How to sell stock certificates through Computershare

How to sell stock certificates through Computershare

Selling shares that are registered with or certificated by Computershare can raise many practical questions. This guide explains how to sell stock certificates through Computershare, covering paper certificates, Direct Registration System (DRS) holdings, Computershare’s Investor Center and dealing services, transferring to a broker, fees, timelines, and troubleshooting. Read on to learn what documents you need, which sale routes are available, and best practices to reduce delays and costs.

截至 2026-01-15，据 Computershare 官方网站 报道，Computershare 提供全球登记、股东服务与直接投资计划的受托与转移代理服务，具体程序和费用因公司、国家与持股类型而异。

Overview of Computershare and types of holdings

Computershare is a global transfer agent and share registrar that holds records of registered shareholders on behalf of many issuers. It provides services including Investor Center (online account management), CIP/DSPP (direct stock purchase/dividend reinvestment plans), and dealing or sale services for issuer-registered holdings. Knowing how your shares are held is essential when you consider how to sell stock certificates through Computershare.

There are three common holding forms:

• Certificated (paper) shares: you physically hold the printed stock certificate(s). These require physical endorsement or transfer documents to sell or transfer.
• Registered (DRS/book-entry at Computershare): shares are registered in your name on the issuer’s books and reflected electronically through the Direct Registration System (DRS). Computershare maintains these records and can transfer or sell them under issuer rules.
• Beneficial (broker-held): shares are held in street name by a brokerage firm and are the most straightforward to sell via the broker’s trading platform.

Why the holding type matters: selling broker-held shares is typically fast and simple. Selling shares where Computershare is the transfer agent can be done through Computershare services or by transferring to a broker; the right choice depends on cost, speed, and your documentation.

Before you sell — verify ownership and documentation

Before pursuing any sale route, confirm you are the registered owner and you have the required documents. Preparing early reduces delays.

• Confirm registered ownership: review your Computershare statements or Investor Center account to verify the shareholder name, SRN or Holding Reference Number, and the number of shares. If you possess a paper certificate, check the certificate number and register name.
• Account details: ensure your name, mailing address, tax identification (e.g., SSN or TIN in the U.S.), and contact information on file are current. Name/address mismatches are a common reason transfers or sales are delayed.
• Documents to gather: original certificates (for certificated shares), valid government-issued photo ID, shareholder statements or a recent account confirmation from Computershare, and appropriate tax forms (Form W-9 for U.S. residents or Form W-8BEN for non-U.S. persons as applicable).
• Recent changes: if you recently changed your name, address, or tax residency, update Computershare records before initiating a transfer or sale. Name changes often require marriage certificates or legal name-change documents.

Having accurate records and physical documents ready will speed any sale via Computershare or any broker transfer.

Selling methods through Computershare

There are several routes for executing a sale when Computershare is the transfer agent. Each method has pros and cons for cost, speed, and eligibility. Below are the main options and what to expect when you explore how to sell stock certificates through Computershare.

Selling online via Investor Center / InvestorTrade / Online Dealing

Computershare’s Investor Center or country-specific InvestorTrade/online dealing services let some registered shareholders place sell orders directly online. If eligible, this is often the most convenient option.

• Eligibility: typically limited to individual shareholders who are registered on the issuer’s books (not broker-held), meet jurisdictional requirements, and hold shares above any minimum threshold. Some issuers restrict online selling to specific countries.
• Registration and login: register for a Computershare Investor Center account using your SRN/Holding Reference or other account details. Verification steps may require identity documents.
• Placing an order: once logged in, select the registered holding, choose sell, specify market or limit order parameters (where supported), confirm any selling fees, and provide settlement instructions (bank account or check).
• Settlement and proceeds: Computershare will execute the sale via its dealing partner or exchange access. Proceeds are typically delivered by electronic funds transfer (EFT) to a registered bank account or by check. Check the confirmation for fees and net proceeds.

Using the online route can be quick but check issuer-specific limits, trading hours, and the fee schedule shown before confirmation.

Selling via Computershare’s Dealing Desk (telephone / online broker service)

In jurisdictions where Computershare offers dealing desk support, you can contact the dealing desk to place sell orders by phone or through their agent-assisted service.

• How it works: call the Computershare dealing desk, provide your account or SRN details, authorize a market order or other instruction, and confirm settlement method.
• Identification: expect to verify identity over the phone and possibly submit documents by upload or mail before the dealing desk executes trades.
• Proceeds and fees: the dealing desk charges fees for order execution and handling. Proceeds are paid to your nominated bank account or mailed as a check.

This route is useful when you prefer human assistance or have a complex holding situation, but fees and execution may be less favorable compared with transferring to a brokerage.

Selling through a brokerage by transferring shares (recommended for many investors)

Many shareholders find it efficient and cost-effective to transfer registered or certificated shares to a brokerage account and sell there. This is often recommended if you already have a broker relationship or want market access and potentially lower fees.

• Why transfer to a broker: broker platforms provide fast execution, consolidated tax reporting, more trading tools, and sometimes lower fees for active traders.
• How transfers work: instruct your broker to request a DTC deposit (for DRS to DTC transfers) or to initiate ACATS/transfer instructions if your broker supports it. The broker will usually provide a transfer form and request Computershare to move shares into the broker’s nominee account.
• If the broker is not a DTC participant: a physical transfer may be required. That often involves completing a transfer form, providing original certificates if certificated, and obtaining a medallion signature guarantee for the transfer.
• Costs and time: brokers may charge incoming transfer fees, and Computershare may charge transfer-out fees. Transfers vary from a few business days (DTC) to several weeks (physical transfers).

Because of speed and cost benefits, transferring to a broker is a common choice for those who plan to sell shares promptly or want consolidated portfolio management.

Selling shares held in a Direct Stock Purchase / Dividend Reinvestment Plan (CIP/DSPP)

If the issuer offers a CIP/DSPP, the plan rules often include procedures for selling plan-held shares.

• Plan provisions: some plans permit periodic batch sales or market order sales through the plan administrator (often Computershare). Check the plan supplement for exact procedures, trading windows, and fees.
• Initiating a sale: plan participants typically submit sale instructions via the plan portal or by mail. Batch sales may execute on designated dates, which can affect price and settlement timing.
• Fees and tax reporting: plan sales may have specific fixed fees or percentage charges. Tax forms and cost basis reporting vary by jurisdiction and plan.

Always review the issuer’s plan supplement and fee table before initiating a CIP/DSPP sale.

Selling paper stock certificates

Selling physical stock certificates involves additional steps compared with electronic holdings. If you want to know how to sell stock certificates through Computershare and you hold paper certificates, these are the typical requirements and precautions.

• Prepare the certificate: confirm the certificate number, registration name, and number of shares. Do not sign the face of the certificate unless instructed; most transfers require an executed stock power or endorsement.
• Complete transfer documents: most transfers from paper certificates use a stock power or assignment form. The stock power allows the transfer of ownership without signing the certificate itself.
• Medallion signature guarantee: many transfers of certificated shares require a medallion guarantee to verify the transferor’s signature. This is more secure than a notary and is required by most transfer agents for transfers of certificated shares.
• Mailing instructions: follow Computershare’s specified mailing address and instructions. Use tracked, insured courier service and include all required forms and identification.
• Wait for processing: once Computershare receives the package and validates the documents (including medallion guarantee), they will process the transfer or sale. This can take several business days to weeks depending on volume and completeness.

Endorsement, stock power, and medallion signature guarantee

• When a medallion guarantee is required: transfers of certificated shares, certain DRS transfers to brokers, and changes of registration often require a medallion guarantee. The transfer agent’s instructions or the broker will specify this.
• Obtaining a medallion guarantee: visit a branch of a participating bank, credit union, or financial institution that offers medallion guarantees. Bring your ID and all transfer documentation. Not all banks provide medallion guarantees; call ahead to confirm.
• Why it matters: a medallion guarantee reduces fraud risk and validates that the signature authorizing the transfer is genuine and that the guarantor accepts liability for the signature’s authenticity.

Lost or missing certificates — affidavit and reissuance

If you cannot locate original certificates, Computershare has procedures to replace or reissue shares, but these require additional paperwork and time.

• Report the loss: notify Computershare and the issuer promptly to place a stop on transfers if possible.
• Affidavit and indemnity: Computershare generally requires a sworn affidavit of loss and an indemnity bond to protect against claims if the original certificate surfaces. Fees apply and vary by issuer and jurisdiction.
• Reissuance timeline: the processing time for lost-certificate claims depends on whether an indemnity bond is required and on issuer rules; expect multiple weeks to months in some cases.

If certificates are missing, start the process early and follow Computershare’s instructions carefully to avoid further delays.

Transferring registered (DRS) holdings to a broker

Moving DRS-registered shares from Computershare to a brokerage account is a common step prior to sale.

• DRS-to-broker DTC transfer: most brokers will submit a request to the broker-dealer and Computershare to electronically transfer shares via the Depository Trust Company (DTC). This is often the fastest option.
• Broker instructions: your broker will typically ask for your SRN/Holding Reference and may provide a transfer form or online instruction to request the deposit. Confirm whether your broker charges an incoming transfer fee.
• Non-DTC brokers: if your broker is not a DTC participant, a physical transfer may be necessary. This can involve signing a transfer form and obtaining a medallion signature guarantee.
• Timelines: electronic DRS-to-DTC transfers can take several business days. Physical transfers may take longer depending on mail and processing.
• Costs: Computershare may charge a transfer-out fee; brokers may waive or credit incoming fees depending on account agreements.

Coordinate with your broker before initiating the transfer to ensure they can accept DRS shares and to understand any fees or document requirements.

Fees and taxes

Fees and tax reporting are key considerations when you decide how to sell stock certificates through Computershare.

• Typical Computershare fees (examples; check issuer-specific schedule):

  • Sale processing / dealing fees for market orders
  • Online transaction or service fees for Investor Center sales
  • Batch sale fees for CIP/DSPP participants
  • Transfer-out fees for moving shares to a broker
  • Lost-certificate affidavit and reissue fees
  • Fees for medallion guarantee services (charged by guarantor institutions, not Computershare)

• Tax reporting obligations:

  • U.S. residents: sales are reported via Form 1099-B or equivalent; cost basis, sale date, and proceeds must be tracked for capital gains reporting.
  • Non-residents: withholding rules may apply; confirm whether backup withholding or treaty-based exemptions are relevant and ensure appropriate W-8/W-9 forms are on file.
  • Keep records: retain confirmations, cost basis worksheets, and statements for tax filing and audits.

Always confirm current fees on the issuer’s plan supplement or Computershare fee schedule. Fee amounts and tax rules vary by country and issuer and may change over time.

Timelines and settlement

Expected processing times vary by method and jurisdiction:

• Online sell orders via Investor Center or InvestorTrade: often executed same or next trade day depending on market access and order type. Settlement follows market rules (typically T+2 for many equity markets), followed by funds release per Computershare’s payout procedures.
• Dealing desk sales: typically executed within 1–3 business days after authorization, subject to verification and market hours.
• Physical certificate transfers: mailing plus processing can range from several business days to multiple weeks depending on signature guarantees and completeness.
• DRS-to-broker transfers: often several business days for DTC electronic transfers; physical transfers longer.
• CIP/DSPP batch sales: may execute on scheduled batch dates; expect longer windows and specific settlement schedules.

Plan for the longest likely timeframe when scheduling funds needs or tax reporting.

International and residency considerations

Non-U.S. residents or shareholders located outside the issuer’s primary jurisdiction may face additional steps:

• Local restrictions: some issuer or Computershare services are limited by country due to securities regulations, sanctions, or operational constraints.
• Medallion guarantees: obtaining a medallion signature guarantee outside the U.S. can be difficult; alternative verification methods or local guarantors may be required.
• Tax documentation: non-residents may need to complete withholding forms, provide tax residency evidence, or comply with local tax reporting rules.
• Country-specific pages: always consult the country-specific Computershare page for guidance on available services, required forms, and contact details.

If you are a non-resident shareholder, contact Computershare early to confirm permissible sale routes and documentation.

Common problems and troubleshooting

Many delays and rejections are avoidable with proper preparation. Common issues include:

• Account verification delays: incomplete identity documents or mismatched information between your ID and Computershare records will delay processing.
• Name/address mismatches: ensure the registration name exactly matches the name on your ID and that address changes have been updated before transfers.
• Recent changes to registration or vesting: shares subject to restrictions, vesting schedules, or corporate actions may be ineligible for sale until conditions are met.
• Ineligible holdings for InvestorTrade: certain holdings may not be tradable via online platforms due to issuer or country rules.
• Broker transfer rejections: incomplete transfer instructions, missing SRN, or missing medallion signature guarantees can cause a broker to reject a transfer.

How to get help:

• Contact Computershare Investor Center for account-specific questions; have your SRN/Holding Reference and ID documents ready.
• If transferring to a broker, coordinate with the broker’s transfer team and confirm required forms and timelines.
• Keep copies and tracking numbers for mailed documents; tracked courier reduces the risk of lost packages.

Practical step-by-step examples (scenarios)

• Selling electronically via Investor Center:

  1. Register or log in to Computershare Investor Center with your SRN/Holding Reference.
  2. Confirm the holding and verify your bank details and tax forms.
  3. Place the sale order, review fees and confirmations, and submit.
  4. Receive confirmation of execution and await funds via EFT or check per payoff instructions.

• Selling paper certificates through Computershare:

  1. Obtain a stock power or transfer form and prepare the original certificate(s).
  2. Visit a qualified institution to obtain a medallion signature guarantee if required.
  3. Mail the completed forms and original certificate(s) to Computershare using tracked, insured mail.
  4. After Computershare verifies documents, the sale or transfer will be processed and proceeds sent.

• Transferring to broker to sell:

  1. Open or confirm an existing brokerage account and inform the broker you will transfer DRS or certificated shares.
  2. Provide SRN/Holding Reference to the broker and complete any transfer forms they require.
  3. Broker requests DTC deposit or submits physical transfer instructions; monitor for acceptance.
  4. Once deposited to the broker, place a sell order via the broker platform and review confirmations.

Best practices and tips

• Compare total costs: evaluate Computershare’s sale or dealing fees versus broker fees. For small holdings, plan sale fees may be relatively high — transferring to a broker might be cheaper.
• Consider transferring for market access: if you want faster execution, advanced order types, or consolidated positions, transfer to a brokerage before selling.
• Keep original documents and copies: maintain secure copies of certificates, transfer forms, confirmations, and tax documents.
• Use tracked and insured mail: when sending certificates or sensitive paperwork, use a secure courier and insure for the certificate’s value.
• Obtain medallion guarantees in advance: not all banks provide medallion guarantees and some require appointments.
• Check issuer-specific rules: corporate actions, trading restrictions, and plan rules can change; always read the issuer’s plan supplement and fee schedule.
• Protect personal information: use secure networks when accessing Investor Center and avoid sharing sensitive documents via unsecured email.

For web3 and wallet-related contexts, consider using secure custody and wallet solutions. When referencing exchanges or custodial platforms, explore Bitget and Bitget Wallet features for integrated custody and trading solutions.

Regulatory and security notes

Computershare is a transfer agent and registrar and does not provide investment advice. All transfers and sales are subject to issuer rules, market regulations, and anti-fraud checks. Protect your identity and tax information, use secure channels for online accounts, and verify instructions with Computershare before sending original documents.

References and further reading

• Computershare Investor Center and country-specific service pages (search for issuer-specific plan supplements and fee schedules for exact instructions).
• Computershare CIP/DSPP plan supplements and fee schedules for issuers that offer direct purchase or reinvestment plans.
• DRS and DTC documentation for electronic transfer procedures.

截至 2026-01-15，据 Computershare 官方文档与常见问答页面显示，不同国家与不同发行人的细则、费用和可用服务存在显著差异，请以发行人披露的计划说明与 Computershare 帐户通知为准。

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need a broker to sell shares that are registered with Computershare? A: Not always. You can sell via Computershare’s Investor Center, dealing desk, or plan services where available, but many investors transfer to a broker for faster execution and potentially lower fees.

Q: When is a medallion guarantee required? A: A medallion signature guarantee is often required for transfers of certificated shares, certain DRS-to-broker transfers, and changes of registration. The transfer agent or broker will state this requirement.

Q: What if I can’t find my certificates? A: Contact Computershare immediately. You will typically need to complete an affidavit of loss and possibly obtain an indemnity bond to have shares reissued or transferred; processing can take several weeks.

Q: How long until I receive sale proceeds? A: Timelines vary: online orders may execute same/next trading day and settle per market rules; physical certificate transfers and lost-certificate reissues can take weeks. Check the service route you selected for precise timing.

Q: Where can I find fees? A: Check the issuer-specific fee schedule and Computershare’s fee table on the country-specific Investor Center page. Fee amounts and charges differ by issuer and service.

Final notes and next steps

If your priority is speed and low trading cost, transferring registered shares to a brokerage and selling there is often the most practical approach. If you prefer to remain on the issuer’s register or your holding is part of a CIP/DSPP, Computershare’s online or dealing services may suit you. When you’re ready, gather required documents, confirm fees and timelines in your Computershare account or issuer plan, and proceed with the method that best meets your needs.

Explore Bitget for additional custody and trading options, and consider Bitget Wallet for secure wallet management where applicable. For account-specific instructions or to confirm current fees and processing times, contact Computershare Investor Center and consult your issuer’s plan documents.