Hudson Standard
- Jun 9, 2021
- 2 min read

How is a Medallion Stamp Different than a Notary Stamp?

Updated: Jan 30, 2023

There may be a time in your life that you're needed to get a Medallion Stamp of your signature, and you'll think to yourself; let me go to my closest notary!

Well, there's actually a big difference between a Medallion Stamp and a Notary Stamp.

A Medallion Stamp is often referred to as a Medallion Signature Guarantee (MSG): is a special signature guarantee used primarily when a client transfers or sells US securities. It is an assurance by the financial institution granting the guarantee that the signature on the transaction is genuine and that the guarantor accepts liability for any forgery

A medallion signature guarantee is not the same as a document notarization (which assures that a signature is genuine) or a signature and endorsement guarantee (used for negotiable items such as checks or U.S. Treasury Bond forms).

The financial institution issuing a medallion signature guarantee must be authorized to do so through acceptance of an official securities guarantee program. These programs are known as medallion programs:

The Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (STAMP) whose participants include financial institutions based in the U.S. and Canada.
The Stock Exchange Medallion Program (SEMP) supports firms belonging to regional stock exchanges and trust and clearing companies.
The New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program (MSP) for NYSE firms that choose to become members.

The stamp basically means:

You are who you claim to be,
You have the rights to transfer the assets

Why need a Medallion Stamp:

According to Bank of America, 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

Where to get a Medallion Stamp:

Most banking institutions are able to provide a Medallion Stamp. Usually, most institutions require you to be a member for at least 6 mos or a year.

Call to make an appointment
Bring Photo ID
Explain the securities

Different Levels of Medallion Stamps:

There are different types of Medallion Stamps depending on the securities that you are working with. There's a letter that is marked on the stamp that goes with either a $100,000 or $250,00 or $400,000, etc stamp.

If you need a document notarized go to a notary but if you need a Medallion Signature Guarantee; you will need to call your banking institution.

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