How to Transfer Stock After Death (4 Steps)

Determine how the stock was registered. The different registrations are Individual Single Owner, Transfer On Death, Joint Tenant with Right of Survivorship and Joint Tenants in Common. Shares can also be placed in a trust. Knowing how the shares are registered will determine how much effort it will take to transfer them.
Secure a transfer of stock ownership form and fill it out completely. Of course, for accounts that are not jointly owned, the estate must be probated before the transfer process can take place. For Transfer On Death accounts, there is no probate needed and they do not have to be included in a will.
Obtain a Medallion Signature Guarantee if one is needed. In some situations, such as when there is over a certain quantity of shares, such a guarantee is needed. This can be obtained from a bank that participates in the Medallion Stamp program. This program guarantees the signature on stock certificates. A notary stamp is not a substitute for the Medallion Stamp.
Complete an Inheritance Tax Waiver if the state requires one. Some states may require this waiver and some may not.

How to Sell Shares in Bank Stock (9 Steps)

Open a brokerage account at any brokerage firm. Most banks now have subsidiary companies that are full-service brokerage firms that can assist you.
Endorse the stock certificate on the back, similarly to how you would endorse a check. Make sure you sign your name as it appears on the stock certificate or as the trustee of an estate (if this is inherited stock).
Give the stock to the representative. If this is part of an estate liquidation, provide any will, trust or court probate documents proving your authority to sell the stock.
Obtain a receipt for the stock certificate that includes the date it was deposited, the number of shares and the company name.
Place a sell order with the representative as soon as the stock certificates 'clear' the account. Just like a check, it may take a few days for the stock to show up on the computer database. Technically, you can sell it sooner, as long as the stock shares are in the account by the end of the fourth day. However, this is risky, as older certificates may not reflect stock splits. It may be best to wait for the computer to update the shares.



Call the bank's investor relations department. If you are unable to locate this information online, call your local branch and ask for it. Obtain the transfer agent's name and address to find out if there is any special procedure for selling the stock.
Endorse the stock certificates on the back. Make a copy of the certificates on the front and back, making certain that the stock certificate number is clearly shown as well as the number of shares.
Write a letter of instruction stating that you want to sell 100 percent of share ownership. If you are acting as an estate executor, include all documentation stating who you are and your authority. Have this letter signature-guaranteed to confirm your signature.
Mail the stock certificate and letter of instruction by certified mail. It is worth the extra few dollars to get a confirmation receipt that the certificates were received in good order.