1. What is needed to transfer stock?

The existing stock certificate(s) and, if applicable, a stock power for book entry shares are required to transfer your shares to another person or entity.

2. What is a "stock power" or "assignment form"?

This single form can replace the multiple number of stock certificate assignment forms on the back or reverse side of each certificate. It can also accommodate book shares as well as certificated shares. All signatures must be Medallion Signature Guaranteed for a transfer to take place. (This form may be downloaded form our website.)

3. What is a medallion signature guarantee and how do I obtain one?

Financial institutions and brokerage firms belong to one of the three (3) available Medallion Signature Guarantee Programs. A Medallion Signature Guarantee provides the authentication of the guarantor that the endorser or person(s) signing the certificate(s) is the registered owner(s) and has the legal authority to sign the certificate(s). The guarantor must know the endorser(s) and stand behind its guarantee. This allows for the change in the "registration" of the certificate(s).

4. What is a "registration?"

The "registration" is the names and/or titles of the person(s) listed on the certificate(s) and the how shares of stock are held, such as Joint Tenants, Tenants in Common, etc. Each registration has different values in ownership and, if applicable, different estate proceedings.

What are the different types of registrations available?

Please see our listing below, along with examples for your viewing.
(NOTE: Not all registrations may be available in your state, such as TOD.)
Joint Tenants
Tenants in Common
Tenants by the Entireties
Uniform Transfers to Minors Act
Uniform Gifts to Minors Act
Transfer on Death (TOD)

6. Where do I send the certificate for transfer?

All transfers should be insured for 2% of the market value* and sent to:

Illinois Stock Transfer Company
209 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 903
Chicago, IL 60606

All transfers should include a completed W-9 form. (This form may be downloaded from our website.) If a W-9 is not delivered with the transfer instructions, we will automatically send you a W-9 form approximately one (1) week after the transfer is completed.

*Important Note: Whenever you mail certificates, it is advisable to insure the certificates for 2% of the current market value. This is the charge by our surety company to obtain the surety bond, which is required to replace the certificate(s) should they be lost in the mail or by any of the other acceptable courier service you would choose.

7. How do I transfer my shares to another person?

Example: From John Smith To Betty Jones

Using the assignment form on the back of the certificate and listing the new owner(s). You must have all of the registered stockholders endorse the certificate and obtain a Medallion Signature Guarantee for the endorsements.

8. How do I transfer shares from a custodian account to a minor who is now of age?

Example: From John Smith, Custodian for Betty Smith UGMA To Betty Smith

The custodian must endorse the certificate(s) and complete the stock power assigning the shares to the former minor. A Medallion Signature Guarantee for the endorsement must be made and also a certified copy of the minor's birth certificate must be presented. The birth certificate will be returned to you along with your newly issued stock certificate.

9. At what age can the minor become the only name on the registration?

Each state is different for what age the minor can be listed alone for the shares. Please call us for the various state determinations.

10. How do I transfer shares from a deceased individual?

Example: From John Smith To Betty Smith

The executors or administrators of the estate must complete the stock power, assigning the stock to the beneficiary and endorsing the stock. All signatures must be guaranteed with a Medallion Signature Guarantee. Along with the stock power, the following items are required:

• A notarized, completed Affidavit of Domicile (This form may be downloaded from our website.)
• A certified copy of the appointment papers of the executor, administrator, etc. dated within 60 days (This form will be returned to you.)

Note: If the estate has not been probated, a small estate affidavit is required. Some states require an inheritance tax wavier (release). Waivers are usually required if the company is incorporated and the beneficiary resides in one of the following states: Alabama, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Montana, New Jersey, New York (if the security exceeds $30,000) North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Tennessee. Beneficiaries should contact the Illinois Stock Transfer Company to determine if a waiver is required.

11. How do I transfer from a Joint Tenant registration when one of the parties is deceased?

Example: From John Smith and Mary Smith JT TEN To Mary Smith

The surviving tenant(s) must complete and endorse the stock power. All signatures must have a Medallion Signature Guarantee. In addition to the stock power, the following documents are required:

• A notarized and completed Affidavit of Domicile of the decedent (This will be returned to you.)
• A certified copy of the Death Certificate (This will be returned to you.)

Some states require an inheritance tax wavier (release). Waivers are usually required if the company is incorporated and the beneficiary resides in one of the following states: Alabama, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Montana, New Jersey, New York (if the security exceeds $30,000) North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Tennessee. Beneficiaries should contact the Illinois Stock Transfer Company to determine if a waiver is required.

12. How do I change my name or registration on my shares since I became married?

Example: From Betty Smith To Betty Jones

Complete the stock power, endorsing the certificate as follows: "Betty Jones, now known as Betty Smith." A Medallion Signature Guarantee must be obtained for the endorsement.

13. How do I transfer my shares into a trust registration?

Example: From John Smith To John Smith TR UA JAN 1 95 John Smith Trust

Complete a stock power endorsed by the registered shareholder(s) with a Medallion Signature Guarantee applied to the endorsement. Indicate the following information for the new assignment: the full name of the trustee(s), title of the trust, date of the trust agreement, taxpayer identification number of the trust, and completed mailing address. A copy of the first and last pages of the trust agreement will also be necessary to complete the transfer.