The Medallion Signature Guarantee Program provides a Medallion stamp to guarantee the signature(s) of a certified owner(s) for the sale, assignment, transfer, or redemption of a security. Stock, bond, mutual fund, and some annuity transactions often require a Medallion Signature
Guarantee. The guarantee program covers securities transactions only. This service is available at the following locations by appointment only and is restricted to CCU members:
The Medallion Signature Guarantee Program is not for use of non-security events. These include, but are not limited to, account maintenance changes, beneficiary changes, or authorization for wire transfers.
You will need the following when requesting a
Medallion Signature Guarantee:
- Your CCU member number.
- Your current, non-expired government issued identification. If there is more than one account owner, all owners need to be present at the same time and show current, non-expired government issued identification (i.e. driver’s license).
- Your most recent account statement (no more than 6 months old) showing ownership, account number, and value of the security.
- Your completed documents. Documents with corrections or that are incomplete cannot be signature guaranteed. Do not sign your completed
form(s). You will sign your forms when you are
getting the Medallion stamp.
- Your stock certificate, if applicable. If the transaction relates to stock, the guarantor must verify the current value of the stock through a reliable source.
- Your letter of intent and written instructions from a brokerage firm, if applicable. The instructions need to state what must be contained in the letter, who should sign the letter, and that the signatures must be guaranteed.
- Your proof that you are the appropriate person to sign in a capacity other than the owner (Power of Attorney, Trustee, Executor, etc.). Proof may include Power of Attorney documents, Marriage Certificate, Trust Documents, Death Certificate, Letters of Office, and Corporate Resolutions.
Check to see that there is a blank box in proximity to the signature(s) area designated for the Signature Guarantee. When a separate box is not provided, proof of authenticity may be affected and your document(s) could be rejected by the financial institution that requires
the Medallion imprint.
Under the Medallion Signature Guarantee program, CCU may retain copies or documentation of all documents and forms examined and signed. CCU may ask for other
documentation in addition to what is listed
above, or consult with legal counsel if necessary.
CCU may also decline to provide a Signature
Guarantee if documentation and/or forms
provided are insufficient to determine the
appropriate person to sign.
Please contact CCU at 800-677-8506 or 607-962-3144 if you have any questions concerning the program, availability at branch locations, or to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Medallion Signature Guarantee and how is it different from a Notary?
- A Medallion Signature Guarantee is a stamp provided to authenticate the signature and capacity of a person requesting the redemption or transfer of securities. Its use protects the issuer of the security, the owner(s)of the security, and the transfer agents because a guarantee limits
their ability and losses if a signature turns out to be forged.
- A Notary is a signature or seal provided by a Notary Public. It signifies that the signature is genuine because the person actually signs in the presence of the notary and provides positive proof of identity. A notary cannot stamp in the place of a Medallion Signature Guarantee.
Is training required to provide a Medallion Signature Guarantee?
- Yes, each employee who is authorized to perform a Medallion Signature Guarantee must go through a training course and pass a test to become certified.
- A Notary does not require training; however a Notary must take and pass a test provided by the State and they are regulated by the State.
Is identification required?
- Yes, identification is required for a Medallion Signature Guarantee.
- Yes, identification is required for a Notary.
Is a bond required?
- Yes, a bond is required for a Medallion Signature Guarantee. Corning Credit Union’s bond limit is $1,000,000.00. Anyone requesting a Medallion Signature Guarantee must prove to CCU that the transaction is below our bond limit.
- There is no bond required for a Notary.
Who can provide a Medallion Signature Guarantee?
- Generally, only a Bank Officer unless the entity providing the Medallion Signature Guarantee decides otherwise.
- Any CCU employee authorized by the State can provide a Notary.
Are there UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) Warrantees?
- Yes, there are UCC Warrantees for a Medallion Signature Guarantee.
Signature was genuine
This means the person is identified.
Signer was the appropriate person
This means that the person signing the security was the named owner of the security documentation that was reviewed establishing legal ownership, such as a Will, Trust, Letter of Testamentary, etc.
Signer had the legal capacity
This means that the person signing was of legal age, sane, sober, of sound mind, and under no legal handicap or duress. A contract involving a minor is voidable by the minor, but binding on the other party.
- There are no UCC Warrantees for a Notary.
A Medallion Signature Guarantee is different from a Notary.
A Notary cannot stamp in the place of a Medallion Signature
Guarantee.
Please note that if research is required, an account/transaction research fee may apply. Please refer to our fee schedule for a list of current fees.