Lost Certificates

Replacing lost stock certificates can be a long, complicated and expensive process, so we always recommend that shareholders search their financial records or contact their broker in a final attempt to track down any lost certificates before filing for a replacement.

To initiate the replacement process, we must receive a signed letter from the shareholder explaining the details and circumstances of the lost certificate. This initial step authorizes Colonial Stock Transfer to place a stop on the certificate. We highly recommend using the official lost securities form letter that can be downloaded from this site. This letter must be returned to Colonial Stock Transfer Co. via fax or US Mail.

Please note: Shareholders that authorize Colonial Stock Transfer Co. to begin the replacement process (by sending the initial letter) and subsequently find their lost
certificate(s) may be subject to a $50.00 recovery-filing fee to reactivate the stock.

Upon receiving the initial letter, Colonial will send an instruction sheet and two lost securities affidavits to the shareholder. Both of these affidavits need to be signed, notarized, and returned to our office with the appropriate fees paid by cashier's check or wire before we can issue a replacement stock certificate. In most circumstances, we can issue a replacement stock certificate within one week after receiving the affidavits and cleared US funds.

The minimum fee for replacing a lost stock certificate is $125.00. Please consider the market value and liquidity of your stock before beginning the process to replace your certificate. The fees associated with replacing a lost certificate are as follows:

• $95 lost certificate processing fee (includes one certificate issued) 
• $25 for each additional certificate
• 3% of the market value of the stock (minimum of $30.00) for an open-ended surety bond

Certificates lost in the mail

Colonial is not responsible for certificates that are lost in the mail. If your certificate(s) were lost by the postal service en route from Colonial Stock Transfer you may be eligible to file a mail loss to replace them. The total cost for replacing a certificate through a mail loss is $40 plus $25 for courier service or $10 for certified mail. Please call Colonial Stock Transfer to find if you are eligible for a mail loss. As always, we strongly recommend that stock certificates be sent and returned via courier service (Federal Express, Airborne Express, certified mail, etc.)