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

Lost Certificate Replacement Process

Step 1: To initiate the replacement process, we must receive a signed letter from the shareholder explaining the details and circumstances of the lost certificate. Please use 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, US Mail. This initial step authorizes Colonial Stock Transfer to place a stop on the certificate.

Please note: Shareholders that authorize Colonial Stock Transfer to begin the replacement process and subsequently find their lost certificate before fully replacing the certificate will be subject to a $50.00 recovery-filing fee to reactivate the stock. See below for more details.

Step 2: 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. If the stock value exceeds $50,000, the registered holder will need to provide supporting financials of at least 2 times the value of the stock. A co-signor may also provide supporting financials if the registered holder is unable to do so.

Please note: If you are transferring any amount of your shares, please be sure to follow additional steps as required on our Stock Transfer page.

Fees: 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:

• $100 lost certificate processing fee (includes one certificate issued) 
• $40 for each additional certificate issued
• $60 minimum for an open-ended surety bond, based on a percentage of the market value of the stock

For more information, please contact us at lostcertificates@colonialstock.com or 801-355-5740.

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. 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, United Parcel Service, certified mail, etc.

Finding a Lost Certificate

Shareholders that authorize Colonial Stock Transfer to begin the replacement process of a lost certificate and subsequently find their certificate will be subject to a $50.00 recovery-filing fee to reactivate the stock. In order to recover their lost certificate with Colonial Stock Transfer, shareholders will need to send the applicabe fees and a signed letter stating that the certificate was found. We recommend using the official Stop Release Letter that can be downloaded from this site. Once this letter is received, Colonial will reactivate the certificate and remove the stop previously placed.

For more information, please contact us at lostcertificates@colonialstock.com or 801-355-5740.