Can You Still Get Stock Certificates?

Can You Still Get Stock Certificates?

Can you still get stock certificates is a common question for investors who like tangible records or who inherited old paper shares. In short: can you still get stock certificates? Yes — but they are uncommon for routine trading. Most shares are recorded electronically today; physical certificates can often be requested from brokers or transfer agents, but there are fees, delays, and practical trade-offs.

This guide explains what stock certificates are, why they largely disappeared, how modern systems record ownership, how to request or replace certificates, costs and timing, legal and custody issues, pros and cons, collecting value, international differences, and a practical checklist you can follow step by step. Throughout, readers will find beginner-friendly explanations, authoritative sources, and specific actions to take if you want a paper certificate or need a replacement.

Note: As of 2026-01-14, according to Investor.gov and SEC guidance, most U.S. equity ownership is recorded electronically and paper certificates are uncommon but still possible to obtain through brokers or transfer agents.

Overview of Stock Certificates

A stock certificate is a physical (paper) document that historically served as proof of ownership in a corporation. Typical elements on a certificate included the shareholder name, number of shares, certificate number, corporate signatures, and a corporate seal. Many older certificates also had ornate artwork and built-in security features like watermarks, embossed seals, and engraved borders.

Historically, the stock certificate was the primary legal evidence that someone owned shares. Over time, as trading volumes, settlement speeds, and centralized clearing increased, markets moved away from paper to electronic recordkeeping. Today, a certificate is usually symbolic — ownership is maintained by entries on the issuer's register, a broker's records, or a central depository.

Can you still get stock certificates? Yes, in many cases, but they are rarely used for active trading or as the primary mechanism for settlement in modern markets.

Historical Context

Paper stock certificates date back centuries and were integral to the growth of modern capital markets. Early certificates served not only as ownership proof but also as transferable instruments recorded by hand. Classic certificates from the late 19th and early 20th centuries often included ornate engravings and signatures from company officials.

At their peak, certificates were practical tools. Over time, as stock exchanges, clearinghouses, and electronic transfer systems matured, the paperwork and settlement delays caused by paper certificates became burdensome. A combination of regulatory changes, technological innovation, and centralized clearing systems led to dematerialization — the process of replacing paper certificates with electronic records.

Some historic certificates are now collectibles. Companies such as early motion-picture studios, railroads, and banks produced certificates that are sought by collectors for aesthetic or historical reasons. But collectible value is separate from the legal value of the underlying shares.

Modern Recordkeeping — Book-entry, DRS, and Street Name

Modern equity ownership is recorded in several common ways. Understanding these terms makes it easier to decide whether to hold a paper certificate.

• Book-entry: A record maintained electronically by the issuer or its transfer agent. The shareholder’s name and share count appear on a registry rather than on paper. Book-entry is now the default method for many issuers.

• Direct Registration System (DRS): A system that allows shareholders to have their shares registered directly on the issuer’s books without issuing a paper certificate. DRS provides an electronic certificate of ownership on the issuer’s or transfer agent’s records and can usually be converted to a physical certificate upon request.

• Street name: When shares are held by a broker in the broker’s name (on behalf of the customer). The broker’s nominee appears as the registered owner on the issuer’s books, while the broker records the customer as the beneficial owner. Street name simplifies trading and settlement and is how most retail brokerage accounts are held.

Most trading, settlement, and custody in the U.S. flows through central counterparties and clearinghouses. These systems are optimized for electronic entries and fast settlement rather than exchanging paper certificates for each trade.

Can you still get stock certificates if your shares are in DRS or street name? Often yes for DRS holdings; for street name holdings you typically request your broker to either move the shares into DRS or issue a physical certificate on your behalf.

Are Physical Stock Certificates Still Available?

Short answer: Yes, but availability varies. Many U.S. issuers and transfer agents will still issue a physical certificate if requested. Some brokers provide the service directly; others do not offer certificate issuance and will require you to move shares to the issuer’s transfer agent or to a brokerage that supports paper certificates.

Limitations and common caveats:

• Some brokers do not support printing and delivering certificates. If your broker doesn't offer certificates, you can request a DRS transfer out and then ask the transfer agent for a paper certificate.
• Some classes of securities (certain ADRs, foreign-listed shares, or tightly controlled private-company shares) may be ineligible for paper certificates or require additional steps.
• Issuers sometimes limit or temporarily suspend certificate issuance for administrative reasons.

Can you still get stock certificates for every company? Not always. Check with your broker and the issuer’s transfer agent to confirm.

How to Obtain a Physical Stock Certificate

There are three common routes to obtain a physical certificate: via your broker, directly from the issuer or the issuer’s transfer agent, or by using the Direct Registration System (DRS) as an intermediate step.

Via Your Broker

1. Contact your broker’s customer service or transfer department and request a paper certificate for the shares in your brokerage account.
2. The broker will likely require a signed request form, identity verification, and possibly a medallion signature guarantee (see notes below).
3. Expect a processing fee (commonly in the range of $50–$200, though fees can be higher) and a delivery timeframe measured in business days or a few weeks depending on the broker and shipping method.
4. Brokers may refuse if the shares are held in certain omnibus accounts or for operational reasons.

If your broker handles the request end-to-end, they will either print the certificate via the issuer’s transfer agent or coordinate a transfer from street name into registered owner status and have a certificate issued.

Directly from the Issuer or Transfer Agent

1. Identify the issuer’s transfer agent (this is often listed in the company’s investor relations materials or proxy filings).
2. Contact the transfer agent and request a paper certificate. You will need to prove identity and ownership; if the shares are held in street name, you will typically first request that your broker move the shares into your name (a DRS or re-registration request).
3. The transfer agent will have forms for issuance, and you should expect to pay issuance and shipping fees.

Direct requests to the transfer agent are common when dealing with estate matters, inherited certificates, or when a broker refuses to issue a certificate.

Using the Direct Registration System (DRS) to Request a Certificate

1. If your shares are in street name, ask your broker to transfer shares to DRS — that registers the shares in your name on the issuer’s books electronically.
2. Once shares are in DRS, you can request that the transfer agent issue a physical certificate. DRS simplifies the re-registration step because the ownership is already on the issuer’s books.
3. Converting between DRS and a paper certificate is generally supported, but note that you typically cannot simultaneously have both an active paper certificate and the same shares recorded electronically without following the issuer’s transfer agent procedures to retire one form and reissue the other.

Costs, Processing Time, and Practical Considerations

• Typical fees: Many brokers charge issuance fees that range from roughly $50 to $200 for standard certificates; transfer agents may charge similar or slightly higher fees. For expedited or insured shipping, fees can be substantially higher. In some cases, fees approach $500 for complex or special handling.

• Processing time: Normal issuance timelines are often several business days to a few weeks. Replacing lost or notarized certificates can take much longer due to indemnity bonding and stop-transfer periods.

• Paper vs electronic: If you plan to trade frequently, a physical certificate adds friction. Selling shares usually requires delivering the certificate or converting to electronic form first, which takes time.

• Duplicate records: You generally cannot maintain both an active book-entry registration and an active paper certificate for the same shares simultaneously. If you request a paper certificate, the transfer agent will usually note the issuance and adjust the electronic record.

• Medallion signature guarantees: Many transfer agents require a medallion signature guarantee (not a notarization) to protect against forgery when changing ownership on certificates. These guarantees are issued by qualifying banks and financial institutions and are distinct from standard notary services.

Replacing Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Certificates

Losing a paper certificate does not automatically mean you lose ownership. However, replacing a certificate takes time and administrative steps.

Steps to Replace a Certificate

1. Notify the transfer agent and your broker immediately.
2. Complete an affidavit of loss or similar sworn statement describing the lost certificate.
3. The transfer agent will often place a stop-transfer notice to prevent the certificate from being cashed or reissued to another party.
4. You will typically be required to obtain an indemnity bond (sometimes called a surety bond or fidelity bond) that guarantees the issuer against a wrongful claim if the original certificate is later presented.
5. Once the indemnity bond, affidavit, and any fees are accepted, the transfer agent issues a replacement certificate under the issuer’s procedures.

Typical Costs and Timeframes for Replacement

• Indemnity bond cost: The bond premium is commonly a percentage of the certificate’s market value; premiums and minimums vary by insurer. For smaller holdings, the administrative cost may exceed the value of the shares.

• Administrative time: Replacement can take several weeks to several months, depending on the issuer, transfer agent, and insurer for the indemnity bond.

• SEC program: The SEC and Investor.gov provide guidance on lost or stolen securities. As of 2026-01-14, investors are advised to contact transfer agents and follow the issuer’s procedures promptly to reduce fraud risk.

Legal, Regulatory, and Custody Considerations

Regulatory bodies and industry utilities provide a framework that protects shareholders and ensures orderly transfer of ownership:

• SEC / Investor.gov guidance: The SEC provides investor guidance on lost or stolen certificates and on how shares are registered. As of 2026-01-14, investor alerts recommend contacting transfer agents promptly and using secure custody arrangements.

• Transfer agents: Transfer agents are fiduciaries for recordkeeping and must follow regulatory requirements. They maintain the issuer’s shareholder register and handle issuance and replacement of certificates.

• DTC (Depository Trust Company): Many market trades settle through central depositories like DTC that handle electronic clearing. These infrastructures reduce the need to move paper certificates for routine trades.

• Rights and risks: Holding shares in street name usually makes trading and communications (dividend reinvestment, voting materials) easier but requires trust in the broker’s custody. Holding shares directly on the issuer’s books or as a paper certificate places you as the registered owner, which may give clearer legal standing for certain corporate actions but also imposes custody risks (loss, theft).

Pros and Cons of Holding Physical Certificates

Advantages:

• Tangible record: A paper certificate provides a physical reminder of ownership and can be comforting to investors who prefer paper evidence.
• Perceived protection: Some investors feel a paper certificate insulates them from online hacking or broker insolvency, although legal protections differ.
• Collectible value: Older or special-issue certificates may have collectible value that exceeds their underlying share value.

Disadvantages:

• Loss/theft risk: Paper can be lost or stolen; replacement requires time and potentially costly indemnity bonds.
• Reduced liquidity: To sell shares fast, you usually must convert to electronic form or deliver the certificate to a broker, adding delay.
• Fees and administrative burden: Issuance, shipping, and replacement fees can add up.
• No extra shareholder rights: A certificate does not generally provide rights beyond being evidence of registration; modern electronic registrations confer the same legal rights.

Collecting and Valuing Old Stock Certificates

Old or cancelled certificates may have value to collectors separate from the shares they once represented. Factors that affect collectible value include:

• Historical significance of the issuer.
• Artwork, engraving, or signatures (e.g., certificates signed by notable founders or executives).
• Rarity and condition.

If you find an old certificate for a defunct company, you should verify whether the issuer was merged, reorganized, or liquidated and whether any successor entity exists that might honor the certificate. Transfer agents, state corporate records, and historical registries can help trace the corporate successor and confirm whether any underlying value remains.

If a company has merged or been acquired, old certificates may have been converted into new shares, cash, or other securities. Verifying that conversion often requires searching public filings, contact with the transfer agent, or legal assistance.

International Differences

Practices vary by country. Many advanced markets have moved to electronic-only systems or have different registration and transfer rules. For example:

• Some jurisdictions never embraced physical certificates widely and have long used direct electronic registration.
• Others allow certificates but have different documentary standards for reissuance and replacement.

If you hold foreign securities or inherited foreign certificates, consult the issuer or its transfer agent in the issuer’s jurisdiction. Processes, required guarantees, and fees can differ materially across borders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: If I lose my certificate, do I still own the shares?

A: Ownership often remains intact if electronic records show you as the owner. If your only evidence of ownership is a paper certificate and it is lost, you must follow the transfer agent’s replacement procedures to obtain a new certificate or have the shares re-registered electronically.

Q: Can I sell shares if I hold a physical certificate?

A: Yes. To sell, you generally must either endorse and deliver the certificate to a broker, or have the certificate re-registered electronically (for example via DRS) before trading. This adds time compared to selling street-name holdings.

Q: Can I have both electronic and paper records at the same time?

A: Generally no. Shares are recorded as either registered on the issuer’s books, held in street name at a broker, or represented by a physical certificate. Converting between forms is possible, but the transfer agent coordinates the change and will not usually allow duplicate active records.

Q: Are there safer alternatives to holding a paper certificate?

A: For many investors, keeping shares in DRS (directly registered) or in a reputable brokerage custody strikes the best balance of security and liquidity. If you require offline custody, consider secure storage, and ensure you can obtain medallion signature guarantees when needed.

Practical Step-by-step Checklist for Requesting a Certificate

1. Verify ownership: Confirm where your shares are held (brokerage account in street name, registered on issuer books, or held as an existing paper certificate).
2. Contact your broker: Ask whether they will issue a physical certificate. If they cannot, request a transfer to DRS or ask how to move shares to the transfer agent.
3. Identify the transfer agent: Check the issuer’s investor relations or regulatory filings for the transfer agent’s contact information.
4. Request forms: Obtain the issuance or re-registration forms from the transfer agent or broker.
5. Provide ID and guarantees: Prepare required identification, and be ready to obtain a medallion signature guarantee if requested.
6. Review fees and timing: Confirm issuance, shipping, and replacement fees and expected timelines.
7. Choose registration name and mailing: Decide whether to register the certificate in your exact legal name, with co-owners listed, or in trust, and confirm secure delivery options.
8. Track the process: Keep copies of forms and confirmations. Request tracking and final confirmation of issuance.

Related Topics

• Transfer agents and their role in issuing and replacing certificates
• Direct Registration System (DRS) mechanics and benefits
• Depository Trust Company (DTC) and central clearing
• Medallion signature guarantee requirements and where to obtain them
• Broker street-name custody versus registered owner benefits

References and Further Reading

• Investor.gov / SEC investor education materials on certificates and lost securities (as of 2026-01-14: consult Investor.gov and SEC resources for the latest guidance).
• Investopedia articles explaining the disappearance and definition of stock certificates.
• Transfer-agent guides (Legacy Stock Transfer and similar transfer-agent resources) explaining issuance and replacement procedures.
• Legal guides from UpCounsel and LegalZoom describing affidavits of loss, indemnity bonds, and medallion signature guarantees.

Notes on Sources and Currency

• Practices, costs, and documentary requirements vary by broker, transfer agent, issuer, and jurisdiction. As of 2026-01-14, Investor.gov and the SEC continue to recommend electronic registration (DRS) for safe and efficient ownership records while acknowledging that paper certificates can still be requested.
• Always confirm procedures and fees with your broker and the issuer’s transfer agent before initiating transfers or requesting certificates.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

If you value the tangibility of a paper certificate or have inherited certificates, can you still get stock certificates? Yes — in many cases you can. But weigh the trade-offs: fees, delays, the need for guarantees, and lower liquidity. For routine investing and fast trading, DRS or street-name custody is usually more practical. If you decide to pursue a physical certificate:

• Start by contacting your broker and the issuer’s transfer agent.
• Ask about fees, medallion signature guarantees, and expected timelines.
• Keep documentation and use secure delivery methods.

To explore custody and trading options that combine security and convenience, consider learning more about Bitget’s custody features and Bitget Wallet services, which prioritize secure account management and modern custody solutions. For specific certificate requests, your broker and the issuer’s transfer agent remain the authoritative contacts.