Can you get physical stock certificates?

Can you get physical stock certificates? Short answer: yes — but it’s increasingly rare, often costly, and mostly optional because U.S. equities are now overwhelmingly held electronically. This art...

2026-01-07 05:02:00

By CryptoBridge Communicator

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Can you get physical stock certificates?

Quick answer: The question "can you get physical stock certificates" asks whether investors can obtain paper certificates showing ownership of company shares. The short answer is yes — in many cases you can get physical stock certificates — but printing and issuing new paper certificates is rare today, usually discouraged by brokers and issuers, and often involves extra fees, paperwork, and longer processing times. This guide explains what stock certificates are, why they became uncommon, how to obtain one if you want, the costs and risks, and useful templates and checklists.

Definition and purpose of a stock certificate

A stock certificate is a paper document that evidences legal ownership of a specified number of shares in a corporation. Traditional certificates typically show the shareholder's name, company name, number of shares, certificate number, corporate seal, and authorized signatures. Historically, the certificate itself served as tangible proof that the holder owned those shares and could transfer or pledge them by endorsing the certificate.

Stock certificates played a central role in trading and settlement when physical exchange of documents was the norm. They were used for corporate records, dividend entitlement, voting proxies, and transfers. Today those functions are largely handled electronically, but a valid certificate still constitutes legal evidence of ownership when properly issued and registered.

Historical background and the decline of paper certificates

For centuries, corporations issued physical certificates as the primary record of ownership. The landscape began changing with technological advances in settlement and recordkeeping. Over recent decades, the financial industry moved toward electronic systems to reduce risk, speed settlement, and cut costs. Key developments included centralized clearinghouses, computerized transfer records, and the Direct Registration System (DRS).

As a result, many issuers and brokers stopped routinely issuing new physical certificates. Industry groups and central depositories promoted book-entry and street-name registration to improve efficiency and reduce the risks of loss, theft, or forgery associated with paper certificates.

As of 2024-06-01, according to the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) and SIFMA reports, the vast majority of U.S. equity positions are held electronically in book-entry form rather than as physical certificates. That shift is why the question "can you get physical stock certificates" now concerns exceptional, legacy, or special-purpose requests rather than routine account activity.

Modern recordkeeping alternatives

Modern systems that replaced or reduced the need for physical certificates include:

Book-entry systems: Shares are recorded electronically on issuer and transfer-agent books. No paper certificate exists; ownership is tracked in records.
Broker “street name” registration: Brokers register shares in the broker’s name on behalf of the beneficial owner to simplify trading and settlement.
Direct Registration System (DRS): Allows investors to have shares registered directly in their names on the issuer’s books in electronic form; investors receive a DRS statement rather than a paper certificate.
Centralized clearing and settlement (e.g., DTCC): Large-scale central depositories and clearinghouses facilitate electronic transfers, reducing the operational need for certificates.

These alternatives provide speed, lower costs, and stronger anti-fraud protections. Legally, electronic registration and certificates are treated as evidence of ownership so long as registration and transfer formalities are followed.

Can companies still issue physical stock certificates? (short answer)

Yes — companies and their transfer agents can still issue physical stock certificates in many cases, but it depends on the issuer’s policy and the transfer agent’s capabilities. Some scenarios that allow paper certificates:

The issuer or its transfer agent maintains procedures to issue new certificates on request.
A broker will request that the transfer agent issue a certificate and deliver it to the investor.
A third-party gift or certificate service arranges to have a share registered and issues a certificate or replica presentation (note: some services use affordable replicas when companies no longer produce originals).

However, many companies no longer issue original certificates; instead they provide DRS statements, print-on-demand replicas, or decline requests. Even when issuers allow certificates, brokers may discourage or limit certificated holdings.

Typical reasons investors request a certificate

Investors often request a certificate for these reasons:

Sentimental value: a keepsake or framed memento for a founder, shareholder, or family member.
Gifting: a physical certificate can serve as a present or collectible.
Estate planning or legal documentation: some legal or administrative processes may benefit from a tangible certificate.
Transfer between custodians: certain transfers or account types may require a certificate.
Handling old or legacy certificates: for instance, when inheriting old certificates that must be reissued or cleared.

How to obtain a physical stock certificate

There are three primary routes to obtain a physical stock certificate:

Request one through your broker.
Request one directly from the issuer via the company’s transfer agent.
Use a third-party gift or certificate service that arranges registration and presentation.

Below are practical details for each path.

Getting one through a broker

If you hold shares in a brokerage account and want a physical certificate, the most straightforward first step is to ask your broker. Typical broker procedures include:

Submit a written request: brokers will usually require a signed, written request specifying the shares and registration details (exact name, address, certificate inscription if desired).
Fees and processing times: brokers commonly charge issuance fees ranging from about $50 to several hundred dollars per certificate, plus shipping/insured delivery charges. Processing may take several weeks.
Broker restrictions: some brokers decline to issue certificates or will require you to move shares to a transfer agent or a special account. Some brokers may require that the shares be moved out of a margin account first.

If you use a broker, they will coordinate with the issuer’s transfer agent to have the certificate issued and mailed to you, or they will instruct the transfer agent to send the certificate directly.

Requesting one from the issuer / transfer agent

If you prefer to work directly with the issuer, follow these steps:

Identify the transfer agent: check the issuer’s investor relations webpage or look at older certificates or dividend statements for transfer-agent contact details.
Contact the transfer agent: call or email to confirm whether the company issues physical certificates and request the required forms.
Complete forms and verify registration name: provide the registration name exactly as you want it printed and include supporting ID or verification documents.
Medallion Signature Guarantee: some transfers or reissuances require a Medallion Signature Guarantee to guard against unauthorized transfers. This is typically obtained from banks or financial institutions.
Fees and shipping: transfer agents may charge issuance or reissue fees and use insured shipping. Expect a timeline of several weeks.

When dealing directly with a transfer agent, you may avoid certain broker fees but will still be subject to the transfer agent’s operational rules and timelines.

Using third-party gift/certificate services

Specialized companies offer presentation-ready certificates and gifts. Their services can include:

Purchasing or acquiring shares on your behalf and having them registered in the recipient’s name.
Delivering an original certificate (if available) or a replica framed certificate with a small number of shares attached or a DRS statement.
Handling legal and transfer paperwork.

Be aware that some gift services provide collectible replicas rather than an original issued certificate when companies no longer produce originals. Verify whether the product is an original transferred on the issuer’s books or a decorative replica.

Step-by-step checklist to request and receive a certificate

Follow this checklist to reduce delays and avoid mistakes:

Confirm the issuer’s policy: contact the company’s investor relations or transfer agent to verify whether new physical certificates are issued.
Check your current holding: verify whether shares are in street name or registered directly. If they are in street name, you may need your broker’s cooperation.
Decide registration details: determine the exact name and address to appear on the certificate.
Contact your broker or transfer agent: request their forms and instructions.
Prepare identification and signatures: gather ID and any required notarization; obtain a Medallion Signature Guarantee if demanded.
Pay fees and arrange shipping: confirm issuance fees, insured mailing, and expected timeline.
Track delivery and store securely: use insured/certified mail and choose secure storage (safe deposit box or secure home safe).

Typical processing timeframes can run from 2–8 weeks depending on transfer-agent backlog and the need for special verifications.

Transfer, sale, and deposit considerations for certificated shares

Owning a certificate is not the same as having immediate access to electronic trading. Some practical considerations:

To sell certificated shares through a broker, you may have to physically endorse and deliver the certificate or deposit it into your brokerage account. Deposits can take weeks to clear.
A Medallion Signature Guarantee is commonly required to transfer or sell certificated shares to prevent forgery and unauthorized transfers.
If you want to convert a certificate to DRS or to street-name electronic form, you will need to work with the transfer agent or your broker to re-register the shares electronically.
Dividends and corporate communications: if shares are registered in your name, dividend checks, voting materials, and tax forms may be sent directly to you rather than through a broker.

These operational delays and manual steps explain why many investors prefer electronic registration for active trading.

Lost, stolen, damaged certificates — replacement procedures

If a certificate is lost, stolen, or damaged, transfer agents have established replacement protocols. Common elements include:

Affidavit of loss: you will typically sign an affidavit describing the loss and circumstances.
Indemnity bond: many transfer agents request an indemnity bond (often called a surety bond) to protect the company if the original certificate surfaces later. Bond amounts and requirements vary with the certificate value.
Notarization and documentation: expect to notarize paperwork and supply proof of identity.
Processing times and fees: replacement can take weeks to months and often involves replacement fees.

Because these procedures can be expensive and time-consuming, safe storage (bank safe deposit boxes, secure safes) is strongly recommended for certificates.

Costs, timing, and operational trade-offs

Typical cost considerations:

Issuance fees: brokers and transfer agents commonly charge between $50 and several hundred dollars to issue a physical certificate.
Shipping and insurance: secure shipping is additional and frequently required for high-value certificates.
Replacement costs: replacing a lost certificate can be substantially costlier due to indemnity bonds and legal paperwork.
Time delays: processing and delivery often take multiple weeks, and depositing certificates into brokerage accounts can slow trading capability.

Trade-offs:

Pros: a certificate can provide sentimental value, serve as a physical record for estate planning or gifting, and in rare cases, has collectible appeal.
Cons: physical certificates carry risk of loss, theft, damage, and extra administrative cost/time; they complicate timely sale and settlement.

Legal, regulatory and investor-protection aspects

Ownership recorded via an issuer’s books or through recognized transfer agents is legally enforceable whether represented by a certificate or an electronic record. Important protections and rules include:

Securities laws and transfer-agent regulations: transfer agents are regulated and must follow procedures for issuance, transfer, and recordkeeping.
Investor protections for brokerage accounts: custodial and margin account rules (and SIPC-like protections for custodial accounts) apply to electronic holdings; certificates held outside of a brokerage account do not get SIPC protection.
Medallion Signature Guarantee program: this security measure is widely required for transferring certificated shares and is administered through approved financial institutions.

Remember that whether ownership evidence is a certificate or electronic record, legal proof depends on proper registration and documentation.

International and jurisdictional differences

Practices vary by country and issuer. Key variations:

Some countries historically required physical issuance, while others moved to mandatory electronic systems earlier.
Foreign issuers and ADRs (American Depositary Receipts) have separate procedures — ADR holders do not receive foreign physical certificates for the underlying shares; ADRs are managed by a depositary bank.
If you hold shares of a foreign issuer, check both the issuer’s and the depositary’s rules.

If you need a certificate for foreign shares, contact the issuer’s transfer agent or the depositary bank for ADRs to understand available options.

Use cases — gifting, collateral, estate planning

Common valid uses for certificates include:

Gifts: a certificate can be a memorable physical gift. For minors, custodial account rules may require different registration.
Collateral and pledges: some lenders accept certificated shares as collateral, though they may insist on control and documentation.
Estate planning: a physical certificate can help executors identify assets, but electronic registration eases probate and transfer in many cases.

If you plan to use a certificate for gifting or collateral, confirm requirements for endorsements, Medallion guarantees, and how dividends or communications will be handled.

Collectible value and replicas

Certain historic or artistically engraved certificates have collectible value independent of the underlying shares. Collectors value design, date, signatures of notable corporate officers, and rarity. However, most modern certificates are plain and have little collector value.

Gift services and some issuers offer replicas — decorative certificates that look like originals but are not registered on the issuer’s books. Always verify whether you are receiving an original certificate with legal standing or a replica for display.

Pros and cons of holding physical stock certificates

Pros:

Tangible proof and sentimental value.
Potential collectible interest for historic certificates.
Useful as physical gifts or display items.

Cons:

Risk of loss, theft, or damage.
Replacement procedures can be costly and time-consuming.
Selling or depositing certificated shares can cause lengthy delays.
Many brokers and issuers discourage certificates and may charge high fees.

For most investors who trade frequently or prioritize speed and convenience, electronic registration (DRS or street name) is preferable.

Interaction with modern assets (ETFs, mutual funds, cryptocurrencies)

ETFs and mutual funds: These pooled investment products do not issue individual physical certificates to retail investors. Ownership is recorded electronically through the fund’s transfer agent or your broker.
Cryptocurrencies and tokens: Crypto assets are not corporate equities and do not have stock certificates. Ownership is recorded on blockchains or in custodial wallets. If you want to hold crypto securely, consider Bitget Wallet or custodial solutions that meet your security preferences.

This clarifies that the question "can you get physical stock certificates" applies specifically to corporate equity and not to modern pooled funds or digital assets.

Practical sample wording and templates

Below are concise templates you can adapt when contacting a broker or a transfer agent.

Sample email to a broker:

Subject: Request for Physical Stock Certificate — [Company Name] — [Account Number]

Hello,

I hold [number] shares of [Company Name] in account [account number]. I would like to request issuance of a physical stock certificate registered in the name exactly as follows: [Full Registration Name]. Please let me know the forms required, any fees, whether a Medallion Signature Guarantee is needed, and the expected timeline. If issuance requires conversion from street-name to certificated form, please advise the steps and any charges.

Thank you, [Your Name] [Contact Phone] [Mailing Address]

Sample letter to a transfer agent:

[Date] [Transfer Agent Name] [Address]

Re: Request for Physical Certificate — [Company Name] — [CUSIP or Ticker]

To whom it may concern,

I am the beneficial owner of [number] shares and request issuance of a physical stock certificate registered in the name: [Full Registration Name]. Attached are copies of my identification and any completed forms per your instructions. Please confirm fees, required guarantees (e.g., Medallion Signature Guarantee), and the mailing address for the completed certificate.

Sincerely, [Your Name] [Contact Information]

Include exact registration details, your account or certificate numbers if available, and a clear statement of whether you want original issuance or a replica.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q: Is a certificate required to prove ownership? A: No. Proper registration on the issuer’s books or a broker’s records constitutes legal ownership. A certificate is tangible evidence but not required for legal title if the shares are properly recorded.

Q: What if the company no longer exists? A: If a company has dissolved, merged, or been acquired, physical certificates may need to be exchanged under the terms of the corporate action. Contact the successor company or the transfer agent handling the corporate action for instructions.

Q: Can I frame the certificate and still sell the shares later? A: Yes, but avoid permanently altering or defacing the certificate. Keep the original intact; framing that damages the certificate can make future transfer difficult.

Q: How are dividends handled for certificated shares? A: Dividends for certificated shares are typically mailed as checks to the registered owner unless you instruct the company or transfer agent to deposit dividends electronically.

Q: What is a Medallion Signature Guarantee? A: It is a specialized stamp provided by authorized financial institutions that guarantees the authenticity of a signature for securities transfers. It helps protect issuers from fraudulent transfers.

References

SIFMA industry materials and white papers on securities recordkeeping and transfer-agent standards.
Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) materials on electronic settlement and DRS.
Broker and transfer-agent help pages and procedural instructions (examples include major U.S. transfer agents).
Legal and practical guides (Investopedia, LegalZoom, UpCounsel) addressing certificate issuance, Medallion guarantees, and lost-certificate replacement.

Note: Specific documents, dates, and operational procedures vary by issuer and transfer agent. If you have a particular company in mind, the single best next step is to check that issuer’s investor-relations page for transfer-agent contact information and to ask your broker what they will support.

Practical next steps and Bitget recommendation

If you want a physical certificate:

Confirm the issuer still issues certificates (contact investor relations or the transfer agent).
Ask your broker whether they will request or accept a certificated position and get a fee estimate.
If you intend to hold digital assets alongside equities or need a unified custody solution, consider Bitget services: trade on Bitget and secure crypto assets with Bitget Wallet for streamlined custody of modern assets.

Choosing between a physical certificate and electronic registration is a trade-off between sentimental/occasional use and convenience, safety, and trading speed. For active trading and most investors, electronic registration (DRS or broker street-name) is typically preferable.

Sample checklist before you request a certificate

Verify issuer policy on physical certificates.
Confirm your holdings and current registration form.
Get the exact registration name and address ready.
Identify whether a Medallion Signature Guarantee is required.
Prepare to pay issuance, reissue, or shipping fees.
Plan secure storage for the certificate when received.

Final notes and what to do next

If you still wonder "can you get physical stock certificates" for a specific company, start by checking the issuer’s investor-relations page and call your broker. If you plan to combine traditional equities with digital-asset strategies, explore Bitget’s platform and Bitget Wallet to manage modern asset classes while preserving options for legacy or collectible holdings.

If you want, I can now:

Expand any section with sample forms and a ready-to-send Medallion request checklist, or
Draft a tailored email to your broker or transfer agent including your specific company name and share count.

Note on timeliness: As of 2024-06-01, industry publications by DTCC and SIFMA indicate the near-universal use of electronic records for U.S. equities; please consult issuer-specific announcements for any recent changes.

The content above has been sourced from the internet and generated using AI. For high-quality content, please visit Bitget Academy.