Subject: Stocks - Replacing Lost Certificates

Last-Revised: 19 Feb 1998
Contributed-By: Richard Sauers (rsauers at enter.net), Bob Grumbine (rgrumbin at nyx.net), Chris Lott (contact me)

If a stock holder loses a stock certificate through fire, theft, or whatever, shares registered in the stock holder's name (as opposed to so-called "street name") can be replaced fairly quickly and easily.

To replace a lost certificate, begin by contacting the company's stock transfer agent. If you don't know the transfer agent, contact the company to find out; Value Line or Standard & Poor's Corporation Records (probably available at your friendly local library) are a good source for the contact addresses of the company itself.

Tell the transfer agent the approximate date the certificate was issued. The transfer agent will ask you to post a bond, called a surety bond, that indemnifies the transfer agent. The cost of the surety bond required is typically 3% of the value of the certificate. (The transfer agent will be able to recommend a surety company.) Once the bond is posted, the transfer agent should be able to reissue the missing certificate with no further ado.

If you hold shares in your name, you might consider preparing yourself for this eventuality by keeping a copy of the stock certificate (it will show the number, transfer agent, etc.) separate from the original.

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