Frequently asked questions

A transfer agent provides services for an issuer of securities, like maintaining records of ownership, protecting against over- and under-issuances of securities, and providing corporate communications to securityholders.

The transfer agent acts as a liaison between an issuer and its shareholders. In some cases, the transfer agent facilitates transactions with a broker so investors can sell their securities.

A share is a single unit of ownership in a company.

If you own shares, you own a small piece of that company. The number of shares you hold represents how big your ownership stake is.

A lot is a group of shares acquired together in a single transaction.

Each lot keeps track of details like:

• When the shares were purchased or granted

• The purchase or grant price

• Any tax-related information

A restriction is a rule or limitation placed on shares that affects when and how they can be used. These can include regulatory restrictions or restrictions imposed by the issuer and may require supplemental documentation to be removed.

A lockup is a temporary period during which most, if not all, shareholders are not allowed to sell their shares.

Lockups are common after major events like:

• An IPO (initial public offering)

• A merger or acquisition

The purpose is to prevent too many shares from being sold at once, which could negatively impact the stock price. Lockups usually last for a set period (for example, 90 to 180 days) and are set by the issuer.

Formed in 1973, it is an industry utility used for facilitating electronic transfer of securities. It's a central securities depository and clearinghouse that streamlines the process of moving shares between financial institutions, including transfer agents and broker-dealers.

Eligibility allows companies to utilize this system, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs associated with physical stock certificates.

Deposit/Withdrawal at Custodian (DWAC) is a book-share-only service provided by the DTCC to brokers to transfer shares between a transfer agent account and a brokerage account.

Only brokers can initiate a DWAC transfer. To initiate a DWAC, a broker requires the following information: Deposit/Withdrawal, participant number, authorized signer, account number(s), control/sequence number, and share amount, for approval through DTCC to Fidelity Stock Transfer using DTCC’s SPA (Securities Processing Application).

Direct Registration System is a book-share-only service that DTCC provides to brokers and shareholders to transfer shares from a transfer agent account to a brokerage account.

To sell shares of registered stock, they must first be transferred to a brokerage account. If you have a Fidelity brokerage account, you can select the Transfer to Brokerage button next to the class of stock you’d like to transfer. To transfer shares to a non-Fidelity brokerage account, contact your broker directly.

Important to note:

• Only unrestricted shares can be transferred to a brokerage account.
• Shares can be transferred to a new or existing Fidelity brokerage account, or an outside broker.

If your shares are restricted and you would still like to sell, please call the general Fidelity Stock Transfer phone number (833-500-1036) to discuss options.

1. Log in to your Fidelity or NetBenefits® account.

2. Navigate to the Registered stock section, then select the shares you would like to transfer. 

3. If you’re transferring your shares to an existing Fidelity Brokerage account (or are opening a new one), select the Transfer to brokerage button and follow the steps.

If you have questions about transferring shares, please call Fidelity Stock Transfer at 833-500-1036 for more information.

To transfer shares to a non-Fidelity brokerage account, you’ll need to contact your broker directly to initiate the transfer. Below are instructions to access your balance statement, a document containing information your broker may need.

1. Log in to your Fidelity or NetBenefits® account.

2. Navigate to the Registered stock section, then select the shares you would like to transfer.

3. Select the Documents tab.

4. Download your latest Balance Statement.

5. Contact your broker directly to initiate the transfer.

To add an authorized user to the account, call Fidelity Stock Transfer at (833) 500-1036 to request the Authorized Person form via Docusign.

Note: All entity-type accounts and trust accounts (that do not list trustee(s) within the registration) require that an authorized person(s) be added.

Call Fidelity Stock Transfer at (833) 500-1036 so that we may assist you.

Please note that any changes made to your personal information are for your Fidelity Stock Transfer relationship only.

Call Fidelity Stock Transfer at (833) 500-1036 to request the Change of Ownership Form via DocuSign.

Please contact Fidelity Stock Transfer at (833) 500-1036 to review the options available to you.

Call Fidelity Stock Transfer at (833) 500-1036 to request the Share Conversion Form via Docusign.

A medallion signature guarantee is a special stamp provided by financial institutions that is used to transfer securities or to attest that the signer's signature is genuine and that the signer has the legal capacity and authority to sign the document.

Fidelity Stock Transfer offers a digital ID verification method that, in most cases, allows our shareholders to avoid this time-consuming process.

In lieu of obtaining a medallion signature guarantee, in most cases, Fidelity Stock Transfer offers digital ID verification as a secure way to verify a shareholder's identity when requesting a transaction. A mobile phone number is required.

To be verified digitally, contact Fidelity Stock Transfer at (833) 500-1036.

Issuers: Contact your Client Service Manager

Shareholders: Call shareholder services at (833) 500-1036