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Medallion Signature Guarantee

Medallion signature guarantee

It confirms your identity, signature and legal authority to transfer securities and investments

Common reasons for needing a medallion signature guarantee

  • Moving securities to a new account (for example transferring a 401(k) after switching jobs)
  • Giving securities as a gift (such as transferring shares of stock to a child or donating them to a nonprofit)
  • The owner of the securities has died and ownership needs to transfer to a court-appointed representative

We provide medallion services free of charge for Bank of America or Merrill clients who have been with us for at least 6 months (if you're a Merrill or Private Bank client, please contact your Advisor for assistance).

Not a Merrill customer? Learn about ways to invest with Merrill to have the freedom to invest on your own terms.

A medallion signature guarantee must be completed in person because it confirms your identity, signature and legal authority to transfer securities. In order to protect your assets, certain documentation is required to approve medallion requests.

We do not provide medallion signature guarantees for assets you're transferring out of a Bank of America or Merrill account (guarantees are typically provided by a third party not involved in the transfer or by the firm receiving the assets).

medallion stamp
Please note: A medallion signature guarantee is not the same as a document notarization (which assures that a signature is genuine). Learn more about Bank of America notary servicesLearn more about Bank of America notary servicesLearn more about Bank of America notary services

Before you schedule your financial center appointment

Tell us why you need a medallion — and find out what documents to bring to your appointment:
View additional reasons >>

Beneficiary confirmation or transfer of death acceptance letter

These documents are provided by the firm to which assets (not subject to probate) are to be transferred and disbursed to designated beneficiary or beneficiaries upon death of the account holder

To obtain this form, please consult your personal legal counsel.

Trustee certification form

This form is provided by Bank of America. It includes a summary of the trust and identifies the owner(s) of the assets listed.

Letters Testamentary or Small Estate Affidavit

Letters Testamentary are issued by the court/court clerk and appoint a personal representative. Letters must be received within 60 days of original issuance by the court (6 months in New York).

Small Estate Affidavits are used to obtain a decedent's assets without formal administration. Not all states offer Small Estate Affidavits and filing requirements may be different (contact your local courthouse for specific filing requirements).

To obtain either of these forms, please consult your personal legal counsel.

Need to make changes to an account?

Most account changes require that you schedule an appointment to meet with an associate in one of our financial centers.

Handling finances for someone who recently died?

Losing someone can be stressful. Navigating their financial affairs doesn't have to be. We're here to help.