practical considerations. Keep the following in mind.
Voting and dividends for registered vs. street‑name holders
- Registered (in‑your‑name) holders receive proxy materials and dividend checks directly from the issuer or transfer agent.
- Street‑name holders receive communications and dividends through their broker, which passes benefits and proxy voting rights according to your broker’s process.
If you want direct receipt of proxy materials, you may prefer registration on the issuer’s books or a DRS statement rather than holding shares in street name.
Estate and probate implications
A paper certificate can simplify estate administration if it is properly titled and accessible. However, improperly stored certificates can create probate delays. Tips:
- Keep certificates in a secure location (safe deposit box, secure home safe)
- Record certificate numbers and transfer agent contacts
- Provide heirs with instructions and copies of account statements to ease probate
Consult estate counsel for complex holdings or high‑value certificates.
Collecting, replicas, and novelty certificates
Collectors prize historic certificates for artwork and provenance. Distinguish between three types:
- Authentic certificate: an original legal instrument that conveys ownership
- Replica issued by the transfer agent for commemorative purposes (may or may not convey ownership)
- Purely novelty certificate created by third parties for display only
If you need legal ownership, ensure any certificate you receive is an original issued and registered by the transfer agent in your name.
Advantages and disadvantages of paper certificates
Advantages:
- Tangible proof of ownership that some investors find reassuring
- Collector or heirloom value when certificates are historic or ornate
- Potentially helpful in certain estate processes when properly documented
Disadvantages:
- Risk of loss, theft, or damage
- Replacement can be slow and costly
- Difficult and slow to trade compared with electronic holdings
- Fees for issuance or transfer may be significant
Weigh these factors when answering your own question, "can you get paper stock certificates" for your holdings.
Alternatives and the outlook
Alternatives that meet most investors’ needs without paper include:
- Direct Registration System (DRS) statements
- Broker account statements and confirmations
- Electronic communications from transfer agents
Outlook: the market trend favors continued decline in new paper issuance. Paper certificates will likely remain a niche — for collectors, legacy holdings, and commemoratives — while electronic records will stay dominant.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q: can you get paper stock certificates if my shares are in a brokerage account?
A: Yes in many cases — you can request conversion from street name to registered form and then ask for a paper certificate. Expect fees and processing time.
Q: can you get paper stock certificates for any public company?
A: Not always. Some issuers no longer print certificates and will only provide DRS statements or replicas. Contact the transfer agent to confirm.
Q: will I lose my shares if I lose a paper certificate?
A: No. Loss does not equal loss of ownership. You must follow the transfer agent’s replacement process (affidavit of loss, indemnity bond, fees).
Q: can you have both electronic registration and a paper certificate at the same time?
A: No — a share’s registration is singular. You can convert between broker‑held, DRS, and a paper certificate, but only one registration will be active for a given share lot.
Q: will lenders accept paper certificates as collateral?
A: Some lenders accept certificates as collateral, but they will require delivery, perfected security interests, and often custody arrangements. Confirm with the lender and the transfer agent.
Q: how long does replacement take if my certificate is lost?
A: Replacement timing varies; prepare for weeks or months depending on indemnity bond processing and issuer verification.
Practical resources and next steps
- To confirm whether you can obtain a paper certificate, locate the issuer’s transfer agent via the company’s investor relations page or annual report and contact them directly.
- If you hold shares in a broker account, contact your broker’s transfer or corporate actions desk to request conversion from street name and issuance of a paper certificate. Expect fees and forms.
- For gifting, consider DRS registration or third‑party gift services that handle registration and presentation of a physical or framed replica. Verify whether the replica conveys legal title.
- Use a secure mailing method (insured, trackable) when sending original certificates to brokers or transfer agents.
Practical example: if you trade or custody other asset types, consider using Bitget for a secure trading and custody experience, and Bitget Wallet for token custody. For equities that you wish to hold as paper, coordinate with your stock transfer agent and a trusted broker.
References and further reading
- Investopedia: historical and practical guides on paper certificates and DRS (as of 2026-01-21)
- Transfer agent and broker instructions (examples include major brokerage help pages on sending in certificates and transfer agent forms)
- Legal guides on medallion signature guarantees and affidavit of loss procedures
Notes for editors/contributors:
- Add region‑specific instructions (U.S. vs Canada vs EU) and up‑to‑date examples of companies that still issue certificates.
- Verify current broker fees and transfer agent contact procedures periodically.
Further exploration: if you want help determining the best custody option for your shares — electronic registration (DRS) vs. paper certificates — consult your transfer agent or a qualified securities attorney. To trade other asset classes or custody digital assets, explore Bitget services and Bitget Wallet for integrated solutions.
As of 2026-01-21, investors asking "can you get paper stock certificates" should expect that while issuance is still possible in many cases, electronic registration and DRS are the practical norm for most public shares. Contact your issuer or transfer agent to confirm current policies and fees.
